Craig Levein took exception to a question over Sean Clare seeking help from a psychologist after the midfielder became the target of criticism from fans.
The Hearts player revealed this week that he was receiving help from John Johnstone, an Edinburgh-based football mindset coach, who has previously worked with John Souttar, Craig Wighton and Jake Mulraney.
It comes after the Englishman was removed from the starting line-up for "a little breather" by Levein.
The Jambos boss was questioned on the situation as he appeared on BBC Sportsound ahead of Saturday's clash with Livingston in West Lothian.
Levein was asked what he made of Clare's decision to seek help to deal with the "criticism that comes as part of being a Hearts player". But he bristled.
"It's about being a football player - not a Hearts player - a football player," he corrected.
Levein went on: "It brings its own problems and sometimes people need help.
"From that point of view I'm delighted that he has decided to go along and see this particular specialist. We have one or two who have done that in the past. From my point of view it's a good thing that they are seeking some sort of help.
"I have a strong opinion on this and think that anything you can do to make yourself better you should try and do as an individual. I see the progress with Sean in the last match in particular.
"Whether the criticism is justified or unjustified it has to be dealt with. The best thing to do is to steel yourself against those things so that if it does happen then you are prepared for it."
Levein also provided an update on Peter Haring and Steven Naismith 's injury situation with the latter on course to return against St Johnstone on Wednesday.
He said: "They are improving. The annoying thing for me today is that we lost Aidy White through concussion, Jake Mulraney damaged ankle ligaments last week and I've not risked Glenn Whelan this week because his hamstring was tight in training on Friday.
"I still feel we have a team out today capable of winning.
"Naismith trained this morning and was training with us the last few days before the game today. We have taken it a little bit slower with his recovery this time - I was keen to get him back in and was pushing the medical team to get him back on the pitch quicker but obviously that hasn't helped the situation.
"So this time I have been a little bit more patient. He is feeling good and is talking about getting ready to play and hopefully that might be on Wednesday evening."
