Work with Elmer Otey (MSW, LCSW, PhD) - BetterHelp Online Therapist

About Me

Hello and welcome. My name is Elmer Otey. I am excited to share in your therapeutic experience. I am a License Clinical Social Worker and a State of Missouri approved Clinical Supervisor. I earned a Master's degree in Social Work from Saint Louis University and have extensive training in a wide range of treatment modalities. I have over 20 years of experience in various clinical settings. I believe in treating everyone with respect, dignity, sensitivity and compassion. My approach adheres to cognitive behavioral and rational emotive counseling with my ultimate goal being to meet your unique and specific needs. I do promote self determination and believe that together we will be able to make effective change in your everyday coping skills for an optimum outcome. I look forward to working with you.

Specialties

Stress, Anxiety
Addictions
Relationship issues
Family conflicts
Depression

Also experienced in:
LGBT , Trauma and abuse , Grief , Intimacy-related issues , Eating disorders , Sleeping disorders , Parenting issues , Anger management , Self esteem , Career difficulties , Bipolar disorder , Coping with life changes , Coaching , Compassion fatigue , ADHD , Abandonment , Adoption and Foster Care , Aging and Geriatric Issues , Antisocial Personality , Attachment Issues , Blended Family Issues , Body Image , Cancer , Caregiver Issues and Stress , Codependency , Commitment Issues , Communication Problems , Control Issues , Coping with Natural or Human-Caused Disaster , Divorce and Separation , Domestic Violence , Drug and Alcohol Addiction , Emptiness , Family Problems , Fatherhood Issues , First Responder Issues , Forgiveness , Guilt and Shame , Impulsivity , Infidelity , Isolation/Loneliness , Jealousy , Life Purpose , Men's Issues , Midlife Crisis , Military and Veterans Issues , Money and Financial Issues , Mood Disorders , Multicultural Concerns , Narcissism , Obsessions, Compulsions, and OCD , Panic Disorder and Panic Attacks , Paranoia , Phobias , Post-traumatic Stress , Prejudice and Discrimination , Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) , Self-Harm , Sexual Assault and Abuse , Smoking/Vaping Cessation , Visually Impaired , Workplace Issues , Young Adult Issues Read more...

Clinical approaches:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Existential Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy

Years of Experience: 30

Services Offered

Messaging
Live Chat
Phone
Video

Licensing

LCSW #002375 (Expires: 2022-09-30)

Reviews

These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Elmer Otey. We don’t pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.

Written by J.E. on May 24, 2022 after therapy with Elmer for 2 weeks on issues concerning family conflicts, anger management, coping with life changes, coaching, and compassion fatigue

He truly cares to see you grow and change!

Written by M.A. on May 21, 2022 after therapy with Elmer for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, grief, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd

Elmer is incredibly attentive and engaging. He makes sure that you feel heard and offers solutions and ways to instill good habits and behaviors.

Written by N.I. on May 11, 2022 after therapy with Elmer for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and coaching

Elmer Otey is thoughtful and insightful. I feel he sincerely cares about my mental well being. His guidance which includes various therapy techniques has helped me to manage my mental health independently and positively. Grateful for his teachings and his time.

Written by K.I. on May 04, 2022 after therapy with Elmer for 9 months on issues concerning depression, and eating disorders

I admit coming into online therapy with a huge grain of salt. But darn it, Elmer is the perfect person to help me walk through the problems I'm trying to sort through. He "gets" me. I feel like I'm able to deal with the setbacks that have cropped up and dig through the past that has held me back. He's the best.

Written by A.U. on May 02, 2022 after therapy with Elmer for 2 weeks on issues concerning addictions, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem

Elmer is very smart and he is full of wisdom! He has years of experience and it really shows!

Written by R.A. on Apr 21, 2022 after therapy with Elmer for 2 months on issues concerning relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, and coping with life changes

Elmer is a very wise, insightful and thoughtful counsellor. He has a real knack for asking the right questions. Elmer is paticularly good with dealing with sensitive issues in a very diplomatic way. He encourages a lot of reflection during his sessions and I often leave the sessions with a tremendous amount of food for thought. I am very fortunate to have been assigned to him and I would highly recommend him to anyone.

Written by L.A. on Mar 24, 2022 after therapy with Elmer for 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem

Phenomenal counselor and man

Written by P.A. on Mar 18, 2022 after therapy with Elmer for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, eating disorders, self esteem, and adhd

As before, I feel supported

Written by C.H. on Mar 11, 2022 after therapy with Elmer for 4 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem, coaching, and adhd

My sessions with Elmer gives me clarity on my decisions, my values and myself. I feel more and more equipped in my work and my relationships due to my deeper understanding of myself. I highly recommend

Written by C.H. on Mar 09, 2022 after therapy with Elmer for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, anger management, career difficulties, compassion fatigue, and adhd

He's incredible!!

Written by D.A. on Mar 03, 2022 after therapy with Elmer for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, and self esteem

He is very under stable, agreeable

Written by B.E. on Mar 03, 2022 after therapy with Elmer for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and sleeping disorders

Elmer is insightful and easy to talk to. He gives helpful feedback and suggestions while going through the worksheets. I appreciate his caring about my progress. I highly recommend him.

Written by N.I. on Mar 01, 2022 after therapy with Elmer for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and trauma and abuse

I worked with Elmer for a few months and found him intelligent and compassionate. Over this time, I was able to contextualise my thoughts in perspective, and map out a plan to progress further. I am happy to recommend Elmer to anyone.

Written by J.E. on Dec 24, 2021 after therapy with Elmer for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, grief, anger management, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue

Elmer is a good listener. He asks the right questions at the right time. He helps you deal with painful memories. He a a kind manner and good sense of humour. He gives short and relevant advice for the coming week.

Written by T.O. on Dec 21, 2021 after therapy with Elmer for 5 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, and compassion fatigue

Elmer’s exceptional at what he does and is great at shedding perspective to everything. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to get to work with him

Written by M.I. on Dec 19, 2021 after therapy with Elmer for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, sleeping disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, and adhd

He is a lovely man who seems genuinely interested in what you have to say. Very kind and puts you at ease. Gives you ideas about how to help yourself

Written by M.A. on Dec 05, 2021 after therapy with Elmer for 2 weeks on issues concerning addictions

Very helpful.

Written by N.I. on Nov 24, 2021 after therapy with Elmer for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and anger management

I promise you that Elmer’s always helpful and responsible. He gives good advices!

Written by G.R. on Nov 21, 2021 after therapy with Elmer for 7 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem

Dr. Elmer always responds my messages quickly. I am not a good patient, always try to avoid pain and problems. When there was no big conflict, I didn’t go to BetterHelp. I always missed Dr. Elmer’s messages. When problems/ conflicts come up again, I look for support. And Dr. Elmer follow up with me immediately. I really appreciate his support. He is always there for me. Thank you Dr. Elmer!

Written by R.O. on Nov 10, 2021 after therapy with Elmer for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and anger management

Elmer has made me feel extremely comfortable and heard. I am very happy I chose to take this leap and that he is helping me along the way.

Written by M.A. on Sep 09, 2021 after therapy with Elmer for 5 months on issues concerning depression, family conflicts, parenting issues, and bipolar disorder

Elmer is extremely personable and communicative.

I appreciate his understanding and approach to issues we discuss.

Written by A.D. on Sep 06, 2021 after therapy with Elmer for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, sleeping disorders, and self esteem

Elmer is a wise and insightful professional.

Written by M.A. on Aug 31, 2021 after therapy with Elmer for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, and adhd

Elmer has good insights and it definitely feels like he listens, supports me and has my best interests in mind. Would highly recommend

Written by B.R. on Aug 28, 2021 after therapy with Elmer for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and anger management

Going OK so far although I suspect it will take us a while to discover what my real problems are. Elmer offers a relaxed atmosphere, doesn't pretend the issue can be solved quickly, patiently follows the trail of clues and reminds me that I'm driving the bus, he's just a passenger.

Written by J.A. on Aug 27, 2021 after therapy with Elmer for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, compassion fatigue, and adhd

I have nothing but great things to say about Dr. Otey. I could not recommend him (or BetterHelp) more to friends and colleagues of mine. I feel like he truly validates the way I am feeling, he creates a safe space to be open with him in and patiently guides me to find answers to my own rhetorical questions, etc myself - which I feel is important in the process of implementing healthy and longlasting practices into my life. I told myself I would give it at least a month, but the progress I have made with Dr. Otey in this short time has motivated me (in the greatest and most positive way possible) to continue on this journey with him to better myself. Thank you!!!

Written by C.R. on Aug 20, 2021 after therapy with Elmer for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, parenting issues, and self esteem

Mr. Otey is very professional and understanding. He is a great listener and really has been helping me to focus on my needs and what I need to work on myself. I highly recommend him.

Written by A.N. on Aug 19, 2021 after therapy with Elmer for 6 days on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, and coaching

Thanks to Elmer I understand myself better, he is a very experienced and professional counselor.

Written by C.H. on Jun 23, 2021 after therapy with Elmer for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and family conflicts

Elmer was simply great, very stand up human being.

Written by L.U. on Jun 10, 2021 after therapy with Elmer for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, and career difficulties

Elmer was very professional and I really enjoyed working with him. He is clearly well informed in helping people with anxiety and has been great

Written by Y.A. on Jun 01, 2021 after therapy with Elmer for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and adhd

Elmer has been really great to talk to and work with. He is good at helping understand concepts of cbt. Working with him has been a very positive experience

Written by T.I. on May 16, 2021 after therapy with Elmer for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, and bipolar disorder

Dr. Otey's approach is unlike any other therapist I have ever had. I cannot believe how much has changed since I began here. I am grateful for Dr. Otey and for BetterHelp.

Written by J.E. on May 10, 2021 after therapy with Elmer for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, eating disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and coaching

After only a couple sessions with Elmer, I feel a strong connection with him as I think we share similar outlooks on situations. He gleams out wisdom & kindness. He is naturally supportive, a good listener and easily picks on things I say when I brush over them. Our conversations flow easily & I thoroughly enjoy my sessions with him. He’s a great life coach/supporter.

Written by Z.A. on Apr 19, 2021 after therapy with Elmer for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and self esteem

Elmer is a great help. He is able to help you identify your issues and proposes changes or behaviors that can help you resolve them. He is easy to talk to and actively listens.

Written by J.A. on Mar 16, 2021 after therapy with Elmer for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, coping with life changes, and adhd

Elmer has been such a great person, I feel like everything I have issues with he always has solutions for me. As well as, him just being available when needed and how professional he is from the first session I had is all a breath of fresh air. An amazing therapist!

Written by T.O. on Feb 06, 2021 after therapy with Elmer for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem

I'lI be honest, I wasn't expecting much considering me previous experiences trying to get help.

However, I'm extremely satisfied with how well Elmer is able to understand my issues and help me to understand myself and my decisions better, even in ways I hadn't considered. He's super easy to talk to and his experience really shows, can't recommend him enough!

Written by C.H. on Feb 05, 2021 after therapy with Elmer for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes

Enjoy working with Elmer. He listens to my concerns, provides me homework to work on, and puts accountability on me to make the changes I need to make to not be anxious. Would recommend him if you are looking to put the work in to be a better you.

Written by O.S. on Feb 04, 2021 after therapy with Elmer for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and trauma and abuse

Elmer is a true professional. He has been very supportive during my most difficult time.

Written by L.E. on Feb 04, 2021 after therapy with Elmer for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, and adhd

Elmer is a friendly and wise counselor who makes you feel at ease and offers great advice.

Written by N.E. on Jan 28, 2021 after therapy with Elmer for 2 weeks on issues concerning coaching, and adhd

He is a wise counselor and capable counselor.

Work with me!