In 2019, Derek faced the darkest moment of his life - battling severe depression that led to a suicide attempt. After exhausting traditional therapies and medications that failed to help, a friend convinced him to try ketamine therapy. Initially, he kept the experience to himself, afraid of being judged or seen as weak. But that moment was more than a turning point -it was a profound transformation that altered his outlook and ignited a passion for improving mental health care. "For months, I felt like I was drowning. After one session, I could finally breathe again. It helped me reconnect with myself where other treatments had failed. Ketamine therapy was the unexpected lifeline that set me on a new path." Motivated by his life-changing experience, Derek collaborated with renowned physicians from Stanford’s Psychedelic Science Center and Depression Research Clinic. In 2021, he joined forces with leading experts in psychiatric and psychedelic medicine from Harvard and Johns Hopkins to create Better U, with a clear vision: to make breakthrough treatments widely accessible, backed by thorough preparation, wraparound care, and ongoing support. Today, Better U has facilitated over 200,000 psychedelic therapy sessions across 35 states, integrating holistic psychiatry, psychotherapy, functional medicine, peptides, and psychedelic-assisted treatments to enhance brain function and performance. More than just a telehealth platform, Better U represents a movement, blending cutting-edge science with compassionate, wraparound care to create a deeply personal and transformative healing experience. Derek is more than an entrepreneur - he is a mental health advocate, former actor, producer, and stuntman. Before founding Better U, he served as Chief Growth Officer at Ecogen, where he was responsible for generating over $100MM in revenue. He previously worked alongside Bruce Willis, Adrian Grenier, and Robert De Niro before shifting his focus to mental health advocacy. Passionate about giving back, Derek also dedicates time to animal welfare, volunteering at Animal Tracks Inc., a wildlife sanctuary that aligns with his deep love for animals and commitment to conservation. Through Better U, Derek isn't just changing the conversation around mental health, he’s redefining what’s possible.