About
- CBT and solution-focused
- Trauma-informed perspective
- Support for first responders
About Andrea
Andrea McLellan is a California licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) with 14 years of clinical experience. She works with adults facing stress, anxiety, relationship strain, parenting concerns, depression, addictions, trauma, grief, and related issues. Andrea also addresses intimacy, eating and sleeping problems, anger, self-esteem, and career concerns.
Andrea draws on practical, goal-focused methods in her work. She often uses solution-focused techniques and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to set clear, realistic goals and reduce troubling symptoms. She also brings elements of Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, narrative approaches, and psychodynamic ideas when helpful.
Her background includes adjunct teaching in psychology and work as a court-recognized expert on sexual assault and child abuse, including forensic consultation related to court-dependent minors. That experience shapes how she looks at family harm and intergenerational patterns that affect people later in life. Andrea pays close attention to how past family chaos can influence current functioning.
In sessions she helps people identify the roots of their problems, clarify responsibilities and choices, and practice steps that support recovery. She speaks plainly about awareness, accountability, courage, and forgiveness as parts of change. Many clients prefer a practical, goal-driven approach and Andrea structures work around measurable steps and symptom relief.
Outside of practice she enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, bird-watching, camping, and time at the beach. She also notes experience working with public servants and first responders who need help processing stressful or traumatic events.
How sessions work
How her clinical approaches translate to online work
Andrea commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy in practical work. CBT focuses on changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors with hands-on exercises and short-term goal setting, which can help with anxiety, mood, and stress. DBT teaches skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and clearer communication, useful for strong emotional reactions and relationship strain.She also draws on Motivational Interviewing to help people find their own reasons to change; this approach uses focused questions and reflective listening to build commitment. Finding the right approach is part of the process. The therapist will discuss goals, try strategies, and adjust methods together so the plan matches the client's needs and preferences.
Confirm the exact session formats Andrea currently offers before booking. Once confirmed, online work can make it easier to fit sessions into daily life, shrink travel time, and keep appointments during busy weeks. Some formats allow shorter check-ins or sessions without video, which can help when bandwidth or a quieter space matters. These practical options can support consistent work toward your goals.
Areas of focus
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
14+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she help with?
She works with adults on stress, anxiety, relationship and parenting concerns, depression, addictions, trauma and grief among other issues.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her style is practical and goal-driven, often using solution-focused work and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to set clear steps and reduce symptoms.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 14 years of experience in clinical practice and related roles such as adjunct teaching and forensic consultation.
What are her credentials and where does she practice?
She is a California LMFT and practices in California.
Does she offer sessions in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English and she is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats are available?
Confirm current session options before booking to know which formats she is offering at the time.
How does cost and billing work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Use the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If anyone is in danger, use the crisis numbers.