Mickey McMahon, LLMSW-C

Mickey McMahon, LLMSW-C provides therapy for children, teens, and families experiencing emotional dysregulation, trauma, ADHD-related concerns, neurodivergence, anxiety, depression, behavioral challenges, and family stress. Mickey is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and provides Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), allowing him to work with children who have experienced trauma as well as younger children and caregivers experiencing behavioral or relationship challenges.

Mickey takes a collaborative and creative approach to therapy, working with children and caregivers to identify strengths, develop practical skills, and work toward meaningful goals. They bring a warm, playful, and supportive style to sessions and strive to help children and teens feel welcome, understood, and empowered.

About Mickey McMahon, LLMSW-C

Mickey earned his Master of Social Work degree from Western Michigan University, with specialized training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Trauma Across the Lifespan.

His professional experience includes working with teenagers in the foster care system and college students with autism spectrum disorder. Mickey also brings a background in disability studies to his clinical work, which informs his approach to supporting neurodivergent children, teens, and families.

Therapy for Neurodivergent Children and Teens

Mickey has a particular interest in working with neurodivergent young people, including children and teens with ADHD-related concerns and autism spectrum disorder. They recognize that each child experiences the world differently and work collaboratively with clients and caregivers to understand the individual child’s strengths, challenges, communication style, and needs.

For families seeking additional diagnostic clarification related to attention, learning, development, or other concerns, Kalamazoo Child & Family Counseling also provides psychological testing and evaluations and comprehensive ADHD testing.

Trauma-Focused Therapy and TF-CBT

Mickey is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), an evidence-based treatment for children and adolescents who have experienced trauma.

TF-CBT can help young people develop coping and emotional-regulation skills, better understand trauma reactions, process difficult experiences, and strengthen communication and support with caregivers. Mickey’s experience working with teenagers in foster care and his training in trauma across the lifespan also inform his trauma-focused approach.

Families can learn more about therapy for childhood trauma and post-traumatic stress at Kalamazoo Child & Family Counseling.

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

Mickey also provides Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), an evidence-based treatment that works directly with young children and their caregivers.

PCIT helps caregivers strengthen their relationship with their child while learning practical skills for responding to challenging behavior. It can be especially helpful for young children experiencing frequent tantrums, defiance, aggression, difficulty following directions, or problems regulating strong emotions.

Mickey’s playful and collaborative style fits naturally with PCIT’s emphasis on strengthening positive caregiver-child interactions while giving parents concrete skills they can practice during sessions and at home.

DBT and Emotional Regulation

Mickey also has experience using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) strategies with adolescents. DBT-informed skills can help teens develop greater awareness of emotions, tolerate distress, improve communication, and respond more effectively when emotions become intense.

Mickey works collaboratively with young people and their caregivers to determine which skills and therapeutic approaches best fit the child’s age, needs, experiences, and treatment goals.

Clinical Interests

Mickey’s clinical interests and areas of experience include:

• Neurodivergence
• ADHD-related concerns
• Autism spectrum disorder
• Emotional dysregulation
• Childhood trauma
• Post-traumatic stress
• Sexual abuse and traumatic experiences
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Oppositional and defiant behavior
• Parenting and caregiver support
• Foster care experiences
• Family relationships

A Collaborative Approach to Child and Family Therapy

Mickey believes that supporting a child often means supporting the people around them as well. When appropriate, they involve parents and caregivers in treatment so families can better understand their child’s needs, reinforce skills outside of therapy, and work together toward treatment goals.

The goal is not simply to focus on a child’s difficulties, but to recognize the strengths that children, teens, and families already possess and build from those strengths.

Looking for a Therapist for Your Child or Teen?

If you are interested in working with Mickey or another member of our child and adolescent therapy team, you can request a therapy intake online. Our team can help determine which available provider may be a good fit for your child and family.

You may also call 269-615-7637 and select Extension 1 for assistance.