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AP Portrait of Andrea Plate
Online therapist

Andrea Plate

Compassionate, practical support for life changes

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Credentials
LCSW
Experience
20 years
Licensed in
California
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Andrea

Andrea Plate is a licensed clinical social worker with twenty years of experience. She uses straightforward, practical therapy to help people manage stress, anxiety, addiction, grief, and career or relationship setbacks. Her approach is respectful and compassionate, aimed at creating a tailored plan that fits each person's life and goals.

For many years Andrea led a residential substance abuse treatment program within the West Los Angeles Department of Veterans Affairs.

Background and approach

There she worked with people facing homelessness and serious mental health challenges, gaining experience in addiction care and complex case coordination. That work shaped her direct, problem-focused style. She also teaches social welfare and addiction courses at a university in West Los Angeles.

Teaching helps keep her skills current and informs how she explains options to clients in clear, plain language. Her classroom work complements her clinical experience. In sessions Andrea mixes conversational listening with goal-oriented tools.

She draws on Client-Centered Therapy to follow each person’s priorities and uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing to address thoughts, behaviors, and motivation. She adapts pacing and techniques to what feels most useful for each person. Andrea practices in California and offers therapy in English.

She designs treatment plans around individual needs and helps people take manageable steps toward coping with life changes, improving relationships, and addressing substance use.

How therapy approaches translate to online work

Andrea blends Client-Centered Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in a practical, online-friendly way. Client-Centered Therapy means sessions focus on each person’s concerns and goals; the therapist listens carefully and shapes conversations around what matters most. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) uses targeted exercises to spot and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, which can be done through guided discussion and homework between sessions.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Andrea will discuss options with the client, try techniques, and adjust the plan based on what feels useful. The goal is to find methods that fit the person’s needs, pace, and life circumstances rather than sticking to a single model.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to connect. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation when that helps, phone sessions work for audio-only check-ins, and live chat or text-based messaging support brief check-ins and ongoing problem-solving. These formats make it easier to keep continuity of care and to use therapeutic tools in everyday life.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Motivational Interviewing

A way of working through mixed feelings about change without being pushed. The therapist helps you weigh things up and find your own reasons, which often makes a difficult decision feel less stuck.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Andrea help with?
She addresses stress, anxiety, addiction, grief, relationship and career setbacks, and related issues such as depression, anger, self-esteem, and caregiver stress.
What is her general therapy style?
Her style is direct and compassionate. She listens, follows each person’s priorities, and uses practical techniques to make change manageable.
What experience does she bring?
Andrea has twenty years of professional experience and ran a residential substance abuse program at the West Los Angeles Department of Veterans Affairs for nearly fifteen years.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She holds LCSW licensure in California under CA LCSW 22904 and practices there.
Which languages are supported and can she work with international clients?
Sessions are offered in English. She does not accept international clients.
What session formats are offered?
Therapy is available via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging.
How are costs handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience
20 years
Licensed
California
Languages
English

Next step

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