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Marie Donabella(She/Her/Hers)

(She/Her/Hers)
Psychologist, PhD
ConnecticutRhode Island
Stress reduction- Depression-Anxiety-Athlete mental health-Mind-body connection-Performance anxiety-

See Marie's Details for:

AboutSpecialtiesLocationsInsurance & FeesTestimonials

Professional statement

Dr. Marie Donabella has expertise in anxiety and stress management, postoperative/postsurgical depression and anxiety, athlete mental health (including coping with athletic injury and balancing the demands unique to athletes), issues related to perimenopause (memory and mood changes), and LGBTQ+- related concerns.

She helps people understand the connection between their brain and body, and how to use one's brain power more effectively to heal from injury and surgery, feel more balanced, or cope with the changes that accompany mid-life and perimenopause. She teaches stress management, resilience and coping skills to young adults, college students, and postcollege-age adults.

Dr. Donabella's approach is based on many therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, existential therapy, integrative therapy, mindfulness practices, and psychodynamic therapy. Her therapy is informed by her research and personal experience as an athlete and researcher. She has two therapy dogs, both of which are Goldendoodles; 10 year old Clementine (Clemmie) and 3 year old Fiona (Fi).

Dr. Donabella is a licensed clinical psychologist with Ph.Ds in Clinical Psychology and Medical Sciences. She has worked in her private practice since 2002 alongside her research on stress, anxiety, and health. In the past, she has published many articles and given many presentations exploring the mind-body connection, relating stress and health.

She is currently accepting telehealth clients from RI and all Psypact states.


Message to clients

My areas of expertise and interest include: stress and anxiety management, postoperative/postsurgical depression and anxiety, athlete mental health, sports/athletic performance anxiety, recovery from athletic injury, life transitions especially perimenopause, and health/wellness management. I can help you learn ways to: lower overall stress levels, recover from emotional distress following surgery, cope with mental health issues unique to athletes (e.g. recovering from injury, meeting demands of a busy schedule, improving resilience, decreasing performance anxiety), feel less overwhelmed, make it through a difficult life transition (e.g. perimenopause), be healthy, as well as attain balance in your life. I believe that therapy should create a safe and conducive environment for exploration and change, be affirming and empathic, facilitate learning and self-discovery, and provide feedback about unhealthy life patterns.

In addition to my clinical practice, I previously taught and researched stress, anxiety and health. My background gives me a unique perspective of the mind-body connection. I have published over 30 articles in the areas of high blood pressure, stress and women's health, and have given over 50 presentations about my research. I'm a triathlete and black belt in Tae Kwon Do, with an interest in Zen philosophy. I'm also a new student of electric guitar to challenge my brain in a different way. Thus, balance, mindfulness, and focus are important aspects of how I view mental health.


Work and Education

Years of Experience: 22 years

Private Practice
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Assistant Professor
Syracuse University, Visiting Assistant Professor & Therapist
SUNY Upstate Medical University, Psychology Intern

Syracuse University, Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, 2002
South Florida College of Medicine, Ph.D. in Medical Sciences, 1989

Licensure

Rhode Island: PS00834 - Connecticut: APIT 11533 teletherapy through PsyPact

Languages

English

Specialties

Stress reduction - Strengthening effective ways of coping with the stress of life and change; managing expectations of self and others

Depression - Providing support and promoting emotional healing following surgery or injury

Anxiety - Lowering anxiety levels following surgery or injury, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and panic disorder

Athlete mental health - Navigating mental health issues unique to athletes using techniques that increase confidence, focus and resilience in the face of adversity, pain, and challenge.

Mind-body connection - Alleviating emotional distress by increasing attention to the body and practicing techniques that foster wellness; learning about brain function as it pertains to improving health.

Performance anxiety - Overcoming mental roadblocks to physical (individual and team) goals by improving mental toughness.




Clientele

  • Adults (24+)
  • Seniors (65+)
  • Young adults (18-24)

Locations & Hours

Accepting online clients from all Psypact States


Insurance

Marie Donabella is not in-network with any insurances.

Read about the benefits of seeing an out-of-network provider here.


Out-of-pocket fees

  • Individual sessions:$150 (50min)
  • Initial session:$150 (50min)

Additional session information

Out-of-network billing options

This provider can support you in getting reimbursement from your insurance company if you are seeking out-of-network reimbursement. Here are the out-of-network billing options they provide:

  • Super billing
Payment options
  • Cash
  • Credit Card
  • Debit Card
  • PayPal
  • Venmo
Session frequency

Frequency of sessions this provider offers to see clients once you are an established client.

  • As needed
Therapist's note

I don't take insurance. However, as a courtesy, my billing office will provide you with a superbill and receipt that you can submit to your insurance company to get reimbursed directly, if your company has out-of-network benefits. **Please check with your specific insurance company for reimbursement rate**


Professional endorsements

"Marie is a highly skilled and experienced therapist with exceptionally developed relational skills allowing her to connect with her clients authentically and in the most genuine human way. In doing so, she creates a safe space for her clients to be able to do their healing work. She has long been a preferred referral source for me. Clients find her very effective, kind, and practical in her clinical approach."

- Thomas Fronczak, LCSW-RMay 2017

"Marie is highly educated and is a seasoned clinician who is very effective in supporting clients in treatment. I highly recommend her for individual therapy."

- Cecilia Dietzler, LICSWJune 2017

Client testimonials

"She was very punctual and told me what to expect for my official visit."
- Zencare client August 2020
"I really enjoyed my initial session with Marie Donabella. I have had some difficulty in finding a therapist, but I am glad I was able to find someone through Zencare. I am excited to keep working with her."
- Zencare client September 2021

Book a Free Initial Consultation

The practice will call you for a free 10min phone call to discuss your needs and ensure a match!

This provider has no upcoming call times available.