Heather McQuay, MD, LCSW-C
Experienced Maryland therapist for trauma and mood
- Trauma and mood disorders
- Person-centered care
- Flexible online sessions
About Heather McQuay
Heather McQuay is a Maryland-based clinician with 20 years of experience in the human services field and more than a decade practicing as a licensed therapist. She holds MD and LCSW-C credentials - MD indicates a Doctor of Medicine and LCSW-C denotes a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical, a credential for clinical social work in Maryland - and brings a depth of clinical knowledge to her work with individuals facing emotional and life challenges.
Her practice has focused on helping people manage anxiety, depression, grief and loss, mood disorders, and the long-term effects of trauma from both childhood and adulthood. She also supports clients navigating stress, relationship and family issues, parenting concerns, career and self-esteem struggles, and conditions such as bipolar disorder and ADHD. Heather blends evidence-based techniques with strength-focused strategies to help clients find practical ways forward.
Grounded in a person-centered approach, she emphasizes respect, collaboration, and the client’s own goals. She adapts methods from cognitive behavioral therapy, strength-based work, solution-focused strategies, and motivational interviewing to suit each person’s needs. Heather aims to create an empowering space where individuals can increase self-understanding, build coping skills, and pursue meaningful change, offering steady support throughout the therapeutic process.
Her practice has focused on helping people manage anxiety, depression, grief and loss, mood disorders, and the long-term effects of trauma from both childhood and adulthood. She also supports clients navigating stress, relationship and family issues, parenting concerns, career and self-esteem struggles, and conditions such as bipolar disorder and ADHD. Heather blends evidence-based techniques with strength-focused strategies to help clients find practical ways forward.
Grounded in a person-centered approach, she emphasizes respect, collaboration, and the client’s own goals. She adapts methods from cognitive behavioral therapy, strength-based work, solution-focused strategies, and motivational interviewing to suit each person’s needs. Heather aims to create an empowering space where individuals can increase self-understanding, build coping skills, and pursue meaningful change, offering steady support throughout the therapeutic process.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHoardingImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Existential Therapy Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Somatic Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Heather McQuay have?
20 years of experience.
Is Heather McQuay a licensed therapist?
Yes, holds these credentials: MD, LCSW-C. License details: MD LCSW-C 14115.
In which languages does Heather McQuay provide therapy?
English.
Where is Heather McQuay located?
Maryland.
How can I work with Heather McQuay as my therapist?
You can work with Heather McQuay through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Heather McQuay work with international clients?
Heather McQuay does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Heather McQuay cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, just click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Just click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic approaches and online care that fit your life
Heather integrates client-centered therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy to support people in making meaningful changes. Client-centered therapy focuses on empathetic, nonjudgmental listening and collaboration, helping individuals feel understood and empowered to set their own goals. Cognitive behavioral therapy offers practical tools to identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, which can be especially useful for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns.
Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic journey, and Heather works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences. She tailors techniques and pacing so the work feels useful and sustainable for the individual.
Online therapy options - including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging - make it easier to fit care into a busy life or to connect when in-person meetings are not practical. These formats provide flexibility in scheduling, allow for continuity of support across life changes, and let clients choose the mode of communication that feels most comfortable while working with licensed professionals and therapists.