Kathryn (Katy) Pohland serves as the Director of Athletic Clinical Psychology where she oversees the well-being and psychological support of student-athletes and coaching staff. With a background in mental health for more than 24 years, Pohland brings a wealth of experience in integrating mental health strategies into athletic performance. Pohland has been with the clinical psychology department since its inception in December 2022, providing mental health and wellness services to Penn State student-athletes.
The mental health and wellness department offers comprehensive care to for student-athletes, and includes two additional full-time therapists and a wellness and clinical services coordinator. The department is dedicated to enhancing the psychological resilience and performance of student-athletes, as well as assisting coaches in the ever-changing dynamics of intercollegiate athletics and support of mental health and wellness of student-athletes.
Pohland earned her bachelor's degree in human development and family studies, with an option in children, youth and families, from Penn State in 2000, and her master's in marriage and family therapy at Seton Hill University in 2005. She has been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of Pennsylvania since 2008. Pohland has served in numerous roles in the mental health field since graduating, including residential treatment facilities, partial hospitalization programs, sexual offender treatment, family based mental health therapy, outpatient community mental health, psychological evaluations, and for the past 16-plus years has been in private practice, which she continues to maintain. Pohland is an approved supervisor in training until 2025 for the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.
In her role at Penn State, Pohland collaborates closely with administration, coaching staff, academic staff, athletic trainers, and medical staff to implement proactive mental health programs tailored to the unique pressures of competitive sports. She is committed to fostering a supportive environment that promotes mental well-being, resilience, and optimal performance among student-athletes. She is also committed to developing and maintaining student-athlete and coach relationships, leadership, teamwork and effective communication. Pohland also sits on the Big Ten Mental Health Advisory Board, a collective group of clinicians across the Big Ten to determine best practices for mental health and well-being.