Our Philosophy:

At Elevate Mental Health Supports, we take an integrative approach to care, drawing on a range of proven mental health theories and modalities. Our framework is rooted in four key philosophies: the Mental Health Continuum Model, Individual Psychology, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Nature Based Therapeutics. By blending these approaches in addition to other research proven therapeutic modalities and theories, we offer comprehensive, personalized support to empower individuals on their mental health journey.

Mental Health Continuum Model

At Elevate Mental Health Supports, we believe that just as everyone has a unique baseline for physical health, each person also has an individual baseline for mental health. The Mental Health Continuum Model views mental health as a spectrum that can change over time, influenced by genetics, environment, and life choices.

We encourage our clients to see their mental and physical health as a dynamic journey rather than a fixed diagnosis or set of symptoms. Our focus is on functionality and helping individuals find their place on the mental health spectrum. Our goal is to empower you to elevate your mental well-being and live a fulfilling life!

Individual Psychology

Alfred Adler was a pioneering physician and psychotherapist known for his theory of Individual Psychology. He was one of the first to emphasize the importance of community in mental health and believed in taking a holistic approach to understanding each person.

Adler introduced family and group therapies and valued equality and civil rights. He argued that investing in the mental health of individuals enhances the well-being of the entire community. He called this the “universal responsibility of mankind,” emphasizing our connection and responsibility to support one another.

At Elevate Mental Health Supports, we embrace Adler’s principles. Our services aim to positively impact the mental health of each client, contributing to the well-being of the whole community.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

At Elevate Mental Health supports, we integrate Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) into our therapeutic approach to guide clients toward achieving emotional balance, healthier relationships, and improved overall well-being. DBT, a powerful, evidence-based approach, emphasizes the balance between acceptance of present circumstances and the commitment to change - an essential foundation for elevating mental health.

DBT equips clients with practical tools in four key areas: Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotional Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness. Through this structured, compassionate approach, we help clients embrace self-acceptance while fostering the skills needed to create meaningful and lasting change.

Nature-Based Therapeutics

At Elevate Mental Health Supports, we embrace the transformative power of the various modalities of nature-based therapeutics to help clients reconnect with themselves and the world around them. Rooted in the understanding that time spent connecting nature in various ways can significantly reduce stress, improve mood and attention, and enhance overall well-being, our approach incorporates the natural environment as a facilitator of the healing process as much as possible.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

At Elevate Mental Health Supports, we deeply integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) into our core philosophy, recognizing its proven effectiveness in addressing a wide range of mental health challenges. CBT operates on the understanding that our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are interconnected. By identifying and reframing negative thought patterns, individuals can achieve significant improvements in emotional well-being and daily functioning. This evidence-based approach has been shown to be effective in treating conditions such as depression, anxiety, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Leonora Otto, MA

Founder of Elevate Mental Health Supports

Leonora Otto is a seasoned mental health clinician with a decade of experience across inpatient mental health units, residential treatment centers, and outpatient mental health programs. She specializes in working with underserved populations, particularly individuals suffering from severe and persistent mental illnesses, including Axis I diagnoses such as Bipolar I, Schizophrenia, and Schizoaffective Disorder.

Leonora holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Minnesota (2015) and an MA in Applied Individual Psychology and Leadership from Adler Graduate School (2020). Leonora has extensive training and experience in facilitating therapeutic nature experiences, and completed a Master Naturalist Volunteer Training in 2018. Her clinical approach draws from Alfred Adler’s Individual Psychology, Nature-Based Therapeutics, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, the Mental Health Continuum Theory, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

Throughout her career, Leonora has worked with individuals suffering from Axis I and II diagnoses, Substance Use Disorders, Eating Disorders, Spectrum disorders, and those dealing with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She is driven by a deep passion for improving the mental health and quality of life of others, believing this work to be her life’s calling.

Outside of her clinical practice, Leonora is an avid nature enthusiast and dedicated yogi. She enjoys running, and recently completed the Cedro Peak Ultra Trail Race in Albuquerque, NM. Leonora resides in Boulder County, Colorado with her partner, two cats, and three dogs. Her ultimate goal is to contribute to positive, lasting change for individuals she serves and the community around her.