Andrea M. Alvarez, M.Ed., LPC-S, NCC

Owner and Executive Director of AMA Behavioral Therapy, PLLC.

Andrea M. Alvarez, M.Ed., LPC-S, NCC, is a distinguished therapist and a leading expert in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and related anxiety disorders. With over 20 years of licensure experience, Andrea has established herself as a trusted authority in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), emotional regulation techniques, and evidence-based approaches to mental health treatment.

In 2009, Andrea founded AMA Behavioral Therapy, PLLC, a practice dedicated to guiding clients through life’s challenges with compassion and expertise. Her unwavering commitment to evidence-based care has garnered her widespread recognition within the mental health community.

Andrea holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Houston and a Master of Education in Counseling from the University of Texas-Pan American. Since achieving licensure to supervise new therapists in 2004, Andrea has been instrumental in mentoring and shaping the careers of aspiring mental health professionals.

Andrea approaches therapy as a collaborative journey, tailoring structured and goal-oriented sessions to meet each client’s unique needs. Her dedication to creating a supportive therapeutic environment ensures that clients feel empowered to achieve meaningful progress.

A passionate advocate for advancing the field, Andrea is a sought-after presenter at prestigious conferences, symposiums, and academic institutions. Her presentations reflect her deep commitment to enhancing the understanding and treatment of OCD and training the next generation of therapists. Most recently, she participated in the International OCD Foundation’s 2024 Advanced Forum in Toronto, Canada, where she expanded her expertise in complex OCD cases, treatment resistance, and innovative evidence-based methods.

Andrea is also devoted to addressing trichotillomania and other body-focused repetitive behaviors, consistently integrating the latest research into her practice. Her relentless pursuit of professional development not only elevates the quality of care she provides but also inspires her team and the broader mental health community.

Andrea is also a proud member of the International OCD Foundation, having attended their professional development (BTTI) to keep her skills top-notch in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure response prevention therapy (ERP) for clients with OCD. She’s also a dedicated professional member of the TLC Foundation. Currently, she holds the role of Treasurer on the OCD Texas Board since 2020.

As the Owner and Executive Director of AMA Behavioral Therapy, Andrea Alvarez embodies a profound dedication to helping others navigate life’s complexities with resilience and empowerment.

Her dedication to the OCD Texas community truly embodies expertise with a compassionate touch!

IOCDF’s 2024 Advanced Forum: This comprehensive professional development opportunity is designed for clinicians with substantial experience in treating OCD. This training focuses on enhancing expertise in complex cases, treatment resistance, & integrating evidence-based methods. This elevated training highlights Andrea’s ongoing commitment to refining and expanding AMA’s knowledge of evidence-based treatments like CBT, ERP, & much more.

A new exciting highlight of Andrea’s career is her presentation at the IOCDF conference this past July. Her presentation, titled “OCD & Big (Rage) Feelings”, shed light on the often-overlooked emotional challenges faced by those with OCD. By exploring the stages of anger, shame, and guilt experienced by sufferers, Andrea provided valuable insights and emotional regulation skills to help individuals break free from the cycle of negative emotions.