LaQuita McNickles

LICSW (she/her)15 years of experienceNext available
5.0 (20)
Authentic
Warm
Solution oriented

If you're navigating relationship issues, a breakup, divorce, or a major life transition and it's showing up as anxiety, depression, or an overwhelming sense of not knowing where to turn, you're in the right place.

I'm LaQuita, a licensed psychotherapist (in NJ, MA, & IL) and Certified Life Coach with a background in corporate, medical, and healthtech startup environments.

Hello, I'm LaQuita — a licensed therapist (NJ, MA & IL) and certified life coach with a background in corporate, medical, and healthtech startup environments. I received my Masters of Science in Social Work from the Columbia University School of Social Work and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Northeastern University.  I provide culturally responsive, affirming care for individuals of all identities and backgrounds, including BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities, and those in situationships, monogamous or ethically non-monogamous relationships.

First session

In our first session, we’ll explore the challenges you’re facing, how they impact you, your current coping strategies, and your goals for seeking treatment. This will help us to create a tailored treatment plan that guides our work toward achieving your goals on this therapeutic journey.

Strengths

With over 15 years of experience in psychotherapy and coaching, my greatest strengths as a provider are: 1) my ability to connect with clients by integrating all aspects of their identity-whether related to gender, race, culture, sexuality, or profession-into our work, and 2) my skill in addressing both clinical and non-clinical needs within the therapeutic space. My experiences and approach allow clients to feel fully seen, validated, and supported in achieving their unique goals.

Ideal clients

My approach is compassionate, collaborative, culturally humble and goal-oriented. I work best with clients who are motivated to take an active role in their treatment. Using evidence-based methods like CBT, ACT, and SFBT, I help them address challenges, recognize patterns, shift unhelpful thinking and beliefs, and build practical skills to struggle less with what they don't want and move closer toward the life they do want.

Treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I’ve been using CBT as my primary treatment orientation for most of my career. It's been highly effective in helping my clients identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts and beliefs, allowing them to shift their mindset to healthier perspectives. Through this process, clients develop practical skills to manage distressing emotions, respond to challenges in more constructive ways, and ultimately feel more in control of their lives.

Culturally Sensitive Therapy

I approach therapy with deep respect for each client’s cultural background, identity, and lived experiences, creating a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space. By integrating cultural and relational factors into therapy, clients feel seen, heard, and supported in fostering self-acceptance.

Acceptance and commitment (ACT)

I use ACT within my work to help clients build psychological flexibility by accepting their thoughts and feelings rather than trying to eliminate or avoid them. Through mindfulness and values-based actions, my clients can learn to observe their inner experiences with curiosity and not judgment.

Solution Focused Brief Treatment

For some of my clients, the best support is SFBT which is a goal-oriented approach that empowers them to focus on their strengths and take small steps toward their preferred future. This method helps them to create positive changes by leveraging resources and building a more satisfying life.

Location

Virtual sessions

Identifies as

  • Black / African American

  • Person of Color (POC)

  • Woman

Top specialties

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Life Transitions

Other specialties

  • Coping Skills

  • Grief

  • LGBTQ

  • Men's Issues

  • Women's Issues

Serves

  • Adults (18 to 64)

  • Individual Therapy

Doesn't specialize in

  • Couples Counseling

  • Family Therapy

Licensed in

  • IllinoisLicense 149025114

  • MassachusettsLicense LICSW127205

  • New JerseyLicense 44SC05763000

Accepts cash

$200/session

Reviews and ratings

5.0 rating (20)3 reviews
April 29, 2025

Being nonjudgemental is a strength that LaQuita not only practices authentically but also uses it to her advantage by underscoring the challenges she poses during our sessions. She recognizes her role in my healing process and adapts accordingly. I truly appreciate her attentiveness and genuine drive to help me make my life better.

Verified client, age 25-34Review shared after session 7 with LaQuita
April 17, 2025

Laquita is incredible, she opens up letting you know about herself and her practice, making sure you understand what you can get from CBT. She asks amazing questions and gives lots of room to answer. Overall 10/10 highly recommend!

Verified client, age 18-24Review shared after session 1 with LaQuita
April 9, 2025

My intake session was great. I look forward to continuing this journey with my therapist.

Verified client, age 35-44Review shared after session 1 with LaQuita
Schedule 60 min