Ericka Elder Ortega , LMHC, LCMHC

Ericka Elder Ortega is a licensed mental health counselor who helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, and concerns related to LGBT identity. She holds licenses in Indiana (LMHC) and Utah (LCMHC) and brings five years of clinical experience to her practice. Ericka aims to make the first step toward change feel manageable and not overwhelming.

She focuses on creating a calm, nonjudgmental space where people can talk through difficult feelings. Sessions center on practical conversation and real-world strategies that a person can try between meetings. Ericka pays attention to issues like self-esteem, motivation, and the emotional impact of trauma or abuse.

Ericka also supports those dealing with abandonment, eating and food-related struggles, guilt and shame, mood disorders, and growing self-love. She has specific experience helping young adults and people navigating women's issues. Her approach blends listening with straightforward guidance to help people notice small shifts over time.

People who choose Ericka can expect a collaborative tone. She encourages setting clear goals and checking progress together. Over sessions she aims to build confidence and coping tools that fit each person’s daily life.

Ericka practices from Utah and offers sessions in English. She seeks to empower clients to make sustainable changes and to find more balance and well-being in their routines.

Practical approaches for online support and growth

Ericka uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on conversation, coping skills, and gradual change. One common method emphasizes building coping skills and behavioral strategies to manage anxiety, low mood, and stress through step-by-step practice. Another common focus is trauma-informed talk work that helps people process difficult experiences while pacing the work to match the person's comfort level.

Finding the right approach is a team effort. Ericka collaborates with each person to choose techniques that match their needs, goals, and preferences. Over the first few sessions she reviews what is helping and adjusts the plan so therapy stays practical and relevant.

Online sessions are offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to make care fit into busy lives. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation when visual cues help. Phone sessions work well when bandwidth is limited or a quieter voice check-in is easier. Live chat and text-based messaging make shorter check-ins and ongoing reflection possible between longer sessions, which can help maintain momentum and consistency.