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University of Massachusets Athletics
Mental Health and Performance Services
Alex Ferreira - Licensed Mental Health Counselor | Certified Rehabilitation Counselor | Certified Mental Performance Consultant
Email: alexandrafer@umass.edu
Office: Boyden 038D
Jakob Ozer - License-Eligibile Mental Health Counselor | Certified Mental Performance Consultant
Email: jozer@umass.edu
Office: Boyden 038D
Mission: The Mental Health and Performance Department is committed to fostering the holistic well-being, resilience, and peak performance of our student-athletes. Grounded in evidence-based practices and a deep respect for the unique challenges of collegiate athletics, we provide comprehensive mental health support, performance enhancement services, and proactive wellness education.
Vision: Our vision is to set the national standard for mental health and performance excellence in collegiate athletics. We envision a culture where mental wellness is prioritized equally with physical health, where every student-athlete feels empowered to seek support, and where the pursuit of competitive excellence is grounded in personal growth, balance, and resilience.
UMass Athletics Mental Health Action Plan (.pdf)
What We Offer
Performance Enhancement Services
Mastering the mental game involves many components, such as performing under pressure, dealing with setbacks, managing self-talk, regulating energy and emotions, and sustaining confidence, concentration, and motivation. Mental skills training can help athletes and teams to be better equipped to handle adversity and achieve their goals.
• One-on-one mental skills training
• Team sessions* (e.g., communication, cohesion)
Clinical Services
Experiences in our personal life have the potential to impact our athletic performance. Similarly, challenges faced in sport can also impact our mental health and well-being. UMass Mental Health and Performance services provides a confidential space for student-athletes to express and address concerns such as adjustment, stress management, relationships, injury rehabilitation, anxiety, depression, homesickness, grief or loss, trauma, identity, body image, and substance use.
Consultation and Outreach
Alex and Jake are available to consult with coaches, athletic trainers, physicians, and support staff regarding the intersection of mental health and performance. This may include how to have a difficult conversation with an athlete, how to make a referral, or seeking general input on topics such as team building.
• Consultation for clinical concerns
• Education and training on mental health and mental performance topics (when permitted by schedule)
How to Refer a Student-Athlete
Student-athletes are encouraged to schedule appointments online through Medicat. Coaches/Staff can also contact Alex and Jake by email or phone/text.
UMass Mental Health and Wellness can also help connect athletes with other support networks on campus. A detailed list of campus partners, descriptions, and contact information can be found in the UMass Athletics Mental Health Action Plan.
Check out these resources below for more information:
Academic Success
Advocacy, Inclusion, and Support
BeWell@UMass, Office of Student Life
Center for Counseling and Psychological Health (CCPH)
Center for Women and Community
Disability Services
Nutrition Services
Office of Religious and Spiritual Life
Stonewall Center
University Health Services
Fieldwork Disclaimer
The Mental Health and Performance Department receives many inquiries about fieldwork and training opportunities but is limited in what it can offer. Each year, the department accepts one graduate-level intern for the academic year and that position is available only to students enrolled at Springfield College through an existing partnership. At this time, the department does not offer observation or shadowing experiences, undergraduate internships, mentorship or workshop roles.
Email: alexandrafer@umass.edu
Office: Boyden 038D
Jakob Ozer - License-Eligibile Mental Health Counselor | Certified Mental Performance Consultant
Email: jozer@umass.edu
Office: Boyden 038D
Mission: The Mental Health and Performance Department is committed to fostering the holistic well-being, resilience, and peak performance of our student-athletes. Grounded in evidence-based practices and a deep respect for the unique challenges of collegiate athletics, we provide comprehensive mental health support, performance enhancement services, and proactive wellness education.
We strive to cultivate an inclusive, empowering environment where student-athletes are supported as whole individuals—mind, body, and spirit. Through collaborative partnerships with coaches, medical staff, academic services, and university resources, we ensure that mental wellness and performance optimization are integrated into every aspect of the athletic experience.
Our mission is to equip student-athletes with the tools, skills, and support they need to thrive in sport, in the classroom, and in life beyond the game.
Vision: Our vision is to set the national standard for mental health and performance excellence in collegiate athletics. We envision a culture where mental wellness is prioritized equally with physical health, where every student-athlete feels empowered to seek support, and where the pursuit of competitive excellence is grounded in personal growth, balance, and resilience.
Through innovation, education, and advocacy, we aim to break stigma, inspire leadership, and shape the future of sport by developing not just elite athletes, but healthy, high-performing individuals prepared to lead with purpose on and off the field.
UMass Athletics Mental Health Action Plan (.pdf)
What We Offer
Performance Enhancement Services
Mastering the mental game involves many components, such as performing under pressure, dealing with setbacks, managing self-talk, regulating energy and emotions, and sustaining confidence, concentration, and motivation. Mental skills training can help athletes and teams to be better equipped to handle adversity and achieve their goals.
• One-on-one mental skills training
• Team sessions* (e.g., communication, cohesion)
Clinical Services
Experiences in our personal life have the potential to impact our athletic performance. Similarly, challenges faced in sport can also impact our mental health and well-being. UMass Mental Health and Performance services provides a confidential space for student-athletes to express and address concerns such as adjustment, stress management, relationships, injury rehabilitation, anxiety, depression, homesickness, grief or loss, trauma, identity, body image, and substance use.
Consultation and Outreach
Alex and Jake are available to consult with coaches, athletic trainers, physicians, and support staff regarding the intersection of mental health and performance. This may include how to have a difficult conversation with an athlete, how to make a referral, or seeking general input on topics such as team building.
• Consultation for clinical concerns
• Education and training on mental health and mental performance topics (when permitted by schedule)
How to Refer a Student-Athlete
Student-athletes are encouraged to schedule appointments online through Medicat. Coaches/Staff can also contact Alex and Jake by email or phone/text.
UMass Mental Health and Wellness can also help connect athletes with other support networks on campus. A detailed list of campus partners, descriptions, and contact information can be found in the UMass Athletics Mental Health Action Plan.
Check out these resources below for more information:
Academic Success
Advocacy, Inclusion, and Support
BeWell@UMass, Office of Student Life
Center for Counseling and Psychological Health (CCPH)
Center for Women and Community
Disability Services
Nutrition Services
Office of Religious and Spiritual Life
Stonewall Center
University Health Services
Fieldwork Disclaimer
The Mental Health and Performance Department receives many inquiries about fieldwork and training opportunities but is limited in what it can offer. Each year, the department accepts one graduate-level intern for the academic year and that position is available only to students enrolled at Springfield College through an existing partnership. At this time, the department does not offer observation or shadowing experiences, undergraduate internships, mentorship or workshop roles.