Sports psychology is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on how psychology influences sports performance. Sports psychologists work with athletes to increase motivation and enhance performance, or use sports to help people therapeutically. There are three areas of specialization: applied sports psychology focuses on skills like goal setting and visualization to improve performance; clinical sports psychology uses mental training and psychotherapy to help athletes with mental health issues; and academic sports psychologists conduct research and teach at universities. Sports psychologists typically work as part of interdisciplinary teams at hospitals, clinics, gyms, and schools.