Derek DuChesne

Derek DuChesne is redefining mental health treatment through Better U—a company that has transformed from a modest startup into the nation’s #1 mental health provider in just under three years. After a personal crisis that saw him battling deep depression and suicidal thoughts, Derek discovered the life-changing potential of ketamine therapy. “It was the moment I could finally breathe again,” he recalls. That breakthrough spurred him to build Better U, a mission-driven organization (that now generates over $700,000 in monthly revenue, all bootstrapped from just $22,000.) - I might take this out - thoughts?

Better U isn’t just another wellness company. It’s a comprehensive mental health platform dedicated to filling critical gaps in care. With one in five U.S. adults facing mental health challenges—and 57% receiving no treatment—Derek recognized the urgent need for a more holistic, patient-centered approach. Better U offers an innovative mix of psychedelic therapy, talk therapy, chronic pain care, weight management, sexual health, and longevity treatments. Its proprietary protocols, originally developed for U.S. Air Force fighter pilots, now help more than 12,000 patients manage conditions ranging from treatment-resistant depression and anxiety to PTSD and OCD.

Under Derek’s leadership, Better U has garnered impressive outcomes—89% of patients report significant symptom relief within one month, according to an internal study of over 900 patients.

Derek’s background in the cannabis sector, where he oversaw over $100 million in sales, has honed his expertise in marketing and growth strategies—skills he has masterfully applied to the mental healthcare arena. His vision is simple yet transformative: shift mental healthcare from a reactive, symptom-focused model to one that addresses root causes and nurtures long-term well-being. “Better U is about empowering individuals to heal holistically,” he explains. “We’re not just treating symptoms—we’re creating a community where every person has the tools to thrive.”

As mental health challenges continue to rise, Better U stands as a beacon of innovation and hope. Derek's journey from personal struggle to entrepreneurial triumph is not just inspiring—it’s a powerful reminder that meaningful change is possible when we dare to reimagine the way we care for one another. Better U truly embodies its ethos: Better U. Better Together.