Megan Carraco

LCPC

• Maryland, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LC12570

Before starting Potomac Behavioral Health, I spent nearly a decade working in mental health research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). I was deep in the science—studying how the brain responds to stress, trauma, and attachment in patients whose coping mechanisms had become substance abuse. That foundation gave me a strong understanding of what actually helps people heal and what doesn't. It also taught me to always stay curious, grounded in evidence, and focused on what works for real people in the real world. Eventually, I wanted to work more directly with people—to sit with them in the hard moments and help guide them toward real, lasting change. I trained in EMDR, somatic therapy, and other trauma-informed approaches, which I now use every day in my private practice. Over time, I’ve become especially attuned to working with people who feel stuck in people-pleasing, anxiety, and self-doubt. Many of my clients have experienced emotional injuries in childhood or relationships that still echo in their adult lives—and we work together to understand those patterns and gently shift them. This blend of brain-based science and relational, present-focused therapy is the heart of my work. My goal is to help you rewire your nervous system to feel more at home in your own mind and body, more confident setting boundaries, and more connected to the life you actually want to live.