When Performance Becomes Personal: Mental Health, Identity, and the Injured Athlete Part 3 with Dr. Karolina Shander
In the final segment of our three-part series, Dr. Shander shares practical guidance on how providers can build referral relationships with mental health and performance psychology professionals, where to look for support resources, and how to help patients find care that fits their needs and circumstances.
We also discuss the role of AI in mental health and performance care — where it may help with finding resources or simplifying education, and where it falls short. As Dr. Shander explains, therapy is rooted in human connection, relationship, and understanding the full person in context.
This episode closes with a powerful reminder for healthcare providers: stay curious. When a patient says they are in pain, struggling, frustrated, or stuck, asking better questions can help uncover what is really happening beneath the surface.
Key Themes in Today’s Episode:
How to find mental health and performance psychology referral partners
Why provider relationships make referrals easier
Resources for patients who may need lower-cost support
Where AI can support resource-finding and education
Why curiosity is one of the most important tools a provider can use
How better questions can help patients better understand their pain and recovery
🔗 RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Psychology Today provider directory: https://www.psychologytoday.com
American Psychological Association Division 47: https://www.apadivisions.org/division-47
Association for Applied Sport Psychology: https://appliedsportpsych.org
National Alliance on Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org
Healthy Minds Program app: https://hminnovations.org/meditation-app
FAKTR 2026 Upper Extremity hands-on courses are now open for registration in select cities. Register online here.
🎙️ SUPPORT THE SHOW: Visit our website at faktrpodcast.com to leave a review or comment