66/100RP Score
Ranked #1 because of its Google rating and proximity: 5.0★ from 47 Google reviews, based in Gaithersburg.
Best Trauma And PTSD Therapists in Gaithersburg, MD (2026)
77 trauma and PTSD therapists ranked by RP ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →
The short answer
- 1
Best overall in Gaithersburg: A Step Forward Counseling & Psychotherapy, RP Score 66/100; 5.0★ from 47 Google reviews; open 7 days a week.
- 9
Most-reviewed: Orchard Mental Health Group, 195 Google reviews at 4.5★, the most of 77 ranked; ranked #9.
Rankings can't be bought. Psychologists can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank
77 Gaithersburg trauma and PTSD therapists are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 28 open Saturdays and 18 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.9★ across 77 rated practices.
Top 10 trauma and PTSD therapists in Gaithersburg at a glance
Ranked by the RP Score from public listing data, not by treatment outcomes; Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank.
| Rank | Business | RP Score | Google rating | Based in | Hours | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A Step Forward Counseling & Psychotherapy | 66 | 5.0★ (47) | Gaithersburg | Sat · Sun · Evenings | Overall |
| 2 | Megan Samuels, Eating Disorder & EMDR Trauma Therapist | 63 | 5.0★ (5) | Rockville, 4 mi away | Evenings | — |
| 3 | Darby Integrative Counseling, LLC - EMDR, Couples, LGBTQIA+ Specialists | 61 | 4.9★ (23) | Silver Spring, 14 mi away | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
| 4 | Gaithersburg Counseling Center | 61 | 4.3★ (39) | Gaithersburg | Sat · Evenings | — |
| 5 | Mindspace Clinical Counseling | Virtual Therapy for Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, OCD, Christian Counseling | 61 | 5.0★ (7) | Rockville, 8 mi away | Sat · Evenings | — |
| 6 | Another Look at Healing, LLC - Therapy and Wellness | 61 | 4.6★ (11) | Gaithersburg | Sat · Evenings | — |
| 7 | Micah Fleitman, LPC • EMDR Trauma Therapist | 60 | 5.0★ (20) | Arlington, 19 mi away | — | — |
| 8 | Soulglow Wellness L.L.C. | 59 | 5.0★ (9) | Frederick, 22 mi away | Sat | — |
| 9 | Orchard Mental Health Group | 58 | 4.5★ (195) | Rockville, 3 mi away | — | Most reviews |
| 10 | Growth & Healing LLC | 57 | 5.0★ (9) | Ballenger Creek, 20 mi away | — | — |
The 77 best trauma and PTSD therapists in Gaithersburg, ranked
Ordered by RP Score, a 0–100 score from eight published factors. Paid placement never changes the order.
Ranked by the RP Score from public listing data, not by treatment outcomes; Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank.
Scores below: based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected. Hatched segments mark factors we don't have yet.
Based in Rockville, 4 mi away
63/100RP ScoreRanked #2 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.
Based in Silver Spring, 14 mi away
61/100RP ScoreRanked #3 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.9★ from 23 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.
Based in Gaithersburg
61/100RP ScoreRanked #4 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.3★ from 39 Google reviews, based in Gaithersburg.
Based in Rockville, 8 mi away
61/100RP ScoreRanked #5 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 7 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.
Based in Gaithersburg
61/100RP ScoreRanked #6 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.6★ from 11 Google reviews, based in Gaithersburg.
Based in Arlington, 19 mi away
60/100RP ScoreRanked #7 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “EMDR psychotherapist”, 5.0★ from 20 Google reviews.
Based in Frederick, 22 mi away
59/100RP ScoreRanked #8 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “EMDR psychotherapist”, 5.0★ from 9 Google reviews.
Based in Rockville, 3 mi away
58/100RP ScoreRanked #9 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.5★ from 195 Google reviews, 3 mi from Gaithersburg.
Based in Ballenger Creek, 20 mi away
57/100RP ScoreRanked #10 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “EMDR psychotherapist”, 5.0★ from 9 Google reviews.
Based in Rockville, 8 mi away
57/100RP ScoreRanked #11 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.0★ from 4 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.
Based in Gaithersburg
57/100RP ScoreRanked #12 because of its Google rating and proximity: 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews, based in Gaithersburg.
Based in Washington, D.C., 18 mi away
57/100RP ScoreRanked #13 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.2★ from 10 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychologist”.
Based in Bethesda, 12 mi away
56/100RP ScoreRanked #14 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 19 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.
Based in Glenmont, 24 mi away
55/100RP ScoreRanked #15 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “EMDR psychotherapist”, 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews.
Based in Falls Church, 18 mi away
55/100RP ScoreRanked #16 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 17 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.
Based in Washington, D.C., 18 mi away
54/100RP ScoreRanked #17 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.3★ from 16 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.
Based in Green Valley, 24 mi away
54/100RP ScoreRanked #18 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “EMDR psychotherapist”, 4.0★ from 4 Google reviews.
Based in Fairfax, 19 mi away
54/100RP ScoreRanked #19 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.1★ from 9 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.
Based in Olney, 7 mi away
53/100RP ScoreRanked #20 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 7 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.
Based in Reston, 15 mi away
53/100RP ScoreRanked #21 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 3.7★ from 17 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”.
Based in Dranesville, 15 mi away
53/100RP ScoreRanked #22 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health clinic”.
Based in McLean, 15 mi away
53/100RP ScoreRanked #23 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.
Based in Silver Spring, 13 mi away
52/100RP ScoreRanked #24 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.9★ from 91 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.
Based in Leesburg, 16 mi away
52/100RP ScoreRanked #25 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.3★ from 6 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.
Trauma and PTSD therapists ranked #26 to #50
#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #50, in RP Score order; each links to its profile. We publish the top 50 of 77 ranked trauma and PTSD therapists here; the rest are on their profiles.
Also serving Gaithersburg
20 more trauma and PTSD therapists within 25 mi that we can't rank yet: too few reviews, or a specialty we couldn't confirm. Listed A to Z.
How we ranked Gaithersburg trauma and PTSD therapists
We scored 77 Gaithersburg trauma and PTSD therapists on eight factors, weighted as shown. A practice is ranked when its specialty is confirmed and it has 3 or more Google reviews or a claimed profile. A practice with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency. Other unknown factors are left out, not counted as zero. Scores last refreshed November 9, 2026.
Paid placement never changes a rank or score. Sponsored businesses are paid, labelled, limited to 3 and shown above the ranking, outside it.
| Factor | Weight | Computed from | In Gaithersburg data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reputation | 25% | Google star rating, adjusted for how many reviews back it | Measured |
| Review volume | 5% | Number of Google reviews, compared with the most-reviewed practice on the list | Measured |
| Recency | 5% | Share of Google reviews from the last 12 months | Not yet collected |
| Availability | 10% | Weekly open hours, Saturday, Sunday, and round-the-clock or same-day availability | Measured |
| Specialty focus | 25% | How clearly the practice does this specialty (its Google category and name) | Measured |
| Proximity | 15% | Based in the city scores highest, less the farther away it is | Measured |
| Claimed profile | 10% | The practice has claimed its Ranked Psychologists profile (free or paid earn the same) | Measured |
| Partnered | 5% | The practice links to Ranked Psychologists from its own website with our badge, checked periodically | Measured |
How to choose a trauma and PTSD therapist
- Check the license with the state or provincial board that issued it; most boards publish a free online lookup.
- Make sure trauma and PTSD therapy is a regular part of their work, and ask what approach they use and why.
- Ask about their training in a named trauma therapy (CPT, PE or EMDR) and whether they hold a certification in it.
- Ask about fees, insurance and the cancellation policy before the first session. In the US, if you are uninsured or paying yourself, you can ask for a good faith estimate of expected charges.
- Check practical fit: in-person or online sessions, evening times, and how soon they have an opening.
- After a few sessions, ask yourself whether you feel heard. Changing to a different provider is common and fine.
Questions to ask a trauma and PTSD therapist
- Are you accepting new clients, and how soon could I start?
- Which license do you hold, and in which state or province?
- How much of your work is trauma and PTSD therapy?
- Which trauma therapy do you use, and how many sessions does it usually take?
- What do you charge per session, and do you take my insurance or provide a superbill?
- Do you offer online sessions?
- What is your cancellation policy?
- What do you keep confidential, and when would you have to share information?
Terms explained
- PhD / PsyD
- Doctoral degrees in psychology. A PhD usually has a stronger research focus, a PsyD a stronger clinical focus; both can lead to a psychologist license.
- Licensed psychologist
- A person licensed by a state or provincial psychology board to practice psychology. The title is protected by law.
- Psychological associate
- In some states and provinces, a master’s-level practitioner licensed or registered by the psychology board, often with supervision requirements.
- LPC / LMHC / LCPC
- US licenses for professional or mental health counselors (the name differs by state). They provide counseling and therapy.
- LCSW
- Licensed clinical social worker: a master’s-level social worker licensed to provide therapy.
- LMFT
- Licensed marriage and family therapist: licensed to treat individuals, couples and families with a focus on relationships.
- RP / RCC
- Registered psychotherapist (Ontario) and registered clinical counsellor (British Columbia): Canadian titles for licensed therapy providers.
- PSYPACT
- An interstate agreement that lets psychologists licensed in a member state provide telepsychology to clients in other member states once they hold the required authorization.
- Telehealth
- Sessions held by secure video or phone instead of in person. The provider generally needs to be licensed where the client is located.
- CBT
- Cognitive behavioral therapy: a structured talk therapy that works on the links between thoughts, feelings and behavior.
- DBT
- Dialectical behavior therapy: a form of CBT that teaches skills for managing intense emotions and relationships.
- ERP
- Exposure and response prevention: a form of CBT used for OCD.
Trauma and PTSD therapists in Gaithersburg: frequently asked questions
Who is the best trauma and PTSD therapist in Gaithersburg?
By RP Score, the highest-ranked trauma and PTSD therapist in Gaithersburg, MD is A Step Forward Counseling & Psychotherapy with an RP Score of 66/100. It has 5.0★ from 47 Google reviews. It is open 7 days a week. Megan Samuels, Eating Disorder & EMDR Trauma Therapist (#2) and Darby Integrative Counseling, LLC - EMDR, Couples, LGBTQIA+ Specialists (#3) follow. We ranked 77 trauma and PTSD therapists on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.
How many trauma and PTSD therapists are there in Gaithersburg?
RankedPsychologists ranks 77 trauma and PTSD therapists serving Gaithersburg, MD. 4 of them are based in Gaithersburg; the rest serve it from nearby towns. Another 20 within 25 mi are listed but not ranked yet. Counts are as of November 2026.
What should I do if I need help right now?
In crisis or thinking about suicide? Call or text 988 (US and Canada), any time. In an emergency, call 911. This site cannot help in an emergency.
Which trauma and PTSD therapists in Gaithersburg work on weekends?
28 of 77 ranked trauma and PTSD therapists post Saturday hours and 18 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are A Step Forward Counseling & Psychotherapy (#1), Darby Integrative Counseling, LLC - EMDR, Couples, LGBTQIA+ Specialists (#3) and Gaithersburg Counseling Center (#4). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.
What Google rating do Gaithersburg trauma and PTSD therapists have?
The median Google rating among 77 rated trauma and PTSD therapists in Gaithersburg is 4.9★, with a median of 10 reviews. Orchard Mental Health Group has the most, 195 reviews, and ranks #9. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.
How does RankedPsychologists rank trauma and PTSD therapists?
Each trauma and PTSD therapist gets a 0–100 RP Score from eight published factors, led by reputation (25%), specialty focus (25%), proximity (15%) and availability (10%). A practice with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency; other factors we cannot measure are left out. Only practices with a confirmed specialty and 3 or more reviews, or a claimed profile, are ranked.
Do trauma and PTSD therapists outside Gaithersburg count in this ranking?
Yes, if they are within 25 mi of the Gaithersburg city center, our service radius for trauma and PTSD therapists. Each listing shows where the practice is based and how far away it is. Proximity is 15% of the RP Score, so a nearby practice gets a small edge.
Can trauma and PTSD therapists pay to rank higher on RankedPsychologists?
No. The RP Score never reads payment status, and this ranking has 0 paid placements. Up to 3 Featured practices may appear above the list, labelled Sponsored and showing their honest rank.
How are trauma and PTSD therapists in Gaithersburg ranked?
Each practice gets an RP Score from 0 to 100 from 8 published factors, including its Google rating, how clearly it focuses on trauma and PTSD therapy and how close it is. Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank. The score does not measure treatment outcomes.
What therapies are used for trauma and PTSD?
Trauma-focused therapies include cognitive processing therapy (CPT), prolonged exposure (PE) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Ask which one a therapist uses and what training they completed in it.
Can I see a trauma and PTSD therapist online?
Often, yes. Licensing generally follows where you are during the session, so the provider needs to be licensed or authorized there. In the US, psychologists in PSYPACT member states can offer telepsychology to clients in other member states; counselors and social workers have their own rules. In Canada, ask whether the provider is registered in your province.
What if I need help right now?
Do not wait for a consultation. Call or text 988 (US and Canada) if you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, at any time. In an emergency, call 911.
Update log for Gaithersburg
- November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 77 trauma and PTSD therapists serving Gaithersburg.
More trauma and PTSD therapists and Gaithersburg pages
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Other specialties in Gaithersburg
- Psychologists in Gaithersburg377 ranked
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- Couples therapists in Gaithersburg245 ranked
- Family therapists in Gaithersburg210 ranked
- Neuropsychologists in Gaithersburg19 ranked
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- Anxiety and OCD therapists in Gaithersburg13 ranked
- Eating disorder therapists in Gaithersburg39 ranked
- Psychiatrists in Gaithersburg830 ranked
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- All psychologists in Gaithersburg