Family therapy and counseling in Ann Arbor, MI

I'm a Clinical Social Worker and Human Development Advocate specializing in emotional wellness, empowerment, and sustainable self-mastery. I bring calm authority and compassionate, evidence-based, trauma-informed care to every session.

If anxiety, mood swings, or overwhelming stress make it hard to function, you don't have to manage it alone. I support adults navigating anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, trauma, grief, family conflict, and major life transitions — helping you reduce symptoms, strengthen coping skills, and feel more steady, confident, and grounded in daily life. I offer individual and family therapy for adults.

I am a empathic counselor who has worked with numerous clients in areas of parenting, couple counseling, anxiety, depression, trauma, domestic violence. I understand that life's challenges can be painful and often linger and I offer hope and healing in my work.

I have worked as Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) for over 8 years in a variety of settings ranging from trauma, impact of addictions on mental and emotional wellbeing, to relationship issues and more. I tend to be laid back and easily approached with no judgement, no criticism and no assumptions.

I am a seasoned professional who has worked in various settings within Healthcare including crisis intervention and chronic conditions such as Cancer.

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.

If you find it difficult to make sense of things and experience varying emotions as a result, come talk to me. Together, we will work on strategies, develop coping skills, and address the root causes of your difficulties and stresses.

I received my Bachelor’s in Social Work from Oakland University and my Master’s in Social Work from Madonna University. I have been a practicing social worker for four years, and during this time have received several certifications including: school social work, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools. Based on my experience, I specialize in working with adolescents and children; however, I am confident in my education and ability to help clients of all ages.

"I believe the problem is not the person." I've worked in the Human Services area for 25 years before retiring. I made the decision to go into private practice because I really enjoy helping people. I've worked with several populations including, women, formerly incarcerated individuals, developmentally disabled, elderly, single parents with children and persons dually diagnosed with Substance Use Disorders. I've facilitated groups and worked with individuals.