Oberlin College Athletics

John Harshbarger was named the Psychologist and Director of Student-Athlete Wellness in July 2025, as part of a newly created position in collaboration between Oberlin Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) and Oberlin Athletics.

Harshbarger has been employed in college counseling centers for over 20 years. "I love what I do. I feel very fortunate to be working at Oberlin!" he notes.

His background includes training in couples therapy, career counseling, family therapy, multicultural counseling, sex therapy, and interpersonal counseling. Additionally, his special interests include working with students who are experiencing depression, anxiety/stress, interpersonal difficulties, gender issues, family of origin issues, body image concerns, and alcohol and other drug concerns.

A counseling psychologist by trade and education, Harshbarger earned his PhD in Counseling Psychology from the Ohio State University in 1993. Prior to that, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from University of California, Davis in 1986.