Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Hartford, CT covered by Cigna

Hi. I'm so happy that you reached out for help. I am Cathi Brisart, a licensed Clinical Social worker (LCSW) providing therapeutic services in self-esteem, trauma, anxiety, grief and loss. I have worked with individuals seeking therapy for over 10 years. I was educated in Connecticut. Receiving my therapeutic training at Southern Connecticut State University graduated with honors (Cum Laude for undergraduate degree and Magna Cum Laude for graduate degree).

I have nearly a decade of experience in the mental health field. I combine compassion and my clinical expertise to support the clients I serve. My goal is to help clients navigate and overcome their struggles to support and help regain stability in their lives.

I value building a trusting, authentic relationship with each client. It’s important for clients to feel and recognize the growth and progress that naturally emerge through the process. I believe therapy works best when you feel heard, supported, and empowered every step of the way.

With two master's degrees and 10 years of clinical experience, I have had the opportunity to work with individuals, couples, and families across a wide range of concerns and life circumstances. While my clinical background is broad, my primary focus and passion has been working with adults navigating substance use and recovery. I believe meaningful change begins with understanding yourself—your experiences, patterns, strengths, and the beliefs that may be shaping how you navigate life.

Therapy should be a place where you feel safe to be honest, vulnerable, and fully yourself. I strive to provide a warm, non-judgmental environment where you can openly express and process your experiences while also being challenged when needed. My style is direct yet compassionate, flexible, and responsive to where you are in your journey.

Whether you are working through substance use, relationships, difficult life experiences, or simply trying to better understand yourself, my goal is to help you develop greater self-awareness, strengthen your sense of self, and build the tools necessary to create meaningful and sustainable change.

I work with adults navigating anxiety, career and life transitions, grief, and questions of identity and purpose — whether that's a 20-something rethinking their path, someone reassessing a career after years in it, or an older adult navigating retirement, caregiving, or the shifts that come with later life. My approach is collaborative and grounded: you'll leave sessions with more clarity than you came in with, not just more to think about.

I came to this work after a first career in banking. I understand the pressure, identity, and burnout that come with corporate life firsthand — and what it takes to actually rebuild around what matters to you, whatever stage of life or career you're in. I hold a Master's in Mental Health Counseling from Yeshiva University.

I believe therapy works best when you feel heard, respected, and actively involved in the process. I work with adults who may be dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, changes in their physical health, or challenges that can affect how they see themselves and their relationships. I also have a particular interest in working with men's mental health and creating a space where clients can talk openly without feeling judged. My style is warm, open-minded, and participatory, and I want therapy to feel like something we are working through together—not something being done to you. You can expect me to listen carefully, ask thoughtful questions, and help you identify practical steps that fit your goals and your life.

Real support for real life, wherever you are in your journey.

As an LCSW with more than a decade of experience, I work with adults who are navigating anxiety, depression, and life's inevitable turning points. Outside the office, my life is full with my small children and energetic puppy. I share that because I understand, firsthand, how full and unpredictable life can feel, and how hard it can be to carve out space just for you. That's exactly what our time together is for.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor licensed in the state of Connecticut. I received my Master's of Clinical Mental Health Counseling from University of Saint Joseph and have gone on to complete EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) training and advanced PSI (Postpartum Support International) training to best support my clients.

Currently, I work in private practice via telehealth. I have found telehealth to be extremely convenient for clients offering great flexibility and allowing for the comfort of their chosen spaces during sessions.

I am an experienced behavioral health provider and health educator dedicated to treating patients with respect, dignity, and a focus on overall wellbeing, personal goals, recovery, and safety.

My professional background includes over 13 years as a nurse clinician and nurse practitioner for the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) treating adult patients. Additionally, I spent 5 years at MAAS in New Haven specializing in opioid and alcohol use disorders, and I have provided outpatient behavioral health treatment for adults of all ages at LifeBridge Community Services for over 5 years.