Auran Piatigorsky, PhD, LP, CMPC

As a licensed clinical sports psychologist, Dr. Piatigorsky optimizes the mental health and performance of elite athletes, coaches, and others. His unique approach — Dialectical Sports Skills (DSS) — adapts Cognitive and Dialectical Behavior Therapies (CBT/DBT) to the distinct demands of athletics. Dr. Piatigorsky’s passion for sports began as a child while kayaking on the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. After earning his undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder, he led extended wilderness expeditions worldwide. These experiences demanded high performance under acute pressure, harsh conditions, and prolonged stress—challenges that parallel competitive athletics. Following an injury, Dr. Piatigorsky turned his focus to clinical psychology, earning a M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, with a specialization in developmental psychopathology. He completed a clinical and research fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center, and later served as Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry in its CBT/DBT clinic. Building on his academic background and experience with diverse community-based services, Dr. Piatigorsky is well equipped to address the wide range of mental health challenges encountered in athletics. Recognizing the impact of psychology on performance, and drawing on his adventure sports expertise, Dr. Piatigorsky expanded his specialty into sports psychology, becoming a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC). Now, in private practice, he provides holistic, evidence-based care, offering individualized psychological services that address the deep interconnection between mental health and athletics. In addition, Dr. Piatigorsky serves as Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, where he teaches and supervises graduate students. He also works closely with the Cal Golden Bears.