Family therapy and counseling in Mcallen, TX

Hi, I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 6+ years of experience helping adults navigate stress, trauma, and life transitions. I work with individuals who are ready to move beyond feeling stuck and build a clearer, more balanced path forward.

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 have my LPC-Licensed Professional Counselor and LMFT-Licensed Marriage and Family Counselor licenses. I have my Juris Doctorate and I am an expert in family law. My approach is collaborative, practical, and I make sure the client has something they can use to help themselves by the end of every session. I work with all types of clients, but mostly with adults, individually and as couples.

doing. I have been married, divorced, lived in other countries for several years and had a wide variety of life experiences that I draw on to help my clients.

I have been a therapist for over 20 years. I have experience assisting clients overcome and grow through trauma and distress.

I am laid back, and make you feel like you are talking more to a friend than a therapist. My current clients love this.

My educational and professional background is in psychology and education, and I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families.

I’m passionate about helping people who often feel misunderstood or overlooked — especially those navigating substance use and mental health challenges. Over the years, I’ve seen how stigma can prevent people from seeking help, and I strive to create a safe, judgment-free space where clients can feel comfortable being themselves.

I assist children, teens, young adults, and adults work through tough times and difficult emotions, life’s transitions, and relationship challenges. Whether it’s a child with big feelings and educational barriers, a teen feeling isolated and unsure of themselves, or an adult attempting to navigate anxiety, stress, burnout, or identity shifts - I offer a safe, nonjudgmental space to explore what’s going on and facilitate lasting change.

I strive to provide a space that welcomes vulnerability and growth. I will collaborate with you to increase self-awareness, communication, and understanding of both you and the world around you. My goal is to help you connect with all parts of yourself and find ways to navigate through life with ease. I have experience in working with LGBT+ populations and their families. My professional experience includes working in higher levels of care such as partial and inpatient hospitals.