Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Derix.
Hi Chris, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My path to clinical psychology began with a lifelong curiosity about human behavior. I have always been a natural observer and a dedicated listener. I originally pursued a degree in Business Administration, but I eventually realized my true passion wasn’t in corporate operations. My passion was simply in understanding and helping people, which led me to pivot my focus entirely to psychology.
Before fully committing to this path, I worked demanding blue-collar jobs, including processing thousands of high-weight freight units in a fast-paced distribution center. While that experience instilled in me a deep respect for physical grit and hard work, it also helped me realize that my greatest impact would come from navigating the complexities of the human mind.
Looking back, my core values are what anchored me to this field. First, I am driven by a desire to serve others. I fundamentally believe people are suffering in ways that can be resolved, and I want to be the catalyst that alleviates that suffering. Second, I require deep intellectual challenge. Humans are the most complex beings on earth, and to be at my best, I need to be constantly learning and solving complex problems.
I spent the past ten years honing my clinical skills in a group practice. By January 2026, I was once again driven by that need for intellectual challenge and the desire to build something that didn’t exist. I stepped out on my own to found UCSP, creating a practice specifically designed to bridge the gap between clinical mental health and elite mental performance.
Building this practice while balancing life as a husband and father of two has only reinforced my core philosophy. I understand firsthand the complex realities and competing demands my clients face, which makes me even more passionate about helping them achieve excellence without sacrificing their foundational well-being.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
If I’m not experiencing some level of adversity, I know I’m not pushing my own limits.
My struggles have been both academic and deeply personal. I never particularly cared for traditional schooling, which made the long road to a doctorate a challenge in itself. Much more difficult, however, was the sudden death of my father during my final year of clinical training. I strongly considered quitting my degree during that time.
Navigating that profound loss shaped how I operate today, giving me the deep empathy and perspective required to truly treat the human behind the performer. However, I also recognize that my capacity for growth must be earned continually. I cannot coast on the hard things I ‘used to’ do, and I cannot let my past accomplishments define my current limits. Refusing to rest on my past credentials, I have leaned heavily into discomfort over the past 18 months to build on that foundation: returning to school to respecialize in sport psychology, seeking elite mentorship, taking on public speaking engagements, and launching my own business. None of this has been comfortable, but for me, comfort is rarely the goal of a worthwhile endeavor.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At UCSP, my foundational belief is simple: you do not have to choose between getting well and getting better.
Typically, driven individuals are forced to divide their time between a mental health provider and a mental performance consultant. I bridge that divide. Because I intimately understand the drive of high performers while possessing the extensive expertise of a clinical psychologist, I offer a rare dual approach. Ultimately, I provide the safety and clinical rigor of a mental healthcare provider, seamlessly combined with the strategic, aggressive growth mindset of a mental performance consultant.
This commitment to a premium standard extends to the structure of my practice. At UCSP, you will interact exclusively with me, no office managers or front desk runarounds. This guarantees you never fall through the cracks and your questions are always answered directly. Exceptional service has become a rarity, but I pride myself on my direct accessibility and a consistent commitment to the client experience.
Furthermore, I know my clients’ time is their most valuable asset. That is why there is no commute or waiting room at UCSP. You can bypass the frustration of traditional office visits and receive specialized, confidential support via secure video sessions from the comfort of your own home or office.
Finally, as a PSYPACT credentialed psychologist, my practice extends across state lines. This ensures seamless, uninterrupted care for clients who do not have access to specialized local providers, or whose rigorous travel schedules for sports or business keep them on the move.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
My greatest driver of success is empathy. By connecting with people from all walks of life and meeting them exactly where they are, I foster genuine communication. I believe in speaking with people rather than at them. This ensures I offer grounded support without ever treating anyone as fragile.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ucsp.net
