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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.
Professional experience
30yrs in practice
Additional areas of focus: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
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.
Elmer is kind and understanding and he is obviously very knowledgable about therapy. I would recommend him to anyone.
Written on Feb 13, 2023 after therapy with Elmer for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, eating disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
The most compassionate listener and helped from the heart , My Sincere Thanks
Written on Feb 10, 2023 after therapy with Elmer for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, sleeping disorders, and adhd
Elmer listens to me even when things - in my own opinion - seem a little first world problems like. He offers me sage advice and helps me walk through my feelings so that I can figure out where I'm going. It means a lot to me that he is gentle with my emotions.
Written on Jan 25, 2023 after therapy with Elmer for 1 year and 6 months on issues concerning depression, and eating disorders
Elmer is a delight to work with. I would recommend him to anyone who needs an understanding ear and/or someone who needs to talk through their issues in life to get to the bottom of how they feel. Thank you for being you Elmer. Looking forward to talking to you next time.
Written on Jan 11, 2023 after therapy with Elmer for 7 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem, and adhd
Elmer was very helpful in helping me deal with my negative thinking that has crippled me for just about my whole life. Over the course of several months, I've been able to share my deepest insecurities and issues without feeling shameful or condemned, and he has encouraged me to see the value I have in myself and live in that despite what those thoughts might say. He listens well, and he also helped me navigate towards the roots of my thinking so that I can properly address them and replace them with more positive and constructive thinking. He's also shared with me a plethora of wisdoms and resources that I can use to make sure my THOUGHTS control my EMOTIONS, and my EMOTIONS control my BEHAVIOR
Written on Jan 10, 2023 after therapy with Elmer for 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, and self esteem
Great and wise!!
Written on Dec 23, 2022 after therapy with Elmer for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, parenting issues, self esteem, and career difficulties
Great communicator, fast responder and excellent therapist
Written on Dec 18, 2022 after therapy with Elmer for 1 year and 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, and adhd
So far so good
Written on Dec 13, 2022 after therapy with Elmer for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, and intimacy-related issues
I feel that I am getting the guidance and insight I need
Written on Dec 12, 2022 after therapy with Elmer for 1 month on issues concerning relationship issues
Elmer is a positive and supportive force in my mental health journey. His working knowledge with CBT is an effective tool that I am beginning to understand more deeply and applying it more consciously into my daily life. I feel that he is really listening to what I have to say during our sessions. Elmer offers practical advice and guidance without being overbearing. As we have spoken about: I am the one driving the car, but he is in the car with me. I must say, he’s a great passenger to have on this journey.
Written on Dec 10, 2022 after therapy with Elmer for 2 weeks on issues concerning addictions, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and adhd
Absolutely wonderful to talk to. Considerate of everything I have had to say and offers great and insightful feedback and prompts
Written on Nov 14, 2022 after therapy with Elmer for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and adhd
Elmer is true, kind and real. I felt safe to share and listen. I really enjoyed my time with him. Thank you Elmer
Written on Nov 02, 2022 after therapy with Elmer for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, trauma and abuse, anger management, career difficulties, coaching, and adhd
He's cool
Written on Oct 13, 2022 after therapy with Elmer for 1 year and 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and compassion
Elmer is amazing in both goal/topic-specified sessions and those that just happen. He's a good listener- but also an active one. I'd never imagine I'd find such a brilliant approach, Elmer has a sense of humor and really practical advice as well. The best!
Written on Sep 28, 2022 after therapy with Elmer for 4 months on issues concerning family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, eating disorders, career difficulties, and adhd
All around great therapist. Listens to me and helps me think clearly.
Written on Aug 31, 2022 after therapy with Elmer for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues
Great knowledge in subject matter. Very sequential and structured approach.
Written on Aug 03, 2022 after therapy with Elmer for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, grief, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
Elmer is a very experienced, thoughtful and wise therapist and has helped me incredibly this year.
Written on Jul 26, 2022 after therapy with Elmer for 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, eating disorders, self esteem, and adhd
Elmer has given me a much better therapy experience than I've had before at another place. He's really changed my mind about therapy for the better. Thank you!
Written on Jul 12, 2022 after therapy with Elmer for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, family conflicts, sleeping disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, and adhd
He truly cares to see you grow and change!
Written 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
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 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 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 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 is very smart and he is full of wisdom! He has years of experience and it really shows!
Written 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 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 on Apr 21, 2022 after therapy with Elmer for 2 months on issues concerning relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, and coping with life changes
Phenomenal counselor and man
Written 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
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 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
He's incredible!!
Written 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 is very under stable, agreeable
Written 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
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 on Mar 03, 2022 after therapy with Elmer for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and sleeping disorders
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 on Mar 01, 2022 after therapy with Elmer for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and trauma and abuse
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 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’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 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
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 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
Very helpful.
Written on Dec 05, 2021 after therapy with Elmer for 2 weeks on issues concerning addictions
I promise you that Elmer’s always helpful and responsible. He gives good advices!
Written 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
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 on Nov 21, 2021 after therapy with Elmer for 7 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
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 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 is extremely personable and communicative.
I appreciate his understanding and approach to issues we discuss.
Written on Sep 09, 2021 after therapy with Elmer for 5 months on issues concerning depression, family conflicts, parenting issues, and bipolar disorder
Elmer is a wise and insightful professional.
Written on Sep 06, 2021 after therapy with Elmer for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, sleeping disorders, and self esteem
Elmer has good insights and it definitely feels like he listens, supports me and has my best interests in mind. Would highly recommend
Written 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
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 on Aug 28, 2021 after therapy with Elmer for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and anger management
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 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
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 on Aug 20, 2021 after therapy with Elmer for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, parenting issues, and self esteem
Thanks to Elmer I understand myself better, he is a very experienced and professional counselor.
Written on Aug 19, 2021 after therapy with Elmer for 6 days on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, and coaching
Elmer was simply great, very stand up human being.
Written on Jun 23, 2021 after therapy with Elmer for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and family conflicts
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 on Jun 10, 2021 after therapy with Elmer for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, and career difficulties
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 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
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 on May 16, 2021 after therapy with Elmer for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, and bipolar disorder
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 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
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 on Apr 19, 2021 after therapy with Elmer for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and self esteem
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 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
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 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
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 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
Elmer is a true professional. He has been very supportive during my most difficult time.
Written 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 friendly and wise counselor who makes you feel at ease and offers great advice.
Written on Feb 04, 2021 after therapy with Elmer for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, and adhd
He is a wise counselor and capable counselor.
Written on Jan 28, 2021 after therapy with Elmer for 2 weeks on issues concerning coaching, and adhd
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