About Megan Carraco
Focus areas
Anxiety
Brain Based Therapy
Emotional Abuse
Betrayal Trauma
Childhood Trauma
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
Boundary Issues
EMDR Therapy
Clientele seen
Teenagers (13-17)
Seniors (65+)
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Adults (25-64)
Treatment approaches
Brainspotting
EMDR
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Exposure Response Prevention
Culturally Sensitive
Gestalt
Identity
Gender
FemaleFaith
JewishLanguages spoken
English
Getting to know Megan Carraco
If talking about it was enough, you wouldn't be here.
You overthink everything, replay conversations or re-read texts. You people-please even when it costs you, feel emotionally reactive or shut down, or stay on edge no matter how much you tell yourself you are safe. You may understand where these patterns came from, yet your body keeps responding the same way. That can feel frustrating, exhausting, and discouraging, especially when insight alone has not led to real change.
Therapy here focuses on working with the nervous system, not just talking about the problem. Approaches such as EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, and the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) help your brain and body process experiences that are still “stuck.” EMDR is often described as removing a splinter. Once it is out, the body can finally heal. It can also feel like taking a file that has been stuck on your mental desktop and placing it where it belongs, so it no longer pops up and disrupts your day. Somatic and nervous-system-based work helps your body learn that the present moment is safer, allowing your system to settle instead of staying on high alert, helping you safely connect with your family and friends.
As this work unfolds, many people notice that their reactions soften. Anxiety becomes more manageable. Old triggers carry less charge. You may feel more present in relationships, more confident in your decisions, and less controlled by habits that once felt automatic. Instead of constantly managing symptoms, you can put your energy into living in a way that feels more aligned with your values.
You do not need to know exactly what you need before starting. Therapy is collaborative, paced, and tailored to you. Appointments are available via telehealth for adults and older teens in Maryland and Virginia, making it easier to access care from your own space.
If you are ready for something to shift, support is available.
What should a new client know about working with you?
Before moving into private practice, I spent nearly a decade working as a researcher and clinician at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). That experience shaped how I think about therapy. My work is grounded in evidence-based care and informed by neuroscience, with close attention to how the brain and nervous system respond to stress, trauma, and relationships.
At the same time, therapy is not just a technical process. While research and data matter, healing happens in the context of a real human connection. Carl Jung once wrote that therapy is, at its core, “a human soul in contact with another human soul.” That perspective guides my work. You can expect a space that is thoughtful, attuned, and deeply respectful of your lived experience.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
Therapy begins with a collaborative intake session where you can share what has been feeling hardest and what you hope will change. There is no expectation to tell your full story all at once. Early sessions focus on building a sense of safety, understanding your nervous system patterns, and identifying the approaches that are likely to be most helpful for you.
Sessions are 50 minutes and are tailored to your pace and goals. Depending on your needs, work may include EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, parts-based approaches, or the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP). SSP is a listening-based intervention designed to support nervous system regulation and can be offered as a standalone service or integrated into therapy. With Safe and Sound and body based work, many patients report a reduction in symptoms within a few sessions.
As therapy progresses, sessions often shift from insight and stabilization toward processing and integration. This may involve targeting specific experiences with EMDR, learning to notice and respond to body cues, or using nervous-system-focused tools to reduce reactivity and build emotional resilience. The pace is adjusted based on how your system responds, with an emphasis on steady, sustainable change rather than pushing through.
Hate awkward therapy encounters? Log in via secure telehealth from anywhere that feels comfortable to you, whether that’s your couch, your office, or a quiet space at home. Telehealth allows for consistency and privacy while supporting meaningful, relational work.
The overall goal is to help you feel more grounded, present, and flexible in how you respond to stress, relationships, and daily life.
Out-of-pocket fees and assistance
Initial session: $200 for 50 minutes
Ongoing session: $200 for 50 minutes
- Files your insurance claim: You pay the session fee upfront and the provider files the claim for you, so you can get reimbursed directly without worrying about the paperwork
More information on payments and coverage
Potomac Behavioral Health is an out-of network provider, as are most therapy providers in DC and nearby Maryland suburbs. We collect payment at the time of service and provide you with an insurance-friendly receipt called a superbill.
Contact us to learn more about how simple it is to get paid back by your insurance company.
We provide you with a list of questions to ask your insurance company so there are no surprises.
With out of network care, your insurance cannot put arbitrary limits on the care you deserve.
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- Southern Methodist University, Master's in Clinical Psychology
- The University of Texas at Austin (Bachelor's)
NPI number
1437767415
How soon can I make an appointment with Megan Carraco?
Generally, Megan Carraco has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Megan Carraco's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Megan Carraco accepting new patients?
Megan Carraco generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Megan Carraco's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Megan Carraco accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Megan Carraco is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Megan Carraco online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Megan Carraco using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Megan Carraco work with?
Megan Carraco works with Potomac Behavioral Health.
What are common reasons for patients to see Megan Carraco?
Megan Carraco frequently sees patients for New Patient Visit, Pain Management Consultation, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Sleep Problems. You can see other visit reasons for Megan Carraco on their profile.
What languages does Megan Carraco speak?
Megan Carraco speaks English.