What patients are saying
Overall rating
4.85
Average wait time
4.94
Bedside manner
4.97
“I had a first session with Mr Elder a week ago. Since it was our first meeting there was a bit of paper work and just getting to know each other so I can't say we got deep into anything. But so far I've gotten an amazing first impression of him. He was kind, attentive and really seemed to care about what we aim to accomplish! I definitely will be continuing sessions with him!”
Ramzi B.April 15, 2026Video visit
“I had my first session with Derek and was very impressed with his communication style. He clearly explained expectations for therapy, including both the positive and challenging aspects of the process. I appreciated how he helped connect some past situations to patterns of time loss and emphasized that therapy is a collaborative relationship rather than a one-sided process. I’m looking forward to continuing our work together.”
Morgan P.March 9, 2026Video visit
About Derek Elder
Focus areas
Adjustment Disorder
Anxiety Disorder
Mental Health Problem
Adolescent / Teen Issues
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Young Adult Issues
Adult Psychotherapy
Life Management Counseling
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Adults (25-64)
Seniors (65+)
Treatment approaches
Christian Counseling
Compassion Focused
Coaching
Eclectic
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Emotionally Focused
Identity
Gender
MaleSexuality
StraightFaith
ChristianEthnicity
White
Languages spoken
English
Getting to know Derek Elder
Needless to say, we don't live in a perfect world, and we all need a little guidance navigating the curves of life. I am HERE to HELP! I am an eclectic counselor, which simply means that I will use any and all techniques I've learned to get you back on track and where you think you belong. We will establish goals and explore ways to make those objectives happen for you. I'm ultimately here to listen to you and help you accomplish your purpose.
I earned my Bachelor's degree from Texas Lutheran University and graduated from Our Lady of the Lake University, specializing in the Family & Marriage Therapy Program. As a counselor, I prioritize a gentle, compassionate, and goals-oriented approach in addressing a variety of issues: addiction, trauma and abuse, family instability, depression, anger, self-esteem, and academic and/or professional exploration.
I am not currently accepting any new clients for couples or family counseling at this time and am only accepting new clients for individual counseling. Thank you.
What should a new client know about working with you?
I have over 19 years of experience working with teenagers and adults. In my time being a counselor I have worked with people from many different walks of life and believe that this helps me meet clients where they are at in their lives.
I work with clients who are struggling from a range of issues including depression, anxiety, grief, divorce, stress, behavioral issues and life transitions. During our time together we will have a space to process some of these feelings and work on creating a plan that helps you feel more in control of them. Most of my clients can expect to see gradual improvements within first few sessions.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
I often use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in my practice but also utilize other types of treatments to find the most appropriate ways to help you. Using CBT helps clients learn how their thoughts and can affect their emotions which can then affect their actions. During our time together I will help you learn how to push back against these thoughts to help bring about change and feeling better.
I'm a culturally diversified counselor whose focus is to work with individuals and families in order to promote optimum mental health, with an emphasis on prevention.
Is this doctor in your insurance network?
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In-network insurances
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare Oxford
Out-of-pocket fees and assistance
Initial session: $100 for 60 minutes
Ongoing session: $100 for 60 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
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- Texas Lutheran University (Bachelor's)
NPI number
1447540968
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
4.85
Wait time
4.94
Bedside manner
4.97
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
40 reviews
Most relevant
You can tell how much effort he puts into his profession. Very good communicator and easy to talk to.
Less than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
Very professional, caring, kind, and gentle. His tactics to help cope with things are very helpful.
More than 1 year agoCS
Nice and very clear about how the first session would go, and how moving forward would go.
January 4, 2025Stephen N.Verified patientVideo visit
Great experience. Derek is patient, understanding, and he truly cares.
Less than 1 year agoChad K.Verified patientVideo visit
I had a first session with Mr Elder a week ago. Since it was our first meeting there was a bit of paper work and just getting to know each other so I can't say we got deep into anything. But so far I've gotten an amazing first impression of him. He was kind, attentive and really seemed to care about what we aim to accomplish! I definitely will be continuing sessions with him!
April 15, 2026Ramzi B.Verified patientVideo visit
Overall, it was good. Derek has good listening skills and a good demeanor and gives solid feedback. I'm just still not sure if therapy is really for me, so I feel like I'm not the best person to give quality feedback. He was definitely good enough for me to recommend him to others though.
Less than 1 month agoCC
I had my first session with Derek and was very impressed with his communication style. He clearly explained expectations for therapy, including both the positive and challenging aspects of the process. I appreciated how he helped connect some past situations to patterns of time loss and emphasized that therapy is a collaborative relationship rather than a one-sided process. I’m looking forward to continuing our work together.
March 9, 2026Morgan P.Verified patientVideo visit
Mr. Elder is very professional and explains the therapy process very well as someone who is new to it. He is very respectful and a fantastic listener. I recommend him if you are looking to get introduced to therapy.
November 12, 2025Initials hiddenVideo visit
Great listener, good vibes. Highly recommended!
September 23, 2025Austin B.Verified patientVideo visit
He’s amazing to work with
April 16, 2025Jay W.Verified patientVideo visit
Was very helpful very qualified
March 6, 2025Benjamin A.Verified patientVideo visit
Derek was great! After having a bad experience with a provider the day before, he reached out to me immediately upon booking the appointment and helped walk me through everything needed to get ready! He’s very easy to talk to, highly recommend
February 15, 2025Ethan S.Verified patientVideo visit
He was very easy to talk to and kind
January 24, 2025Aaron S.Verified patientVideo visit
Derek was very professional and very good at communicating what his process is. Definitely made me feel comfortable, would highly recommend.
January 17, 2025Kyle F.Verified patientVideo visit
Very down to earth and thorough. Easy to talk to.
October 23, 2024Mark L.Verified patientVideo visit
Mr Elder was excellent. Great listener and very transparent when it came to how the treatment works. First time seeking therapy so he was extremely patient in explaining everything to me. Definitely looking forward to our future sessions.
September 25, 2024Gregory D.Verified patientVideo visit
Derek has been an amazing counselor to me over the last year. He is good at what he does using his knowledge and skills to help me through difficult situations that I have encountered in my life. He listens and challenges my thoughts and helps me to see a different perspective to help resolve any issue I am facing. He has taught me to not only look at the situation as a whole, but to also look internally (introspectively) to analyze why I am feeling the way that I feel. It has been a great tool to use when needing to work on a solution on my own and to prepare me for any future conversations with someone. He has also taught me several techniques to help me with any stressful, anxious or can’t get out of my head moments so I can move on with my day or get a restful night's sleep. I highly recommend him as he has changed my life, my thoughts and has made me a better person, partner, co-worker & friend.
More than 1 year agoCB
My visit was awesome as usual. He is very patient and sincere and genuinely cars about his clients. He has helped me through a multitude of hard times and I have been seeing him for over 10 years now. Honestly, he has been my most trusted friend and advisor that I can always count on.
More than 1 year agoNS
April 17, 2026Brandi F.Verified patientVideo visit
Less than 6 months agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
December 13, 2025Jacob T.Verified patientVideo visit
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October 30, 2025Ethan B.Verified patientVideo visit
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September 2, 2025Jacob B.Verified patientVideo visit
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July 14, 2025Shyan M.Verified patientVideo visit
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May 29, 2025Ian T.Verified patientVideo visit
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March 18, 2025Stephen M.Verified patientVideo visit
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How soon can I make an appointment with Derek Elder?
Generally, Derek Elder has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Derek Elder's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Derek Elder accepting new patients?
Derek Elder generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Derek Elder's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Derek Elder accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Derek Elder is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Derek Elder online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Derek Elder using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Derek Elder work with?
Derek Elder works with Derek H Elder LPC.
What are common reasons for patients to see Derek Elder?
Derek Elder frequently sees patients for Depression, New Patient Visit, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Sleep Problems. You can see other visit reasons for Derek Elder on their profile.
What languages does Derek Elder speak?
Derek Elder speaks English.
How do patients rate Derek Elder in reviews?
40 patients have reviewed Derek Elder. The overall rating for this doctor is 4.85/5. They have a 4.97/5 rating for bedside manner and a 4.94/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.