Meet Derek Torres Diaz
Derek Torres Diaz
Graduate Student Therapist | LGBTQIA+ & BIPOC Mental Health Advocate
Derek Torres Diaz is a bilingual, Puerto Rican therapist-in-training committed to cultivating affirming and empowering therapeutic relationships. As a member of the iAmClinic team, Derek brings warmth, cultural awareness, and compassion to individuals and couples navigating mental health, identity, and interpersonal challenges.
LGBTQIA+ Therapists for Anxiety and Depression | LGBTQIA+ Therapists for BIPOC Individuals | LGBTQIA+ Therapists for Exploring Sexuality | LGBTQIA+ Therapists for Individuals
Professional Background & Specialties
Derek works with a wide range of clients, including LGBTQIA+ individuals, BIPOC communities, and couples in both monogamous and ethically non-monogamous relationships. His clinical interests include anxiety, depression, sexuality and gender identity exploration, shame, trauma, substance use, and cultural navigation.
As a student clinician, Derek takes a client-centered, collaborative approach that honors each person’s lived experiences. He believes we are not broken but shaped by our environments—and that therapy can offer the tools not just to survive, but to thrive in alignment with our most authentic selves. Derek sees therapy as a space for mutual growth, where the clinician walks alongside the client as a supportive guide and equal partner.
Education & Certifications
- Current MA Candidate in International Disaster Psychology: Trauma and Global Mental Health, University of Denver
- Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Community Mental Health, Universidad de Puerto Rico en Cayey
- Bilingual in English and Spanish
Certifications: In progress as part of graduate training
Personal Philosophy & Additional Information
Derek wholeheartedly believes in the transformative power of empathy. His multicultural academic journey—from Puerto Rico to the United States—enriches his therapeutic lens and enables him to support diverse identities through a culturally sensitive, evolving approach.
He strives to create spaces where every part of a person’s identity is welcomed, respected, and explored with curiosity. Derek sees clients as inherently capable, possessing the internal resources needed for growth and healing. Through a blend of openness, cultural humility, and continuous learning, he helps clients reconnect with themselves and build meaningful, empowered lives.
If you’ve ever felt disconnected from yourself or others, Derek invites you to take the first step—together.
Work With Us
Want to work with folks in the LGBTQIA+ Community?
We appreciate your interest in working with iAmClinic! Our staff is predominately made up of part-time and full-time contract clinical associates. We also hire practicum and intern student clinicians on a rolling basis.
Request a Workshop or Presentation
If you’re interested in having Isaac or a member from the iAmClinic team provide a training or workshop, please feel out the Workshop Request Form below.
How We Work
We are passionate about working with the LGBTQIA+ community because it is OUR community – no one should have to teach their therapist about their preferred pronouns or face invasive questions about who and how they love.
At iAmClinic it is our mission to be experts in the field. It is our hope that you feel seen, affirmed and supported in your identities, so that together with your iAmClinic therapist, you are able to make the changes in your life that you are seeking.
Certifications & Credentials
