Dr. Tess M. Kilwein

11/08/2025

Sport Psychology - We need to talk about who we're missing.

Men, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and younger athletes often face elevated rates of stigma, lack of representation, and poor access to care. Having sport psychologists isn’t enough if our most marginalized athletes don’t feel safe or seen.

How do we crate environments where every athlete can engage proactively with our services, not just when in crisis?

Let's Talk About It 👉

Marshawn Kneeland's death highlights ongoing inequities in athlete mental health. Sport psychology must expand to reach marginalized athletes through inclusive, proactive care.

11/06/2025

🌿 Had the most spectacular visit to Bates College as a Learning Associate.

I met with psychology students across five courses to talk about pathways into clinical & sport psychology. I also met with athletic department leaders to discuss key well-being challenges facing college athletes and delivered a campus-wide talk titled “Beyond the Game: Supporting Athletes Through Socioemotional Adversity.”

At a college where about 40% of the student body are varsity student-athletes and over 70% participate in varsity, club, and intramural sports, the conversations reflected Bates’ strong commitment to holistic student development.

This campus community is doing remarkable work both in the classroom and on the fields and I am grateful to have been invited to be a part of it this week. 💜🎾

11/04/2025

I’m looking forward to spending the week at Bates College as a Learning Associate. I’ll be speaking with psychology students across campus and delivering a talk to Bates Athletics on Beyond the Game: Supporting Athletes Through Socioemotional Adversity.

What a beautiful & historic campus, one of the first U.S. colleges to offer equal opportunity education, known for its academic rigor and strong commitment to social responsibility and inclusivity.

11/03/2025

The November Unapologetic Psychology newsletter - Unapologetic Updates - is live! This month covers our new website unveil, time spent providing mental health and performance support to talent at at E###OTICA New Jersey, and a conversation with Deion Sanders on health and vulnerability.

🔗 Check it out:

Updates from Unapologetic Psychology

10/31/2025

🧠 Earlier this week, I sat down with Deion Sanders to talk about what it really means to be strong, and how embracing vulnerability plays an important role. In this piece, we explore how openness and authenticity serve as the foundation of confidence for athletes and others in the limelight.

We discuss:
• Deion’s journey from athlete to coach to cancer survivor, which demonstrates that strength can be found in owning the messiness and the comeback.
• Research that links authenticity to higher well-being, recognizing that the fewer masks you wear, the less energy you spend defending a facade.
• The cultural myth that “man up” makes men less likely to seek help, showing how rigid strength norms harm mental health.

What would it look like to allow vulnerability into your next performance, meeting, or coaching moment?

🔗 Read the full article on Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/in-the-trenches/202510/how-embracing-vulnerability-redefines-strength

Deion Sanders opens up about redefining strength, showing how confidence, vulnerability, and authenticity fuel health and well-being.

10/29/2025

Looking forward to spending some time with Bates College Athletics next week.

10/28/2025

Thrilled to announce Unapologetic Psychology's NEW and improved website launch! We're here to support the mental health & mental performance needs of athletes, performers, professionals, and equity-deserving populations. Check out our providers and services.

https://www.unapologeticpsych.com/

10/25/2025

The adult industry is facing one of its most critical moments. New laws and censorship efforts are fueling anxiety, uncertainty, and the return of old shame many have worked hard to unlearn.

As a psychologist supporting performers and training executives in trauma-informed leadership, I see the same truth everywhere: we cannot lead from fear. Leadership must be grounded in evidence and ethics.

Sexual freedom is not a moral debate. It is a labor, health, and human rights issue that demands collaboration across performers, producers, and policymakers.

Grateful to be invited to speak on “Staying in the Fight: A Community Roundtable on the Industry and Sexual Freedom,” moderated by Njaila Rhee of the New Jersey Red Umbrella Alliance, alongside professionals, performers, and activists working for a safer, more ethical future.

10/24/2025

Looking forward to my first E###OTICA show in New Jersey this weekend! I’ve been contracted to provide mental health & well-being support to models and performers at four 3X shows each year - NJ, DC, Chicago, & Miami.

These models & performers carry a heavy load - physically and emotionally - and it’s so fun to challenge myself in a different performance space! Thanks for having me Pineapple Support. 🍍

10/22/2025

10/09/2025

✨ Big news: WE ARE WRITING A BOOK! ✨

Bridging the Gap: Addressing Mental Healthcare Disparities in Rural Special Populations

This forthcoming book provides foundational knowledge on mental health in rural communities, explores the unique strengths and challenges faced by underserved populations, and offers action-oriented, strength-based, and evidence-informed solutions to reduce mental health disparities across diverse rural groups.

I’m deeply honored to collaborate with some of my most esteemed colleagues, professionals with both lived and clinical experience across the rural spectrum, on this project.

“Ultimately, this book calls for a reframing of rural mental health from a narrative of deficit to one of potential. Rural communities are not forgotten spaces but vital contributors to national wellbeing. When we center rural realities, honor diverse identities, and act collectively to bridge systemic gaps, we strengthen the fabric of the communities that sustain the country.”

The future of rural mental health depends on our willingness to listen, innovate, and ensure that every person, no matter how remote their location, can live and thrive in connection and dignity. 🌾💚