Heather McQuay

Experienced clinician blending evidence-based approaches

MD, LCSW-C Maryland

Experience: 20 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Anger
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages: English

About Heather

Heather McQuay brings more than two decades of experience in human services and over a decade as a licensed clinical social worker to her therapeutic practice.

Background and approach

As an MD and LCSW-C licensed in Maryland, she has supported people navigating anxiety, depression, grief, mood disorders, and the long-term effects of trauma. Her training and clinical history inform a steady, informed approach to care while keeping each person's situation front and center.

She practices from a person-centered perspective that emphasizes respect, collaboration, and individual strengths. Heather combines practical tools from cognitive behavioral therapy with elements of acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and motivational interviewing, tailoring techniques to match each client’s goals.

Clients can expect goal-focused work that balances problem-solving strategies with attention to values and resilience. Heather welcomes those ready to pursue greater self-understanding and practical change, guiding the process with empathy and clinical experience.

Evidence-Based Approaches for Online Care

Heather often integrates cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy into online work. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on identifying and changing thought and behavior patterns that contribute to distress, which can help with anxiety, depression, and stress-related problems. Acceptance and commitment therapy helps clients clarify values and build psychological flexibility through mindful acceptance and committed action, useful for coping with life changes and persistent emotional pain.

She approaches treatment collaboratively, recognizing that finding the right therapeutic method is part of the process. The therapist and client work together to choose strategies that match the client’s goals, symptoms, and preferences, and adjustments are made over time based on what proves most helpful.

Online therapy with Heather is offered through several remote formats including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, which allows for flexibility in scheduling and communication style. These options can make it easier to attend regular sessions, practice skills between appointments, and maintain continuity of care when in-person meetings aren’t feasible.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Heather commonly address?

She works with a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger, depression, grief, relationship and family issues, parenting, self esteem, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and compassion fatigue.

What is Heather's therapeutic style?

Her work is person-centered and collaborative, drawing on approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and motivational interviewing to tailor care to individual needs.

How much clinical experience does she have?

Heather has 20 years in the human services field and more than a decade practicing as a licensed therapist, bringing substantial clinical exposure to her sessions.

What credentials and location are listed?

She holds an MD and is a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical (LCSW-C) in Maryland with license number MD LCSW-C 14115.

Does she offer services in other languages or to international clients?

Sessions are offered in English, and she is not currently accepting international clients.

Which session formats are available?

Heather offers multiple remote formats including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different preferences and schedules.

How are fees and scheduling handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What are the steps to begin working together?

To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule based on therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Trauma and abuseAnger managementDepression Coping with life changes

Also works with

Relationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoachingCompassion fatigue ADHD

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 disorders Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD Panic disorder and panic attacks PhobiasPostpartum 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 approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Existential TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapySomatic TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

20+ years

Licensed

Maryland

Languages

English