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Vice President of Clinical Services, Principal Sport Psychologist
Dr. Merkling is a strong fit for:
His work is especially valuable where performance and mental health intersect.
Dr. Merkling works with athletes to manage anxiety and build confidence in competition.
He helps athletes connect performance with purpose and values.
Dr. Merkling helps athletes stay present and focused in high-pressure moments.
His work integrates performance and mental health for sustainable success.
CERTIFICATIONS Licensed Psychologist - Minnesota Board of Psychology
Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT)
PSYPACT Commission
CMPC
EDUCATION Psy.D. in Counseling Psychology – Saint Mary's University
MA in Counseling and Psychological Services – Saint Mary's University
BA in Psychology – University of St. Thomas
Doctoral Internship – University of St. Thomas Counseling and Psychological Services
Trauma therapy, anxiety, depression, injury rehabilitation, mindfulness, goal setting, mental blocks
Dr. Merkling focuses on integrating mental health and performance.
His approach emphasizes:
Ben’s work with student-athletes spans multiple institutions through his tenure at Premier, including athletic departments at Macalester College and the University of Minnesota. He has also provided direct consultation to coaches and athletes at St. Thomas during their transition from Division III to Division I status.
Ben’s personal athletic background, as a varsity basketball player in high school and a competitive golfer throughout his youth, deeply informs his clinical approach. His methodology integrates mindfulness, leadership development, and values-based goal setting, making him particularly effective in performance-focused environments. He leverages performance-enhancing skills as a vehicle for broader wellness and sport/life satisfaction.
His work extends into the professional ranks, where he serves as a consultant to the Minnesota Timberwolves, and is heavily involved in draft profiling projects for both NBA and NFL clients.
Ben also serves as the Vice President of Clinical Services for Premier, which has him overseeing day-to-day clinical operations of Premier staff, and directing the mental health and mental performance training for pre-licensed consultants and post-doctoral residents pursuing state licensure.
Ben Merkling, Psy.D, is a Licensed Psychologist who specializes in sport and performance psychology. Ben aims to help athletes enhance motivation, increase present-moment awareness, and manage the many mental health concerns common in athletic populations, from self-defeating thoughts and behaviors, to anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and body dysmorphia.
Ben came into the field comparatively late in his academic career, having accumulated professional mental healthcare experience in college counseling centers and the Courage Kenny Rehab institute, and completed his master’s and doctoral degrees in Counseling Psychology, before finding a home in his work with the student-athletes at Saint Mary’s University, and later, St. Thomas and the University of Wisconsin, Lacrosse. A varsity basketball player in high school and competitive golfer from a young age, Ben’s approach to mental health and mental skills training—from mindfulness to leadership to values-based goal setting—is a natural fit in performance environments, where his aims are to use the skills that enhance performance to improve overall wellness and sport/life enjoyment.
He still enjoys playing golf, shooting hoops, and introducing his three children to the joys of sport and competition.
Dr. Merkling regularly presents on topics including:
For speaking inquiries, please contact Premier Sport Psychology.
If you are:
