Dr. Cathi Sitzman, PhD, Psychologist
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Dr. Cathi Sitzman, PhD

Psychologist | Adult Development & Aging

5/5(3)
908 New Hampshire Ave Nw Suite 303 Washington DC, 20037
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Rating

5/5

About

Dr. Cathi Sitzman is a psychologist practicing in Washington, DC. Dr. Sitzman specializes in the treatment of health mental problems, with particular expertise in the areas of anxiety, trauma, depression and PTSD. She has been recognized as a TopDoc in the field of Psychology (2017) and is an active member of the therapeutic community. Dr. Sitzman also has vast experience with women’s health, reproductive health, and work with couples (Straight and LGBTQ Communities).

Education and Training

The Cahtolic University of America Ph.D. Counseling 1976

Provider Details

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Dr. Cathi Sitzman, PhD
Dr. Cathi Sitzman, PhD's Expert Contributions
  • My wife's severe anger?

    Clearly your wife is suffering from some kind of disorder…either physical or psychological (or both). I recommend a full exam for her, assuming she will cooperate with that. You are correct, she needs some sort of treatment. And perhaps you do as well to help you manage your stress in a healthier way. Good luck! READ MORE

  • I need help deciphering reality?

    How very distressing! I would recommend that you begin with a good neurological/psychological evaluation to determine if these images are a result of a physical or psychological disorder. READ MORE

  • I was prescribed Adderall when I was 12, could I get it again at 22?

    You should speak with your Internist or psychiatrist about this. As a psychologist, I am not qualified to give you a definitive answer. However, I can say that over the course of my career (40+ years) I have known many people who have been on and off Adderall over the course of their lives. READ MORE

  • Can you treat depression without meds?

    Yes, theoretically one can manage depression without meds. Treatment can include: talk therapy; behavioral therapy; meditation; yoga; acupuncture; self help books; support groups. Good sleep and a healthy diet can also provide relief. READ MORE

  • What can you do for anxiety?

    Anxiety is a very common condition which, over time, can be managed extremely well. There are many treatment options including: talk therapy, CBT therapy, self-help books, and medication. Perhaps you can speak with your GP to think through which treatment would be best for you. READ MORE

  • Depression symptoms?

    What you’re describing are potentially symptoms of any number of conditions. Depression might be the right one. But I encourage you to get a full physical and a psychological work up to determine what may be wrong and what the best treatment might be for you. READ MORE

  • Emergency room question?

    Hello. I’m sorry to learn of this. I would guess that the hospital felt she was not “safe” to release, but did not have a room for her in their psychiatric unit. I don’t know why they did not move her to another hospital...perhaps there wasn’t one with a room? They wouldn’t give you information unless you have a “confidentiality release of information” from her...that is against the law due to HIPPA. I hope you’re reunited soon. READ MORE

  • Can couples therapy make things worse?

    To be honest? I have to say yes, it is possible that couples therapy could possibly add additional stress to your relationship. However, a good marriage counselor with an addiction specialist could more likely help things improve. Just research the provider carefully. READ MORE

  • Can you recover from anxiety disorder?

    Recovery is a relative term in this case, If you are experiencing constant and severe anxiety, counseling and possibly medication could certainly alleviate your symptoms. If you experience a low level of constant anxiety, you most certainly can learn to manage it more effectively. Treatment works very well for anxiety. READ MORE

  • Can you overcome anxiety by yourself?

    That depends on how severe your anxiety is as well as how able you are to tackle self-directed work. For mild to moderate cases of anxiety, eating well, sleeping well, exercising and certain self-help exercises can be extremely helpful. As well as meditation and mindfulness exercises (easily found on-line as well as in books, classes, etc.). READ MORE

  • Is most back pain psychological?

    Actually, no. Most chronic back pain is physiological...although stress can certainly add to your pain. I’d suggest seeing a good back specialist before going further. If it seems psychological issues are a part of the problem, you may then want to seek professional help. READ MORE

  • Do I have an eating disorder?

    It’s hard to know the definitive answer to this without both a medical and psychological evaluation. But it is likely that you have some sort of relationship with food that is causing difficulties in your life. That’s always a sign that some professional intervention may be a help. READ MORE

  • What is the best therapy for anxiety and panic attacks?

    There are a number of good treatment options for people suffering from anxiety and panic attacks. Talk therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy are both worth looking into. For medications, depending on what other medications you might be taking and your overall health, I would suggest one of the SSRI’s (Prozac, Zoloft) as a good starting place. Both are good medications, well tolerated, with minimal (if any) side effects. READ MORE

  • What does a forensic psychologist do?

    There are a number of things one can do as a forensic psychologist. Mainly I would say that forensic psychology is the application of of psychological principals to the study of criminal behavior. READ MORE

  • What happens to your body when you binge eat?

    Binge eating (B.E.D.) is the most common eating disorder among adults in the US. Unlike someone who overeats occasionally, a binge eater feels out of control with his/her eating at least once a week for a given 3 month period of time. The eating feels out of control and most people who are suffering from this feel unable to stop the binge. There are many physical problems that can arise from binge eating (although generally, obesity is not necessarily one of them). Cardiac problems, an imbalance in the nutrients in your system, GI problems, even dental problems can result as a reaction to binge eating. Be sure to consult with a properly trained physician if you are suffering from this condition. It is treatable.... READ MORE

  • What are general methods used to treat depression?

    Talk therapy is generally a good place to start in treating depression. You could ask your general physician for some names if you wish you interview therapists where you live/work. Most therapy right now, due to Covid 19, is occurring via telehealth. Yoga, meditation, exercise are all helpful in the treatment of depression as well, depending on just how depressed you might be. Of course, there are also clinical medications, Prozac and Zoloft being examples, that can also provide relief. Do get help of some sort...depression is a treatable illness. READ MORE

  • How can I calm anxiety during the coronavirus?

    Many people are feeling anxiety about the coronavirus. It’s very difficult to have a potentially lethal virus floating about that we don’t entirely understand. Arm yourself with knowledge (the best facts right now are on the Johns Hopkins University website....data, daily numbers of infection, current mutation of the virus). That will help. Also, don’t be “shamed” into taking risks you don’t want to/have to take. If you prefer not going to the grocery store, don’t go. That can be handled many ways. Do wear a good mask when you go outside. Do not join other people in inside venues. Feel free to ask people you are going to see what their Covid status is and if they have been, to their knowledge, exposed. Remember....this virus is not floating about like a whirlwind. You would actually have to have exposure to it (face to face contact or body fluid to face contact) to get the virus. And breathe....do things that are comforting to you, avoid the news (which is largely “fake” and/or sensationalized), talk with those who are helpful to you. Thank you for writing a question that is on many minds! READ MORE

  • Can you stay on antidepressants for life?

    Hello, Yes, clinically it is certainly possible to be on an anti-depressant for life. Do be sure to keep up with your check-ups, bloodwork, etc., to make sure your system is processing the medication properly and without adverse effects. Many patients in my practice take anti-depressants throughout their lives. Think of it this way: if there is a chemical missing neurologically or some part of your brain (serotonin uptake) is not functioning properly on its own, and it does work with medication, it’s sensible to stay on your medication. Cathi Sitzman, Ph.D. READ MORE

  • How can I lower my social anxiety?

    That’s a complex question. How severe is your social anxiety? How long have you suffered from this? What have you already tried for assistance? Do other people in your family also suffer from this or a related “phobic” anxiety? For a relatively simple case, a Cognitive Behavioral Approach might be very helpful. I recommend getting a workbook, such as the “Anxiety and Phobia Workbook” by Bourne and following the recommended protocol. Also, perhaps keep a journal of some sort which helps you keep track of your symptoms, frequency, particularly triggering events. If you are overwhelmed by this anxiety and find yourself avoiding people more and more often, I would suggest getting the assistance of a mental health professional. This is a quite common and treatable ailment. Good luck! READ MORE

  • Can I do cognitive behavioral therapy on myself?

    You certainly can try! I’d suggest using a helpful workbook (The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook, as an example). Do the reading, follow the guidelines you set up. Reward/praise yourself as you accomplish your goal (or parts of your goal). If you really take this seriously, and depending on the “problem area,” you could certainly be successful. If this doesn’t work for you, do turn to a good Cognitive Behavioral Counselor for some assistance. Cathi Sitzman, Ph.D. READ MORE

Areas of expertise and specialization

Individual and Couples Outpatient Psychotherapy

Awards

  • TopDoc/Psychology 2017 Top Doctor Awards 
  • TopDoc/Psychology 2018 Top Doctor Awards 

Professional Memberships

  • DCPA, ISSTS, ISSTD, PSR, ADAA, AMT, WNDC  

Charities and Philanthropic Endeavors

  • Planned Parenthood, DNC, DSCC, NARAL, LIVESTRONG, ACA,

Areas of research

Trauma, Victimization, Perpertrators, Reproductive Health, Anxiety and Phobias.

Dr. Cathi Sitzman, PhD's Practice location

908 New Hampshire Ave Nw Suite 303 -
Washington, DC 20037
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New patients: 202-293-3044
Fax: 301-229-1299

Dr. Cathi Sitzman, PhD's reviews

(3)
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Patient Experience with Dr. Sitzman


5.0

Based on 3 reviews

Dr. Cathi Sitzman, PhD has a rating of 5 out of 5 stars based on the reviews from 3 patients. FindaTopDoc has aggregated the experiences from real patients to help give you more insights and information on how to choose the best Psychologist in your area. These reviews do not reflect a providers level of clinical care, but are a compilation of quality indicators such as bedside manner, wait time, staff friendliness, ease of appointment, and knowledge of conditions and treatments.
  • Jack
    (5)

    Kind, compassionate, smart and funny. Dr. Sitzman has done quite a lot to relieve my symptoms of PTSD.

  • Michael
    (5)

    Excellent treatment by Dr. Sitzman. She is bright, friendly, thoughtful and provided a great deal of insight into my difficulties with anxiety. I have been helped enormously by her and would highly recommend her for services.

  • Susan
    (5)

    Excellent clinician, warm, engaging, smart and funny. Just the right combination for the therapy I need for my anxiety and depression

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