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Andrea Plate

Andrea Plate

LCSW

California

Experienced LCSW focused on practical change

Continue with Andrea

At a glance

Credentials
LCSW
License
LCSW, California / 22904
Experience
20 years
Languages
English
Location
California

Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.

    • Motivational interviewing
    • Substance use focus
    • 20 years experience

    About Andrea

    Andrea Plate is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in California with 20 years of experience. She focuses on practical, conversational therapy that helps people manage anxiety, addiction, grief, and major life changes. Andrea aims to listen first and then work with each person to set achievable goals.

    She spent nearly 15 years running a residential substance abuse treatment program at the West Los Angeles Department of Veterans Affairs. There she worked with people experiencing homelessness and persistent mental health challenges. That background shapes how she approaches complex problems and long-term recovery.

    Andrea draws on Motivational Interviewing to help people find their own reasons to change. She also uses Client-Centered Therapy to keep conversations grounded in a person’s values and perspectives. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is part of her toolbox for addressing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors.

    In addition to clinical work, Andrea teaches social welfare and addiction courses at a major West Los Angeles university. Teaching helps her stay current with practice and research and brings useful tools back into sessions.

    Her style is respectful and compassionate. She tailors discussion and plans to each person’s needs and life circumstances. Prospective clients are encouraged to describe their goals so sessions can be shaped around what matters most to them.

  2. How her approaches guide online work

    Andrea commonly uses Motivational Interviewing to help people clarify what they really want to change and to build small steps toward that change. This approach is useful for addictions, ambivalence about life choices, and building momentum for new habits. She also draws on Client-Centered Therapy to make sessions collaborative and respectful, focusing on the person’s own perspective and priorities. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is used when people want concrete strategies to identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. Finding the right approach is part of the work. Andrea will talk with each person about goals and preferences and then adapt methods together. The plan can change over time as needs evolve, and she aims to match tools to what will be most helpful in everyday life. Confirm current session options before booking, since session formats are not specified here. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight, and reduce travel time. It also lets people continue regular work while accessing licensed professionals from different locations.

  4. Areas of expertise

    Primary focus

    Stress, AnxietyAddictionsCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue

    Also works with

    Relationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefAnger managementSelf esteemDepression

    Additional focus areas

    Aging and geriatric issuesCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionFamily problemsGuilt and shameImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersPost-traumatic stressProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Sex addictionSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issues

    Therapeutic approaches

    Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Motivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused Therapy

    Experience

    20+ years

    Listed in

    California

    Languages

    English

  5. Frequently asked questions

    What kinds of problems does Andrea address?

    She works with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, grief, relationship and family issues, career setbacks, and related concerns such as caregiver stress and codependency.

    How would you describe Andrea's therapy style?

    Her approach is conversational and goal-oriented, using Motivational Interviewing and client-centered dialogue to help people identify change and move toward it.

    What experience does Andrea bring to sessions?

    Andrea has 20 years of professional experience, including nearly 15 years running a residential substance abuse program at the West Los Angeles Department of Veterans Affairs.

    What are Andrea's credentials and where is she based?

    She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, licensed in California and practices there.

    In which languages can sessions be held?

    Sessions are offered in English.

    Can people outside the United States work with Andrea?

    International clients are not currently accepted.

    How much do sessions cost?

    Cost varies by location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

    How do I begin working with Andrea?

    Click the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

  6. Online talk therapy is not emergency or medical care. Stopping or cutting down alcohol or other drugs can be unsafe without medical advice. In immediate danger? Crisis numbers

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