- Call us: 781-691-6805
- Address:1452 Dorchester Ave , Dorchester MA
We provide compassionate, expert care to help you navigate life’s challenges. Explore your thoughts, develop coping strategies, and achieve positive change in a safe, welcoming environment.
I help athletes and high performers thrive under pressure.
With a foundation in psychology, trauma-informed care, and competitive sport, my work blends mental performance training with real-world experience. I hold dual Bachelor’s degrees in Criminal Justice and Political Science from Plymouth State University and a Master’s in School Adjustment Counseling from Cambridge College, with a focus in trauma studies.
I bring 10 years of coaching experience, 10 years as a School Adjustment Counselor, and three years of private practice into my work, alongside experience collaborating with Power Five college coaches and professional soccer players. I am a Licensed Mental Health Clinician (LMHC), Licensed School Adjustment Counselor (SAC) and Licensed Massachusetts Mediator.
My approach is modern, evidence-based, and performance-focused—designed for athletes who want consistency, composure, and confidence when the stakes are highest.
For athletes, coaches, and high achievers currently competing or leading
You’re still in the arena — but pressure is disrupting execution.
Restore control in real time and perform reliably when pressure peaks.
For athletes, coaches, and high achievers preparing to exit their profession
Performance is ending — but the pressure hasn’t.
Exit your career without psychological collapse and move forward with stability and direction.
Our Process is designed to provide a clear, structured, and compassionate path toward meaningful change. We begin by identifying the core challenges, followed by accepting them with clarity and self-awareness.
For athletes, coaches, and high achievers currently competing or leading
You’re still in the arena — but pressure is disrupting execution.
Restore control in real time and perform reliably when pressure peaks.
For athletes, coaches, and high achievers preparing to exit their profession
Performance is ending — but the pressure hasn’t.
Exit your career without psychological collapse and move forward with stability and direction.
Our individual psychotherapy offers one-on-one support for those facing anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mental health challenges. Our experienced therapists are here to guide you toward healing and personal growth.
Structured support based on level of need and pressure exposure.
Weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly sessions
For athletes, coaches, and high achievers seeking structured psychological support and performance stabilization without real-time access.
Two sessions per week
For individuals operating in high-pressure environments who require accelerated intervention and consistent performance regulation.
Two sessions per week + 24/7 access
For elite clients requiring immediate support, real-time intervention, and priority access during competition, travel, or transition periods.
All services are trauma-informed, neuroscience-based, and accountability-driven.
Not motivational coaching. Not open-ended therapy.
“When I first started therapy , I was struggling a lot with anger and high emotions, and I was constantly feeling overwhelmed. Derek Barros provided me with the tools to help me control these emotions and feelings.”
” Over the past two years, working with my therapist has been one of the most grounding and empowering experiences of my life. As two Black men, fathers, and football coaches, we’ve shared a unique understanding that goes beyond the typical therapist-client dynamic. His ability to hold space for me with empathy, strength, and insight has allowed me to unpack challenges related to both family and career in a way that feels culturally resonant and deeply personal. Whether I’m navigating pressure at work or trying to show up more fully for my family, he’s helped me build the clarity and tools to grow with purpose.What stands out most is his ability to meet me where I am, while still pushing me toward growth. Our shared background gives our conversations depth and trust—he gets the weight we carry and the expectations we shoulder as Black fathers and leaders. Through his guidance, I’ve become more self-aware, more emotionally balanced, and better equipped to lead both at home and on the field. I’m grateful for his consistent presence, his professionalism, and the way he’s helped me align with the man I strive to be. “
“I’ve had an incredibly positive experience working with Derek. Along with creating a supportive, non-judgmental space, Derek makes it easy to open up and address difficult topics. Derek has a deep understanding of mental health and continuously provides methods to cope with any issues that are brought up during our sessions. I highly recommend Derek as a Mental Health Clinician.”
Have questions or need more information? We’re here to help. Reach out to us with any inquiries, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
