Derrick Martinez Therapist at Start My Wellness

Derrick Martinez, LLMSW

Therapist

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How did you hear about us?

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Education

  • Bachelor’s on Social Work | University of Texas
  • Master’s in Social Work | University of Michigan

Insurance Accepted

  • Aetna
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Priority Health PPO

Specialties

Type of Therapy

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

Patient Population

  • Teens
  • Young Adults
  • Adults
  • Men
  • Professionals

Issue Focus

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Life Transitions
  • Loss & Grief
  • Men’s Issues
  • Phobias
  • Trauma
  • Work/Career

About Derrick Martinez

Welcome to a space where your well-being takes center stage. I’m all about providing genuine care and top-notch mental health services. Therapy can be a rollercoaster, but the twists and turns often lead to amazing growth. My mission is to stand by your side through those challenges and celebrate the incredible progress you make.

A bit about my background – I earned my Bachelor’s in Social Work from the esteemed University of Texas at Austin and later pursued my Master’s in Social Work from the renowned University of Michigan – Ann Arbor. Over the past five years, I’ve worked with various children, adolescents, young adults, and adults in schools, universities, community mental health settings, and federally qualified health centers. This experience has solidified my belief in the potential for growth and transformation. I’m confident in my ability to impact your mental health journey positively.

As a Certified Anxiety-Informed Professional (CAIP), I bring specialized expertise to our sessions, offering effective strategies to manage and overcome anxiety-related challenges. Regarding therapy, I believe in a holistic approach that combines evidence-based techniques tailored to your specific situation. You can expect a blend of strategies such as exposure therapy, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mindfulness practices, and somatic interventions. One approach doesn’t fit all – it’s about finding what resonates with you. Together, we’ll work on building the skills to face challenges head-on, whether managing anxiety, dealing with depression, navigating life transitions, or addressing issues related to trauma and identity.

As your therapist, I aim to be approachable, dependable, and deeply empathetic. I strive to provide a comfortable, safe environment where you feel free to express yourself, understand what holds you back and causes distress, and take the steps necessary to move forward.

Unique Approach to Therapy

Connecting with each client is a vital part of my practice, unlike some providers in mental health, I view each person as important and not just “a number“. I find that checking in regularly with clients about their goals and current satisfaction helps foster a trusting client/provider relationship focused on individual growth. Also, I find it important to work with each person in identifying any barriers that may be present which could hinder therapy and medication from “doing their job“. I firmly believe that positive mental health and well-being does not happen in “a vacuum”, but many factors affect this, therefore a holistic approach is required to achieve lasting results.

Specialized & Extended Training

What makes Derrick Martinez stand out is his high level of education and experience. He, along with all Start My Wellness therapists, attends at least 120 hours of extensive ongoing training and personal development per year in treating anxiety, depression, work stress, and relationship problems. This rigorous instruction differentiates Derrick from others in the field and allows him to provide the highest quality of service to patients.

Reviews | Write a Review >

Emily Lunn
Emily Lunn
2022-06-17
Start My Wellness definitely receives 5 stars. Their staff are incredibly helpful and want you to get the care you need. I did start by seeing Scott, but found him to not be the best fit for me. This can be a potentially uncomfortable situation for someone who already has anxiety on the best of days. Between talking with Laila who I see for medication and WISH I could have her as my actual therapist, and Mike Misiak at the main office, we are all in alignment on what my treatment plan is going forward. I am so impressed with Start My Wellness, which I found through the program my work started, I am going to be doing a full company presentation to talk about my experience and how SMW really does a great job of taking the stigma out of therapy! Thank you to everyone!
Sydney Maus
Sydney Maus
2022-06-13
I have enjoyed every interaction with Start My Wellness. They are helpful no matter your situation.
Walter Kacher
Walter Kacher
2022-06-12
The best therapy I could have ever imagined. They finally diagnosed me and gave me the help I always needed. I am forever grateful.
Christopher Smith
Christopher Smith
2022-06-11
I absolutely love the the people here. Was able to get started right away after getting all the paperwork done. Recommend this place to anyone and everyone
jamie cooley
jamie cooley
2022-06-02
I have not been here but I go to the previous employer of Abigail (Platt) Schellhammer… I’m very saddened she is gone. I have seen her last 6 years. She is so professional and personable. I prayed she stayed in family practice in my area. I may just drive to Ferndale🥰Wishing her happiness. Also letting SMW know how lucky they are to have her. I’ve went to her replacement this week and let’s just say she CANNOT be replaced. I left crying after realizing I lost the BEST practitioner I could ask for. UGH!!!! Best of luck to her though she deserve the world.
Dave Shaw
Dave Shaw
2022-05-02
Been a patient by of Abigail (platt)Schellhammer in Lansing.. Going to miss her very much..my first appointment without her and the new Dr I was scheduled with didn’t show up for my 8:20 appt, I left at 9:30.. made new appt for 11:30 with PA and it’s now 12:20 and still waiting😢I told the MA “I never waited for Abigail”. … which is true, the place went to h*** in a hand basket when she left…SMW sooooo lucky to have Ms. Schellhammer...her old patient -Jamie Cooley😢
Emily Lunn
Emily Lunn
2022-06-17
Start My Wellness definitely receives 5 stars. Their staff are incredibly helpful and want you to get the care you need. I did start by seeing Scott, but found him to not be the best fit for me. This can be a potentially uncomfortable situation for someone who already has anxiety on the best of days. Between talking with Laila who I see for medication and WISH I could have her as my actual therapist, and Mike Misiak at the main office, we are all in alignment on what my treatment plan is going forward. I am so impressed with Start My Wellness, which I found through the program my work started, I am going to be doing a full company presentation to talk about my experience and how SMW really does a great job of taking the stigma out of therapy! Thank you to everyone!
Sydney Maus
Sydney Maus
2022-06-13
I have enjoyed every interaction with Start My Wellness. They are helpful no matter your situation.
Walter Kacher
Walter Kacher
2022-06-12
The best therapy I could have ever imagined. They finally diagnosed me and gave me the help I always needed. I am forever grateful.
Christopher Smith
Christopher Smith
2022-06-11
I absolutely love the the people here. Was able to get started right away after getting all the paperwork done. Recommend this place to anyone and everyone
jamie cooley
jamie cooley
2022-06-02
I have not been here but I go to the previous employer of Abigail (Platt) Schellhammer… I’m very saddened she is gone. I have seen her last 6 years. She is so professional and personable. I prayed she stayed in family practice in my area. I may just drive to Ferndale🥰Wishing her happiness. Also letting SMW know how lucky they are to have her. I’ve went to her replacement this week and let’s just say she CANNOT be replaced. I left crying after realizing I lost the BEST practitioner I could ask for. UGH!!!! Best of luck to her though she deserve the world.
Dave Shaw
Dave Shaw
2022-05-02
Been a patient by of Abigail (platt)Schellhammer in Lansing.. Going to miss her very much..my first appointment without her and the new Dr I was scheduled with didn’t show up for my 8:20 appt, I left at 9:30.. made new appt for 11:30 with PA and it’s now 12:20 and still waiting😢I told the MA “I never waited for Abigail”. … which is true, the place went to h*** in a hand basket when she left…SMW sooooo lucky to have Ms. Schellhammer...her old patient -Jamie Cooley😢