Credentials & Professional Affiliations
PsyD, Clinical Psychology
Licensed Clinical Psychologist (Telehealth available in IA & PsyPact states)
National Health Service Psychologist
Member, Association for Applied Sport Psychology
Member, APA Division 47 (Society for Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology)
Chris Derix, PsyD, is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and the founder of United Clinical and Sport Psychology (UCSP). With over 15 years of clinical experience, Chris holds a Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology and has respecialized to treat the entire continuum from mental health diagnosis to elite performance optimization. He bridges the gap between mental wellness and peak performance by treating the human behind the performer.
Experience & Expertise
Chris brings a wealth of specialized experience to both the athletic and corporate arenas. In the sports world, he has worked with dozens of Division I college athletes across both team and individual sports. Because peak performance operates within an ecosystem, he also works closely with coaches and the parents of athletes. Chris has extensive experience working with both teams as a whole and with individual athletes, ensuring that every level of the competitive environment is supported.
Beyond athletics, Chris has long worked with individuals in a business setting. He helps high-achieving professionals increase their performance and build the psychological skills necessary to better manage the unique pressures associated with demanding careers and navigating a healthy work/life balance.
The UCSP Approach
Many performers experience the "Gap Problem" where traditional therapists may not understand competitive drive, and coaches lack clinical skills. Chris refuses to separate mental health from performance goals. His active and structured approach blends evidence-based clinical therapies (such as ACT, CBT, and DBT) with Sport Psychology.
Rather than just talking, Chris collaborates with clients to build a concrete "plan of attack." Whether addressing anxiety, recovering from an injury, or optimizing executive performance, clients leave with actionable strategies to fortify their mental health foundation. At UCSP, you never have to hide your vulnerability to compete, nor do you have to sacrifice your ambition to achieve true mental wellness.