Chrissandra M. Andra, MA, MS, LCSW

Social Worker

Therapist & Mediator

  • LGBTQIA+ Affirming
Narrative of Services:
Approximately 25–50% of my practice is dedicated to treating OCD and related disorders. I have treated approximately 15 individuals with OCD and/or related disorders across a range of presentations, including contamination, harm, sexual orientation, relationship, scrupulosity, and “just right” obsessions. I provide evidence-based treatment using Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP/ExRP), often while concurrently addressing co-occurring conditions such as PTSD, ADHD, mood disorders, and borderline personality disorder.
Treatment of Co-occurring Disorders:
I provide Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP/ExRP) for OCD while addressing co-occurring conditions such as ADHD, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, trauma/PTSD, and personality disorders (particularly emotion dysregulation associated with BPD). Treatment can be structured to prioritize OCD symptoms while integrating evidence-based interventions (including CBT, DBT, behavioral activation, and trauma-informed approaches like prolonged exposure) as clinically indicated. While accounting for the ways co-occurring conditions can impact engagement with ERP, I emphasize collaboration; hierarchy development; skills acquisition; and reducing safety, escape, and avoidance behaviors.
Training Description:
My training in OCD treatment includes Foundations of Exposure Therapy through Behavioral Tech (2019) and a 27-hour intensive training in Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy for OCD with Thea Gallagher, PsyD, of NYU Langone Health (2026). I integrate ERP with training and experience in DBT, CBT, behavioral activation, and trauma treatment, including Prolonged Exposure, allowing me to work effectively with clients presenting with complex comorbidity.
Diversity Statement:
A substantial portion of my practice serves LGBTQIAP+ individuals. Relevant training includes advanced clinical field placement at Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, Best Practices for CBT with LGBTQA+ Adults (with Debra A. Hope, PhD), Doing Dialectical Behavior Therapy with Sexual and Gender Minority People (via ABCT SGM SIG), and Treating Traumatic Invalidation Among Transgender and Gender Diverse People (with Melanie Harned, PhD, and Colleen Sloan, PhD).
My graduate education at the Columbia University School of Social Work emphasized anti-oppressive and culturally-responsive practice through coursework in advocacy, health systems, substance use treatment, social welfare policy, and clinical practice. My clinical training at Callen-Lorde Community Health Center focused on LGBTQIAP+ populations and culturally-affirming care. Additional training includes Motivational Interviewing, substance use treatment, and specialized education in working with sexual and gender minority communities.
Treatment Groups:
I offer DBT Skills Groups to support the development of mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness skills. Groups are psychoeducational and skills-focused rather than process-oriented and are appropriate for individuals seeking support with emotion dysregulation, impulsivity, interpersonal difficulties, self-destructive behaviors, and hopelessness. Participation in concurrent individual therapy is required; individual therapy may be provided by me or by another clinician.