Christian Larco, psy.d.
SUCKING IT UP WORKS— UNTIL IT doesn’t.
I’m, a Washington-based licensed clinical psychologist providing individual therapy to adults in all 42+ PSYPACT participating states. I specialize in helping active duty military, veterans, and first responders navigate trauma through an insight-oriented, evidence-based approach.
IT TAKES STRENGTH TO survive. IT TAKES A DIFFERENT KIND TO SEEK THERAPY.
You’ve been trained to function under pressure. To stay sharp, push through, and handle what needs to be handled. For a long time, that mindset probably worked — it helped you do your job, protect others, and keep moving forward. But over time, the same strategies that once kept you going can start to take a toll. You might feel constantly on edge, disconnected from the people you care about, short-tempered, numb, or exhausted in ways rest doesn’t fix. You may not even recognize yourself the way you used to — and still feel unsure whether therapy is “necessary” or worth the effort.
Therapy here isn’t about breaking you down or taking away what makes you capable. It’s about understanding what your nervous system learned in high-stress environments, how those patterns are still showing up, and how to regain control where it’s been slipping. This is a space where you don’t have to perform, minimize, or explain yourself — just work honestly on what’s no longer working.
How I work
01
I BELIEVE CHANGE HAPPENS WHEN YOU approach WHAT’S UNCOMFORTABLE.
Therapy works best when we’re willing to look honestly at what’s happening — even when it’s uncomfortable. Avoidance is a powerful survival strategy, and it often makes sense given what you’ve been through. But over time, it can also keep you stuck. My role is to help you notice where old patterns are still running the show, understand why they developed, and work with you to change what’s no longer serving you — without shaming, coddling, or wasting your time.
02
I work collaboratively and practically, without overcomplicating things or softening what needs to be addressed. You’re the expert on your experience; I bring clinical training, perspective, and structure to help us make sense of what’s happening and identify where change is possible. I’m direct and honest in my feedback, and I’ll call things out when it matters — not to push or shame, but to help interrupt patterns that are keeping you stuck. At times that means slowing down and understanding what’s driving your reactions; other times it means being more directive and trying something different. I integrate evidence-based treatments for trauma and PTSD, tailoring the work to your nervous system, goals, and life rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all approach. I also believe humor and plain language belong in the room. This is serious work, but seriousness doesn’t mean stripping things of humanity. Humor can be a way of staying resilient and moving through dark places without getting swallowed by them.
My Specialties
TRAUMA & PTSD
01
EMDR
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MILITARY, VETERANS, & FIRST RESPONDERS
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My Background
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Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology - Argosy University
APA-Accredited predoctoral internship at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
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Certified in Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy through Tripler Army Medical Center
Certified in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT; an evidence-based treatment for traumatic stress) through Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
Certified in Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy through Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
Certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Nightmares (CBT-N) through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Substance Use Disorders (CBT-SUD) through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
IATP Clinical Certified Trauma Professional
Trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain (CBT-CP) through Nellis Air Force Base
Trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) through Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
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I served as an enlisted sailor in the U.S. Navy prior to earning my doctorate and commissioning as a Naval officer. I have since held leadership and clinical roles across military and VA healthcare systems. These include acting as clinic chief at multiple embedded behavioral health clinics, developing a Pain Psychology program at Nellis Air Force Base, and currently serving on a national team building a virtual Accelerated PTSD Treatment program.
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Licensed Clinical Psychologist - Washington License PY61668055
Licensed Clinical Psychologist - Florida License PY9341
PSYPACT Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) - APIT #22028
you’ve handled worse than this.