ABOUT ME

Licensed since 2019

Andrea Stocker, LCSW

Licensed Clinician Social Worker located in Tehachapi, CA

California License: BBS registered LCSW89643

Oregon License: L13615

My name is Andrea, and I am passionate about helping people be their best selves.

My first degree is in Zoology from University of Hawaii at Manoa. Initially I was a pre-veterinarian student, but decided that my passion lies with helping people. I wanted to go into stem-cell research. After returning into California in 2007, I planned to attend a master’s program to follow my dream in stem-cell research, but I never took micro-biology and this changed the course of my life. After bouncing around in several jobs from retail to animal regulation to sample management for a biotech company, I started working at a group home for troubled teens, which put me on the path to social work.

I completed my Master’s degree in Social work from California State University Bakersfield in 2016. I worked in homeless services and then for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Through my masters program and these jobs I discovered my passion for program development and I developed a pre-release and board prep program for the institution I was employed at. I still have a passion for program and implementing change and am always looking at ways to provide for my community.

I am very passionate about providing a safe place for sex positive therapy. I really enjoy working with LGBTQIA2S+, Kinky, and CNM clients. I have completed my coursework for my AASECT Sex Therapist Certification and am completing my supervision hours. I have lived experience as well as professional experience working with people with eating disorders. Although I am not certified in this population, I do continue education when I can in order to keep up with the trend in treatment.

My new interest is in Psychedelic Assisted Treatment. I am in a program to complete my education for Psilocybin Facilitated Treatment in Colorado. I am able to provide Ketamine Assisted Treatment in California, please see the KAP FAQ page for more information.

Outside of my practice, I am interested in sustainable living. I enjoy gardening and preserving the fruits of my labor. I have a dog, who comes to the office, three cats, and six chickens and a rooster that bring me much joy. Well, sometimes Onyx the rooster brings less joy because he likes to make his presence known all day long. I am also a big crafter and enjoy a variety of crafts.

I look forward to helping you align your goals with your values and creating the life you are passionate about.

MY SPECIALTIES

LGBTQIA+ Affirming Care

I have varied experience working with the LGBTQIA community. You will find a safe and supportive space to be yourself, regardless of how you identify or who you love.

Eating Disorders

I have lived and professional experience with eating disorders. You will find a shame free environment to open up and explore your experience.

Sex Positive Therapy

I am working on my Sex Therapist Certification through AASECT. We can talk openly about sex in a caring and compassionate environment. I am familiar with non-monogamous relationship models and am Kink allied.

Dog Therapy

I have an amazing Labrador Retriever named Wesley training to be a therapy dog. He offers loving support and comic relief to clients who wish to engage with him.

FAQ

How long are sessions and what do they cost?

Each appointment is 55 minutes and is billed at a rate of $130. Your appointment is designed to meet your needs so you feel you are getting value for what you are paying.

How do I pay?

I am contracted through Alma, Headway, and Rula. Depending on your insurance will determine which electronic health record (EHR), I will use. If you are using insurance, you will pay your co-pay through the EHR. If you are cash pay, you can still pay through the EHR or through Venmo.

Do you accept insurance?

Yes, I currently accept most major insurances including Anthem, Blue Shield (Magellan), United Health Care, Cigna, Aetna, Kaiser (CA only), Medicaidl, and Medicare (CA only). I can also provide a superbill for insurance for plans that require you to pay out of pocket and get reimbursed. Please check with your insurance company prior to starting so you understand your policy and coverage.

Please note: For clients in Oregon, I currently can not accept Medicare or Kaiser.

How does Telehealth Work?

Depending on your preference, telehealth can be done via phone or video. Depending on the Electronic Health Record, I will with be using my personal HIPAA compliant zoom link or the HIPAA compliant link through the platform. You will be sent reminders and links the through the EHR. If you have any technical difficulties starting your appointment, please reach out to me and let me know.

Is therapy Confidential?

Yes, everything we discuss stays between us and your sessions are private. I follow all legal and ethical guidelines. However, there are a few exceptions to confidentiality such as if you threaten harm to yourself or someone else, if there is a case involving abuse or neglect of a minor or vulnerable adult, or if the court orders demand disclosure. These exceptions are in place to ensure safety and compliance with legal obligations.

What is your cancellation policy?

I require a 24-hour notice for cancellations or rescheduling to avoid being billed for the session. This policy helps manage our schedules and allows me to offer the appointment to other clients who may need them.

Please note that if you are late, this time will be deducted from your 55 min appointment, as sessions end at the scheduled time out of respect for all clients.

What if I need to reach you after hours?

If you are experiencing an emergency or require immediate assistance, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. Your safety and well-being are my highest priority and emergency services are best equipped to handle an emergency.

For urgent needs, you can leave a message at 760-428-2776 or email me at andrea.stocker.lcsw1@gmail.com and I will respond as possible during the next business day.

How do we get started?

I offer complementary phone consultations to answer any questions you have about therapy, how insurance and billing works, and what working with me is like. I like to make sure we are a good fit and we can do a “vibe check.” These calls take about 15 minutes. Please complete the contact form or call me at 760-428-2776 to schedule a consultation.

What is a "good faith estimate"?

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services. You can ask your healthcare provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call (800) 985-3059.