Headshot of Dr. Matt Atkins

Dr. Matt Atkins

As a psychologist, I strive to create a safe space where you can begin to address the challenges in your life and start to heal. Whether seeking help for yourself or someone close to you, finding a professional to trust can be a difficult challenge. The majority of my work is focused on helping individuals negotiate the emotional setbacks they encounter throughout their lives and make meaning of their world. Feeling disconnected from ourselves and others, individuals can easily become depressed, anxious, or feel broken.

My work in individual therapy focuses upon helping my clients to reconnect to stronger parts of themselves.  I utilize an integrative approach that combines the science of psychology with interpersonal warmth, acceptance and understanding. I have clinical expertise in mood disorders, including anxiety and depression, trauma, including adolescent and adult sexual assault, childhood abuse and neglect, relationship violence/domestic violence, military combat, substance use disorders and sport and performance psychology.

When working with individuals who have encountered trauma in their lives, I recognize that this experience often leaves them with the sense that a significant part of who they are has been lost. Trauma, including abuse, neglect, and life-threatening events, may cause some to feel anxious, scared, angry, and confused. As a psychologist, I have specialized training in working with individuals who have encountered such trauma.

As a sport psychologist, I strive to help individuals manage the criticism, self-doubt, and stress that often comes with competition. I have a deep understanding of the many barriers high-achieving individuals face in the pursuit of their goals.  I have worked with a variety of Professional, NCAA Division I, and Elite Youth athletes and coaches to teach them to integrate psychological skills into their training and competition.  My focus in sport psychology includes motivation, injury recovery, athletic identity, healthy sport environments, team building and stress management. I strive to help athletes recognize their unique context and the sometimes unseen stressors within that context that can often create strain in performance.  

I am currently a Licensed Psychologist in the state of Minnesota and Texas. I maintain flexible work-hours designed to assure you get the help you need without having to significantly interfere with the other important parts of your life, including work and family. I greatly understand the courage it takes to reach out for help, and believe that in doing so, the journey towards living a more vibrant and meaningful life has already begun.

 
 

Education

 
  • Doctorate in Counseling Psychology

    University of North Texas

    Specialization in Sport and Performance Psychology

  • Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Veterans Affairs North Texas Health Care System 

    Specialization in Substance Use Disorders

  • Master’s of Science in Psychology

    University of North Texas

  • Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology 

    University of Colorado at Colorado Springs

    Minor in Sociology

 
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 Clinical Experience

 
  • Club Recovery, LLC

    Clinical Director overseeing the treatment of substance use disorders and co-occurring conditions through individual therapy, and Intensive Outpatient Programs.

  • University of North Texas Center for Sport Psychology and Performance Excellence

    Assistant Director of Clinical Services serving elite youth, college and professional athletes to improve performance and overall well-being.

  • Jewish Family Services and Planned Living Assistance Network of Dallas

    Community mental health clinic focused on serving the mental health needs of individuals with serious and persistent mental illness.

  • University of North Texas Counseling and Testing Services 

    Associate Director of Research, Assessment, and Testing in a college counseling center that focuses on student mental health.

  • Colorado State University Health Network and Medical Center

    College Mental Health and Counseling Clinic serving college students and NCAA Division 1 student athletes.

  • VA North Texas Health Care System

    Postdoctoral Fellow serving Veterans with Substance Use Disorders and Co-occurring Disorders in an inpatient and outpatient setting.