Child, Teen & Young Adult Therapy in McLean, Virginia
Therapy for big feelings, busy brains, and the people who love them.
At Nicole McGarry & Associates, we help kids, teens, and young adults navigate ADHD, anxiety, and big emotions. By pairing neuroscience with compassion, we make sense of what's happening and create a clearer path forward.
Who We Serve
Growing up is complicated. Finding support shouldn't be.
Thoughtful, practical support for kids, teens, young adults, and the parents supporting them.
Ages 7–18 and Young Adults • McLean, Virginia • Telehealth Across Virginia • Private Pay
Our Approach
When things get complicated, we get curious.
Every client's story has many pieces: how their nervous system responds, their temperament, their relationships, and the strengths they bring. When behavior is puzzling, we ask why. When progress takes time, we look deeper.
By connecting those pieces, we build a clearer understanding of what's happening beneath the surface and turn that understanding into practical next steps. It's thoughtful, collaborative care that helps you move forward with confidence.
How We Help
Support for the challenges that show up in everyday life.
Emotional Regulation
Helping kids, teens, and young adults understand big emotions and build practical tools for everyday life, at home and at school.
Anxiety in Kids, Teens & Young Adults
When worry gets in the way, we help clients find their footing and move forward with greater confidence.
ADHD & Executive Functioning
Understanding how the brain works and building skills for focus, organization, planning, and follow-through.
Parent Partnership & School Support
Parent coaching, 504 plan guidance, and school collaboration to help everyone work toward the same goals.
We also support clients through life's transitions, including divorce, moves, loss, and other significant life changes and challenges.
What You Can Expect
Understanding is just the beginning.
1
We Find the Why
We look beneath the behavior to understand what's really happening, so you can stop guessing and start moving forward.
2
We Explain Clearly
Meaningful insights, plain language, and practical steps you can start using in everyday life.
3
We Stay With You
We're part of your team, offering collaborative support that grows and adapts as your needs change.
4
Care That Works Together
Coordinating therapy, occupational therapy, and school support when needed, so everyone works from the same plan.
5
Real Life, Real Change
From calmer mornings to more confident relationships, we focus on progress that makes a difference beyond the therapy room.
Nicole McGarry, LPC
Clinical Director & Founder
Meet Nicole
A little curiosity can change everything.
Behind every challenging behavior, overwhelming emotion, or personal struggle is a “why.” Nicole McGarry helps kids, teens, young adults, and families understand what's happening beneath the surface and, just as importantly, what to do next.
With more than 20 years of experience, Nicole brings a thoughtful blend of neuroscience, compassion, and practical guidance to her work. Warm, direct, and collaborative, she helps clients and families feel understood, supported, and better equipped for everyday life.
Good to Know
A few questions before getting started?
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We work with kids and teens ages 7–18, young adults, and parents looking for guidance on supporting their children.
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Yes! Whether your child was recently diagnosed or you've been navigating ADHD for years, we help your family understand how their brain works and build practical skills for focus, organization, and emotional regulation.
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Absolutely. Parents are an important part of the process. We offer parent coaching alongside your child's therapy to help bring strategies and support into everyday life at home.
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Yes! We offer in-person sessions in McLean, Virginia, along with telehealth throughout the state.
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We're a private pay practice.
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Simply call, email, or reach out through our contact form. We'll connect with you to learn a little more about what's going on and schedule a consultation.
Get Started
Let's figure this out together.
Reaching out is a big step, and you don't need to have all the words yet. Call, email, or send a quick note below, and we'll be in touch to talk through what's going on and how we can help.
Need Immediate Support?
If you or someone else is experiencing a mental health crisis or is concerned about their immediate safety, please seek support right away. Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Text Line counselor, or call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room if there is immediate danger. Please note that this contact form is not monitored for emergencies and should not be used to request immediate assistance.