Heather McQuay, MD, LCSW-C

Maryland · 20 years in practice

Heather McQuay is a Maryland-based clinician with an MD and a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical credential.

License and registration

LCSW-C, Maryland: 14115 · expires October 2026
NPI: 1164661682 · national provider identifier
Years in practice: 20
Languages: English

Details are as listed on the therapist's public professional profile. You can check the license with the issuing state board, and the NPI with the national registry.

About Heather

Heather McQuay is a Maryland-based clinician with an MD and a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical credential. She brings 20 years in human services and more than a decade as a practicing therapist. She focuses on clear, practical help for people facing stress, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and life changes.

Heather uses a person-centered manner that puts the client’s goals first. Sessions are collaborative and straightforward. She listens for what matters most and helps people set realistic steps they can try between meetings.

Background and approach

Her work often draws on cognitive behavioral ideas to spot and change unhelpful thinking patterns. She also uses acceptance and commitment methods to help people clarify values and take small committed actions. Existential perspectives are part of her practice when clients want to talk about meaning, purpose, or big life questions.

Heather has supported people through relationship strain, parenting stress, caregiving burnout, career transitions, and challenges related to chronic illness. She also addresses concerns such as ADHD, bipolar mood issues, body image, attachment questions, and abandonment worries. Her aim is practical coping and clearer choices, not quick fixes.

Clients can expect a steady, humane approach grounded in experience. Heather helps people break problems into manageable parts and build skills that fit everyday life. She invites prospective clients to consider what they want to change and to take the next step when ready.

Focus areas and approaches

Everything Heather lists on their public professional profile, in their own terms.

Stress, Anxiety
Trauma and abuse
Anger management
Depression
Coping with life changes
Relationship issues
Family conflicts
Grief
Parenting issues
Self esteem
Career difficulties
Bipolar disorder
Coaching
Compassion fatigue
ADHD
Abandonment
Adoption and foster care
Aging and geriatric issues
Attachment issues
Avoidant personality
Blended family issues
Body image
Caregiver issues and stress
Chronic pain, illness, and disability
Codependency
Commitment issues
Communication problems
Control issues
Coping with natural or human-caused disaster
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
Dissociation
Divorce and separation
Domestic violence
Drug and alcohol addiction
Emptiness
Family of origin issues
Family problems
Fatherhood issues
Fertility issues
First responder issues
Forgiveness
Guilt and shame
Hoarding
Impulsivity
Infidelity
Isolation / loneliness
Jealousy
Life purpose
Midlife crisis
Money and financial issues
Mood disorders
Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD
Panic disorder and panic attacks
Phobias
Postpartum depression
Post-traumatic stress
Pregnancy and childbirth
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Self-harm
Self-love
Sexual assault and abuse
Smoking / vaping cessation
Social anxiety and phobia
Women's issues
Workplace issues
Young adult issues

Approaches Heather names

Naming an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist lists and does not check training records.

Online support

Therapeutic approaches and how they fit online

Heather commonly draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which helps people notice thoughts and feelings without getting stuck and then commit to actions that match their values. This approach can help with anxiety, depression, and major life changes by focusing on meaningful steps rather than symptom elimination.

She also uses Client-Centered Therapy, which emphasizes an empathic, nonjudgmental relationship and supports people as they find their own solutions. That approach is useful when someone needs a steady space to process grief, relationship strain, or identity questions.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Heather will talk with clients about goals, preferences, and what feels helpful. Together they decide which ideas and techniques to try and adjust them as progress is made.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to match different needs. Video can mirror an in-person meeting for deeper conversation. Phone sessions use less bandwidth and can fit into a busy day. Live chat and text messaging are useful for short check-ins, coaching-style work, or continuing skill practice between sessions. These options provide flexibility so people can access support around work, caregiving, or health demands.

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Questions people ask

What concerns does Heather commonly address?

She works with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma and abuse, anger, parenting challenges, relationship issues, career questions, ADHD, bipolar mood concerns, and related struggles.

How would you describe her therapy style?

Her style is person-centered and collaborative. She listens, helps set goals, and uses practical steps people can try between sessions.

What is her professional background?

Heather has 20 years in human services and over a decade as a licensed therapist working with clinical concerns and life transitions.

What credentials and location are listed?

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

Which languages are supported and are international clients seen?

Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.

What session formats are available?

Heather offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different schedules and needs.

How is cost handled for sessions?

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

How do I begin working with Heather?

Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

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