Derrick Martinez

I’m Derrick Martinez, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker passionate about helping men, teen boys, and couples build stronger connections, confidence, and clarity in their lives. I know how difficult it can feel to carry the weight of expectations, whether it’s navigating identity, balancing relationships, or facing challenges with communication and intimacy. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you can be yourself and explore what matters most.

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin and my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, where I specialized in integrated mental health and substance use. Over the past seven years, I’ve worked in schools, universities, community mental health agencies, and federally qualified health centers, supporting adolescents, young adults, and adults from diverse backgrounds.

I specialize in helping men and teen boys develop emotional insight, self-esteem, and purpose, and I work closely with couples to strengthen intimacy, improve communication, and rebuild trust. Currently, I am advancing my training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy to deepen my work with relationships.

My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and practical. I believe therapy works best when it feels like a genuine conversation where you can be open and understood without judgment. I draw from evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and interpersonal therapies, while tailoring sessions to your unique goals and pace.

With men and teen boys, I focus on developing emotional awareness, resilience, and healthier ways of relating to themselves and others. With couples, I help partners strengthen connection, improve communication, and build lasting intimacy. Whether you’re working through anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship concerns, I aim to create a safe space where you can find clarity, confidence, and meaningful change.

You can expect to leave sessions with greater clarity, practical tools, and a stronger sense of confidence in navigating your challenges. My goal is for you to feel heard and supported while also gaining skills you can apply right away—whether that’s improving communication with your partner, building emotional awareness, or managing stress more effectively.

Over time, you may notice increased self-understanding, deeper connection in your relationships, and a clearer sense of direction in your life. Whether you’re coming in individually or as a couple, therapy with me is designed to help you move from feeling stuck to creating meaningful, lasting change.