Andrea M. Lewis Gaines, LCSW, ACSW, DCSW
Worked as an independent mental health practitioner in the private and public sector for over thirty years. Worked an independent clinician for ten years in Virginia Beach.
Has worked as an auxiliary health care provider at Naval Medical Clinics Command, now the Naval Hospital, Portsmouth, Virginia and the Veteran’s Affairs Hospital in Hampton, Virginia. Served as expert witness at Captain’s Mast Hearings, as an expert in domestic violence under the Family Advocacy Program.
Hired as one of the first Women Veterans Sexual Trauma Counselors via the Vet Center under the auspices of the Veteran’s Affairs Hospital in Hampton, Virginia.
Broadening my affiliation as approved provider, as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker under the auspices of several a few insurance panels.
Worker worked in the Public-School Divisions of Isle of Wight County and Virginia Beach City Public Schools to acquire twenty-eight years of service. Served on the Special Education Committees to assist in the determination of special and alternative educational programs for exceptional students, gifted students, or mainstreamed students.
In the School and Private Sector as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker addressed and treated issues of: attendance/absenteeism, self-esteem, conflict-resolution, social skills, school anxiety, self-identity, substance abuse, bullying, self-mutilation, and abuse by caregivers and peers. Serves as a member of the school’s interdisciplinary team. Addressed mental health issues of depression, anxiety, grief, substance abuse, alcoholism, identity confusion, rejection/isolation, suicide prevention, homelessness, PTSD, spiritual dissonance, dysfunctional family relations, anger, misplaced projection, role confusion in families. Collaborates with parents, significant caregivers, children, authorized private practitioners, court officers, and law enforcement.
Has expertise in the areas of family dynamics; transgenerational family systems, structural family therapy, domestic violence, post-traumatic stress, anxiety, alcoholism, substance abuse, addictive behaviors, depression, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, school phobia, school anxiety, identity confusion, Gay and Lesbian issues, relationship victimization, and many other disorders. Currently learning to utilize DBT modality of treatment more effectively.
Served in my second two-year term, as the regional Chairperson to the Eastern Virginia Chapter of The Virginia Society for Clinical Social Workers and Executive Board State Board. Collaborated with officers from other chapters throughout the state of Virginia.
Work ethics: Strongly prides self in the ability to conscientiously treat all persons, regardless of race, color, creed, religion, or socioeconomic status with dignity and respect. Leans upon scripture which encourages all to … “Commit your works to the Lord and your plans shall be established.”