Joshua McKinney

Your son works hard and wants to do well, but a single mistake can overshadow everything he gets right. Homework stretches into the evening. He replays conversations, worries about disappointing people, or snaps when you ask what’s wrong. Others see a capable kid; you see how difficult it is for him to switch off. You want to help without adding to the pressure. I’m Dr. Joshua McKinney, and I help boys and teens work through anxiety, perfectionism, OCD, and school stress. My path began in school counseling, working with students from kindergarten through high school. That experience shaped my understanding of the pressures kids face—in the classroom, with friends, and within themselves. I later earned my doctorate in Counseling Psychology from Chatham University and completed postdoctoral training at the CBT Center for Anxiety and OCD. In our sessions, connection comes first. There’s room for video games, sports, music, or whatever matters to your son. He doesn’t need a polished explanation of what’s wrong. We get to know each other, identify what he wants to change, and practice skills he can use throughout his week. Using cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and exposure-based approaches, I help him respond differently to worry, face challenges in manageable steps, and recover from mistakes with less self-criticism. For OCD, I use exposure and response prevention to help him work through fears without relying on rituals. Imagine homework being finished without another round of checking. A setback that doesn’t take over the evening. More room for friendships, laughter, and the activities he enjoys. Those are the everyday changes we work toward—along with confidence that reaches beyond his next achievement. I offer in-person appointments in Wexford and online therapy across Pennsylvania. Contact the practice today to discuss your son’s needs and ask about a first appointment with me.