Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Kalamazoo, MI

My specialty is walking with people grappling with traumatic life experiences. I am professionally trained, experienced and accredited in a variety of evidenced based therapy treatment models including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral (TF-CBT) and Christian Counseling.

I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor working in the field with adults and couples for the last 6 years. I have worked with clients who suffer from depression, anxiety, trauma, sexual identity issues, and addiction. There is not a population of people I feel uncomfortable working with.

I specialize in the treatment of trauma. I also find gratitude to helping others navigate depression, anxiety, PTSD, communication, relationship issues, and family issues. I am EMDR trained.

If you are someone struggling with the above, or you are looking to manage stress in other areas of your life I am here to help!

As a fully licensed mental health therapist, I believe self-awareness and meaningful connections are essential to finding happiness and stability in life. Taking the first step to seek support can be challenging, so congratulations on reaching out! I’ve been practicing since 2020 and, at the end of 2024, I decided to start my own private practice. I primarily work with individuals (ages 12 and older) who find themselves struggling with anxiety, depression, and/or other life adjustment challenges.

I have over eighteen years of experience working with a diverse population seeking recovery from a great range of issues and needs. Over this time, I've assisted individuals seeking help with serious mental illness, anxiety, trauma, substance use, and stressors relating to housing and/or income stability, legal issues, divorce, grief, and religious trauma.

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’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.

I partner with people experiencing depression, anxiety, addiction related coping and life transitions to identify and reach their goals. I am dedicated to serving the needs of the LGBTQ+ and broader community and am committed to creating a safe, accepting and supportive environment for those I partner with.