Laura Hickok, PhD in Baltimore: Psychologist Specializing in Trauma and EMDR

Laura Hickok, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist in Baltimore who specializes in trauma treatment, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), and anxiety disorders. She operates a private practice serving adult clients seeking evidence-based talk therapy, with a focus on post-traumatic stress disorder and complex trauma histories.

What Laura Hickok, PhD, actually does

Hickok holds a doctorate in clinical psychology and is licensed to practice independently in Maryland. Her clinical work centers on trauma-informed care, using EMDR as a primary modality alongside cognitive-behavioral approaches. She does not prescribe medication; clients requiring psychiatric medication work with a separate prescriber. She accepts new patients and maintains a small caseload, meaning appointment availability is typically longer than at larger group practices but with continuity of care from the same clinician.

Services and fees

Hickok's practice focuses on trauma-specific psychotherapy. EMDR sessions typically run 50 to 60 minutes and cost between $120 and $150 per session, depending on insurance coverage and out-of-pocket arrangements. Traditional talk therapy for anxiety and other conditions follows similar per-session pricing. Payment is due at each appointment; many clients use out-of-network benefits through their health insurance plan, submit superbills themselves, and receive reimbursement directly from their insurer. Hickok does not bill insurance directly, so confirm your deductible and out-of-network coverage limits before scheduling.

How this compares to other Baltimore psychologists

Baltimore has several large group practices offering psychology and counseling, including the University of Maryland Medical System's psychiatry and psychology clinics and independent group practices like Towson Psychological Associates, which accept insurance directly and have shorter wait times (often 2 to 4 weeks for new patients). Hickok's single-practitioner model means initial availability is typically 4 to 8 weeks out, but ongoing sessions with the same clinician avoid the fragmentation common at larger centers. For trauma-specific EMDR in particular, Hickok is one of the few independent providers in Baltimore with advanced training; most other EMDR practitioners are embedded in larger medical systems or work part-time in trauma centers. If you need same-week or walk-in availability, a larger practice or urgent psychiatric care clinic is better; if you prioritize continuity and trauma expertise, Hickok's model suits you.

Who this suits and who it doesn't

Hickok is appropriate for adults with a trauma history, PTSD, complex anxiety, or attachment-related difficulties who want specialized, long-term outpatient therapy. Her practice is not suited for crisis situations, acute suicidality, or psychiatric medication management, which require psychiatry or emergency services. She does not treat children or adolescents. If you are uninsured and cannot afford out-of-network fees, Baltimore's community mental health centers (affiliated with the Baltimore City Health Department) offer sliding-scale services and may be a better entry point; you can then seek specialist referral to private practitioners afterward.

What the first visit involves

Initial appointments typically last 60 to 75 minutes and include a clinical interview covering your history, current symptoms, trauma background, and treatment goals. Hickok will explain EMDR and other modalities, discuss whether she is the right fit for your needs, and outline the expected timeline and cost structure. You will bring insurance information (if seeking reimbursement) and a list of current medications or supplements. If you are in acute crisis at the time you contact her office, she may direct you to an emergency service rather than schedule a routine intake.

Hours, parking, and logistics

Hickok's practice is located in the Roland Park/Guilford area of Baltimore. Office hours are typically Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with limited evening slots available; confirm current hours and availability by phone when scheduling, as private practices often shift hours seasonally or with patient demand. Street parking is available nearby, and there is no dedicated lot. Sessions are in-person; telehealth is offered for established clients in Maryland only, subject to state licensing rules. Allow an extra 15 minutes for parking search, particularly during weekday afternoons.

Laura Hickok, PhD, fills a specific niche in Baltimore's mental health landscape: she offers specialized trauma treatment with continuity of care from a single clinician, which is rare among independent practitioners in the region. Her approach suits patients ready for longer-term, focused work on PTSD and complex trauma.