Accepted insurance & self-pay
About Catherine
Catherine Ben-Agu is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. who has more than 10 years of experience in psychiatry. Catherine partners with children, adolescents, adults, as well as geriatric clients who seek help with diverse psychiatric problems. She specializes in facilitating significant improvement in her clients’ presenting symptoms through proper assessment, accurate diagnoses, prescriptions, treatment, and evaluation. Catherine is experienced in various psychiatric disorders including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), attention deficit disorder (ADD), personality disorders, substance abuse disorder (SUD), eating disorders, suicidal ideation, schizophrenia, sleep problems, and many more.
Catherine completed both her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and her PMHNP at Walden University. She provides nonjudgmental cultural competency when caring for people from different backgrounds. Catherine possesses strong clinical skills and a natural ability to build rapport with patients and families. In addition to medication management, she incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, culturally sensitive, emotionally-focused, faith-based, motivational interviewing, and person-centered techniques into treatment. Through great interpersonal and communication skills, Catherine is able to establish trust, and communicate with clients in a therapeutic manner that upholds respect and preserves a client’s dignity and autonomy. She is culturally competent, nonjudgmental, and uses compassion, empathy, and active listening in all her interactions with clients.
Catherine desires to collaborate with you in a caring/therapeutic relationship. She is confident that she would be able to support you on your journey to gain new perspectives and techniques that allow you to cope with whatever you may be struggling with. If you are ready to get started, schedule an appointment with Catherine today.

"I understand the unique issues of client with mental health challenges; hence I aim to provide support and to assist you in building your strengths and meeting your healthcare goals of living a healthier and more fulfilling life. "
What clients say
These testimonials are from real clients who completed a satisfaction survey after their sessions and agreed to share their feedback. Results may vary.
I would say most of the time when I talk to a psychiatrist in the past.They only want to know how I am doing with my medicine. When I talked to catherine, she not only want to know....
A Thriveworks Client, verified client of Catherine
Get to know Catherine
What types of clients do you work with best?
Teenagers and adults with psychiatric mental health concerns
What type of clients are you most excited to work with?
Teenagers and adults
What’s one thing you wish all clients knew?
That I am compassionate, have good interpersonal and communication skills, listening skills, and also provide culturally competent services to individuals from different backgrounds.
Why did you choose to practice at Thriveworks?
Thriveworks aims to provide the best psychiatric services to clients with mental health issues, which coincide with my personal goals. Thriveworks also provides good motivation to their employees
What inspires you?
Compassion and passion
What can clients expect in their first session with you?
Therapeutic and nonjudgmental care
What do you want to accomplish with an individual in their first session?
Patient satisfaction
What should clients know about you before scheduling a first counseling session?
That I care about their wellbeing
What do you do for fun in your time off?
I enjoy reading
What’s one thing about you that defines you (non-professional)?
I am funny and reliable
Other areas of focus
Education and training
- Years in practice
- 2 years
- Graduating institute
- Walden University
- Graduating degree
- Master of Science in Nursing
