What patients are saying
Overall rating
5.00
Average wait time
5.00
Bedside manner
5.00
“I "interviewed" several other therapists before I found Dr. Elder.
I was very much interested in being fixed by therapy but he taught me that I didn't need fixing, just tools to help me have peace with my past.
Over time we have used those tools together and I am so grateful to say: I am changed.
My journey with Dr. Elder is not over and I am excited about the new perspectives therapy brings to my life. ”
KTMore than 1 year ago
“Dr. William Elder is fantastic and has helped me tremendously. He is very professional, a great listener, and provides a variety of techniques that work best for me. His approach is refreshing and very insightful. He considers the many factors that shape an individual and works with me to find the proper treatment that fits my needs. I hold him in high regard and would recommend his expertise!”
SBMore than 1 year ago
About Dr. William Elder
Focus areas
Anxiety Disorder
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
Men's Mental Health Issues
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Counseling
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Adults (25-64)
Couples
Seniors (65+)
Treatment approaches
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Dialectical (DBT)
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
Emotionally Focused
Culturally Sensitive
Exposure Response Prevention
Identity
Gender
MaleEthnicity
White
Languages spoken
English, Romanian
Getting to know Dr. William Elder
Please note: you will incur a no-show fee for the full cost of the session if you do not attend your scheduled appt.
If anxiety or past experiences are weighing you down, you're not alone and you don’t have to navigate it on your own. I specialize in helping people who feel anxious, unsettled, struggle to resolve past experiences. Therapy can feel intimidating. My goal is to make this process feel approachable, human, and tailored to you. I’ll guide you through strategies rooted in science — not quick fixes, but real tools that work — to help you feel calmer, more grounded, and back in control of your life. Let’s work together to create a life that feels more peaceful and more like you.
I'm a PhD-level psychologist trained at the University of Utah, with advanced training in trauma psychology at the VA, and teaching experience at UT Medical School. I've spent 20 years helping people change stuck patterns. My work on men, relationships, and trauma has earned national APA awards.
What should a new client know about working with you?
Therapy with me is practical, thoughtful, and collaborative. We focus on understanding the patterns that once helped you cope, but now limit your freedom. I offer clear language, steady presence, and respect for your strengths, while helping you address what’s actually getting in the way. Together, we work toward change that feels grounded and sustainable.
I work with a range of concerns, including trauma, ADHD, and the psychology of men. My approach is always personalized to your unique background, including race, ethnicity, gender, sexual identity, religious affiliation, and whether someone is a U.S. native or not. I primarily use cognitive behavioral therapies.
In our first session, we'll define the problems you want to address and explore effective treatment options. I'll walk you through the pros and cons of each so you can choose what fits you best. Before session two, you'll receive a treatment manual with readings and practice exercises to help you start applying the skills right away.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
During our first session we'll determine the main problems you face. Next, I'll describe the pros and cons of several treatments that are effective for those concerns. I want you to choose the treatment that seems right for you. Before session 2, I will give you the treatment manual of your chosen therapy, with readings and homework to complete between session to make the skills your own.
Is this doctor in your insurance network?
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In-network insurances
Dr. William Elder has 100+ in-network plans.
Out-of-pocket fees and assistance
Initial session: $175 for 55 minutes
Ongoing session: $175 for 55 minutes
- Files your insurance claim: You pay the session fee upfront and the provider files the claim for you, so you can get reimbursed directly without worrying about the paperwork
- Charges post-reimbursement amount: This provider will only charge you for the amount you pay after you get reimbursed from your insurance plan, so you don’t need to pay the session fee upfront
More information on payments and coverage
For Utah and Texas patients I accept Aetna insurance plans.
Office location
Dr. William Elder, PhD also offers online video visits for patients
Education and background
Practice names
Hospital affiliations
- University Hospital
- South Texas Veterans Health Care System - Audie L. Murphy Memorial VA Hospital
Education and training
- University of Utah, PhD in Counseling Psychology
Professional memberships
- American Psychological Association
- Association of VA Psychologist Leaders
Awards and publications
- Dr. Elder received awards from the American Psychological Association and published peer-reviewed journal articles on the psychology of men, psychological trauma, and career development.
NPI number
1013308055
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
5.00
Wait time
5.00
Bedside manner
5.00
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
8 reviews
Most relevant
I "interviewed" several other therapists before I found Dr. Elder.
I was very much interested in being fixed by therapy but he taught me that I didn't need fixing, just tools to help me have peace with my past.
Over time we have used those tools together and I am so grateful to say: I am changed.
My journey with Dr. Elder is not over and I am excited about the new perspectives therapy brings to my life.
More than 1 year agoKT
Dr. William Elder is fantastic and has helped me tremendously. He is very professional, a great listener, and provides a variety of techniques that work best for me. His approach is refreshing and very insightful. He considers the many factors that shape an individual and works with me to find the proper treatment that fits my needs. I hold him in high regard and would recommend his expertise!
More than 1 year agoSB
Will is very empathetic. We’ve had a long term relationship over many years, and Will has always been there for me. Because of his help, I now have a much better relationship with my wife and kids. I now have a lot more confidence and independence in my life. I’m hopeful for the future, and I now have the skills I need to get me there and meet my goals for my relationships, work, and family. I’m so thankful I gave therapy with Will a chance.
More than 1 year agoES
Will is the first therapist who correctly diagnosed me. With his guidance, I’ve made more progress in the last year than I have in the previous 10 years with other therapists.
What most impresses me about Will is his ability to forge a trusting relationship with me.
We tackle really difficult things in therapy. But there is always a check-in system for how the work is going, and whether we should decrease or increase difficulty levels. That kind of flexibility and adaptability has really helped me make progress.
More than 1 year agoEB
June 17, 2025Evan S.Verified patientVideo visit
February 6, 2025andrew F.Verified patientVideo visit
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
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How soon can I make an appointment with Dr. William Elder?
Generally, Dr. William Elder has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Dr. Elder's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Dr. William Elder accepting new patients?
Dr. William Elder generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Dr. Elder's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Dr. William Elder accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Dr. Elder is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Dr. William Elder online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Dr. Elder using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
Which hospital is Dr. William Elder affiliated with?
Dr. William Elder is affiliated with University Hospital and South Texas Veterans Health Care System - Audie L. Murphy Memorial VA Hospital.
What practice does Dr. William Elder work with?
Dr. William Elder works with Sugar Valley Therapy.
Where is Dr. William Elder's office located?
Dr. William Elder has 2 office locations in San Antonio, view full addresses on Dr. Elder's profile.
What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. William Elder?
Dr. William Elder frequently sees patients for Anxiety, Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Depression, Psychotherapy, and Therapy. You can see other visit reasons for Dr. William Elder on their profile.
What languages does Dr. William Elder speak?
Dr. William Elder speaks English and Romanian.
How do patients rate Dr. William Elder in reviews?
8 patients have reviewed Dr. William Elder. The overall rating for this doctor is 5/5. They have a 5/5 rating for bedside manner and a 5/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.