About
Texas Optimal Performance & Psychological Services
TOPPS is committed to meeting the unique needs of our clients seeking to improve their mental health, as well as their athletic, social, academic, and professional performance. We work with individuals, families, teams, and groups. At TOPPS we work with each client to develop customized performance and treatment plans and recognizes the inherent abilities of our clients and embraces a strength-based approach in order to maximize those abilities.
TOPPS offers an array of specialized, one-of-a-kind services and programs. We develop and personalize each program to assist in unlocking your full potential. We believe in the “we” approach and utilize a variety of services for our clients to reach their individual goals. We also have a bilingual psychologist on staff to help our Spanish speaking clients and their family members.
Our objective at TOPPS is to establish a positive working relationship with our clients. As you move forward in various life endeavors, we hope to be by your side to provide the support and encouragement that you need to thrive in our challenging world. Why settle for GOOD when you can be GREAT?
Here at TOPPS, we specialize in mental health, as well as performance and sport enhancement. One of our clinicians, Dr. Hillary Cauthen is the only Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) through the Association of Applied Sport Psychology in Austin! Members of this elite group of specialized clinicians must hold a masters or doctorate degree and meet specific coursework and training requirements within the field of sport psychology, including extensive supervision. Dr. Cauthen is also listed in the United States Olympic Committee Sports Psychology Registry. In addition to helping athletes and performers, we also have psychologists that are highly trained to work with a broad range of mental health related issues:
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Depression
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Anxiety & OCD
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Substance abuse
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Relationship problems
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Self-esteem
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Gender & sexuality
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Women’s issues
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Men’s issues
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Acculturation & immigration
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Racial identity & discord
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International students
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Eating disorders
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Grief & loss
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Trauma & PTSD
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Sport Psychology
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ADHD & ADD
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Chronic pain
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Academic enhancement
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Behavioral management
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Anger management
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Adjustment & transitions
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Parenting enhancement
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Family therapy
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Adoption
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Autism spectrum
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Career counseling
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Learning disabilities
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Team building
TOPPS does not take insurance and individual sessions cost $200/hour
OUR TEAM
Dr. Hillary Cauthen
Director of Performance Services
Dr. Hillary Cauthen has been involved in athletics since the age of 4. Throughout her highly competitive training she has developed a love for sport and psychology. There are less than 700 Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology in the nation. Members of this elite group must hold a masters or doctorate degree and meet specific coursework and training requirements within the field of sport psychology, including extensive supervision. This certification is the gold standard in the field of applied sport psychology and a clear distinguish in Dr. Cauthen's specialty training in clinical sport psychology.
At an early age, Dr. Cauthen was curious about the athletic mindset and finding ways to enhance one's "heart" and inner drive to reach personal success. While pushing herself to her physical limits, she began to understand the importance of mental strength.
Her education began with a focus in sport psychology. Through her studies, she realized the magnitude sport had on one's personal growth. Understanding the psychological aspect of sport, she began to blend the fields of clinical and sport psychology.
Dr. Cauthen strongly believes in the practice of: embracing personal growth, enhancing performance, and enriching one's passion for athletic and professional endeavors.
Dr. Cauthen has over 14 years of experience applying mental skills training, is an active member in her local community, and professional associations, such as Association of Applied Sport Psychology (AASP), and American Psychological Association - Division 47 (Society for Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology). She has experiencing teaching undergraduate and graduate students in psychology and sport psychology programs. Dr. Cauthen believes in giving back and growing the field and often mentors students/professionals seeking CMPC.
Dr. Cauthen is currently a Licensed Psychologist in the state of Texas. She is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant. She is also the Membership Chair for the Division 47 of the APA - Society for Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology and Elected Secretary-Treasure for AASP.
EDUCATION
Psy.D. Clinical Psychology, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles, 2013
M.A. Clinical Psychology, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles, 2010
M.S. Sport Studies-Sport Behavior and Performance, Miami University, 2008
B.S. Kinesiology-Sport Studies, University of New Hampshire, 2006
B.A. Psychology, University of New Hampshire, 2006
Dr. Catherine Bitney
Director of Psychological Services
Dr. Catherine Bitney is passionate about sharing what they've learned from their many years of training within the field of psychology. It's amazing to reflect on all the moving parts that influence why someone does what they are doing. With their extensive training in personality, cultural psychology, and clinical psychology, Dr. Bitney is able to help clients better understand what they need to feel more fulfilled and happier in their lives.
Dr. Bitney enjoys helping clients to reach their full potential and to have successful relationships (at school, work, home, and on sports teams). They love working with parents who want to help their children get a healthy sense of self (including parents with queer or transitioning kiddos, or those who have adopted transracially). Dr. Bitney specializes in identity development and exploration, as well as helping clients find meaning and a sense of purpose in life (which research shows leads to greater contentment and happiness). What happens to our identities as we discover that we are queer? What about moving from one gender to another? How can we unmaks and live authentically? What does it mean to be multiracial? How does one work on being anti-racist and overcoming the guilt of being White in a world that consistently punishes people of color? Our intersecting identities provide surprising strengths and at times surprising challenges. Dr. Bitney can help you through these types of explorations, as well as help you to get out of a rut and find new direction.
Because Dr. Bitney was trained in New York City, an epicenter for medical training and research, they received first-rate supervision and training from several leading doctors. Included in this training was a progressive model of treatment that utilizes both Psychodynamic Theory and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients through both short- and long-term therapy. Dr. Bitney also employs mindfulness techniques and positive psychology principles to help clients find their strengths and to seek out enjoyment from life.
At times, we don’t have the time or energy for traditional, long-term, weekly therapy. Yet we might need answers and short-term solutions to get us through the moment. Dr. Bitney’s strong history of psychological testing has enabled them to utilize Collaborative Therapeutic Assessments for short-term, highly targeted testing.
Dr. Bitney teaches full-time in the psychology department at Texas State University in San Marcos. In addition to working with clients in person who live in the Austin, TX area, Dr. Bitney also has many clients who live in Texas and Colorado (providing virtual sessions). They are a member of PSYPACT, so they are able to practice therapy across many state lines. As a queer, multiracial, and non-binary professional, they use their privilege as a university professor to help marginalized students feel more welcomed and accepted in an academic environment. Dr. Bitney is a Licensed Psychologist in the state of Texas and has over 12 years of clinical experience working with a wide range of clients with a variety of struggles. In addition, they are an active member in many professional associations, including:
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American Psychological Association (APA)
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Division 35 – Psychology of Women
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Division 44 – Psychological Study of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Issues
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Division 45– Psychology of Ethnic Minority Issues
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Asian American Psychological Association (AAPA)
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National Register of Health Service Psychologists
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National Queer and Trans Therapist of Color Network
EDUCATION
Ph.D. Clinical Psychology, New School for Social Research, New York City (APA Accredited), 2012
M.A. Psychology, New School for Social Research, New York City, 2008
M.A. Women’s and Gender Studies, University of Texas at Austin, 2004
B.A. Psychology, University of Maryland at College Park, 2000
Dr. Katie Hartmann
Licensed Psychologist & Licensed Specialist in School Psychology
DR. HARTMANN HAS WEEKLY DAYTIME AVAILABILITY AND IS TAKING ON NEW CLIENTS! SHE IS ALSO AVAILABLE FOR TESTING.
Dr. Hartmann pulls from over 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and families to offer a variety of tools and techniques to help those who have experienced trauma and stressors. She has trained extensively in Somatic Experiencing, a body-based approach to healing traumatic stress, and is particularly passionate about helping youth develop a foundation for coping and resilience.
As part of this approach, Dr. Hartmann also understands that the entire family may need support when a child is struggling. She partners with parents/adults to navigate challenges, work therapeutic routines into daily life, and provide strategies so families can advocate for proper school-based support.
In session, Dr. Hartmann provides warmth, humor, and a focus on strengths. She helps her clients understand how different experiences present both in the mind and body. She is collaborative and works to set goals together with her clients and their families.
Dr. Hartmann also specializes in psychological assessments for children, adolescents, and young adults. Dr. Hartmann’s assessments focus not only on diagnoses and test results, but mainly on providing answers into the family's specific questions and concerns. She loves writing readable, jargon-free reports that tell a story about the individual with customized recommendations. When appropriate, Dr. Hartmann also offers feedback about the assessment and diagnoses to the child or adolescent. In these sessions, she empowers youth to understand their diagnoses, strengths, and advocate for themselves appropriately.
Dr. Hartmann grew up in the midwest and moved to Austin in 2012. In her spare time, Dr. Hartmann enjoys playing board games with her husband, reading, journaling, and hiking. She is part of a multicultural family and has an orange and white cat.
Dr. Hartmann is a Licensed Psychologist (Texas), Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (Texas), Nationally Certified School Psychologist, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP), and a National Register Health Service Psychologist
EDUCATION
Ph.D. School Psychology, Illinois State University (APA Accredited, NASP Approved), 2012
B.A. Psychology, Truman State University, 2006
Dr. Kate Czar
Licensed Psychologist
DR. CZAR IS NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS
Dr. Kate Czar considers it an honor to support individuals in their journey toward improved mood, confidence, sense of self, psychological sturdiness, and active self-nourishment. She believes successful therapy results when a client brings openness to the process, where she meets them with authenticity and evidence-based interventions, all in the context of a trusting therapeutic relationship.
Dr. Czar is a strengths-based therapist who specializes in working with older adolescents and adults struggling with a variety of concerns, such as anxiety, mood disorders, self-esteem/self-worth, life transitions, substance use issues, anger management, pain management, grief and loss (in their many forms), identity exploration, or simply a sense of feeling stuck or unfulfilled in life. With much of her career taking place as an integrated health psychologist in a primary care setting, Dr. Czar is well-equipped to approach emotional health concerns with an understanding of the mind-body connection and considering well-being from a holistic lens.
Dr. Czar utilizes evidence-based interventions, primarily mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) approaches. She regularly discusses with clients ways to change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, to cultivate self-awareness and self-compassion, and to align one's behaviors with their values. These interventions are implemented with consideration of the unique person sitting in the therapy room, as opposed to in a "one-size-fits-all" fashion. Additionally, Dr. Czar deeply values diversity consciousness, strives to create an inclusive therapeutic space, and attends to aspects of identity in her clients' presenting concerns.
You can expect Dr. Czar to be warm and down-to-earth with a blend of professionalism and humor. Her style is relational, collaborative, and goal-oriented. Having been an athlete for much of her life, she continues to enjoy many sports, including soccer and flag football. She will work with you to establish therapy goals and will offer concrete concepts and skills to assist you in reaching those goals.
If you're not looking to initiate therapy but would like to learn more about mindfulness meditation, you might choose to attend one or more sessions with Dr. Czar in which the focus is specifically on starting or deepening your meditation practice.
EDUCATION
Ph.D. Counseling Psychology, The University of Southern Mississippi, 2012
M.A. Counseling Psychology, The University of Southern Mississippi, 2009
B.A. Psychology, Millersville University, 2005
BALANCED MIND
BALANCED BODY
Getting Here:
We are centrally located in the heart of Austin, TX.
See Map Below
Our Address:
3724 Jefferson St., Ste 308
Austin, TX 78731
Email:
Phone:
512-910-5363
Disclaimer: If this is a life threatening medical emergency please call 911.
If you are experiencing a psychiatric crisis, please call the Austin Travis County Integral Care 24-hour Crisis Hotline: 512-472-HELP (4357) - The Crisis Hotline provides 24/7 access to licensed counselors. Hotline callers receive immediate assessments, crisis intervention services (if needed) and referral to additional community resources.
CONTACT
Getting Here:
We are centrally located in the heart of Austin, TX.
See Map Below
Our Address:
3724 Jefferson St., Ste 308
Austin, TX 78731
Email:
Phone:
512-730-1656
Disclaimer: If this is a life threatening medical emergency please call 911.
If you are experiencing a psychiatric crisis, please call the Austin Travis County Integral Care 24-hour Crisis Hotline: 512-472-HELP (4357) - The Crisis Hotline provides 24/7 access to licensed counselors. Hotline callers receive immediate assessments, crisis intervention services (if needed) and referral to additional community resources.
