Marnee  Colburn
Vetted

Marnee Colburn

She/Her/Hers

Psychologist, PhD Specialties Insurance & Fees Locations
Rhode Island Not Accepting Online
Oregon Accepting Online
Providence Not Accepting In-person

I work to help people identify/shift patterns which interfere with daily living, relationships and life transitions.

I also conduct child/ parent evaluations for complex divorce cases.

Updated October 15, 2023

Specialties & Expertise

  • HS, college, grad schooll, med school, young adult
  • Divorce/ custody adjustments and forensic evaluations
  • LGBTQ and gender identity issues
  • Relationship difficulties
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Substance use / harm reduction
  • Family issues and parenting
  • ADD / ADHD (Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder)
  • Complex trauma

Professional statement

Dr. Marnee Colburn is a clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of young adults, families , and older adults. Her focus areas include anxiety, adjustment and life transitions, relationship difficulties, family issues, parenting, and stress management.

She also sees many people in the LGBTQ community.

Dr. Colburn completed a BA and M.S. Ed Psych at the University of Pennsylvania, and a MA PhD at Bowling Green State University. She completedd a Post Doctoral Fellowship in Child/Adolescent Psychology from the University of Texas Medical Branch, in Galveston, TX. She has been in private practice for over 43 years and enjoys running and playing piano in her spare time.

Dr. Colburn views herself as skilled in various techniques and perspectives, which she tailors to each person's unique situation. Goals are set by the person entering therapy and Dr Colburn works to assist her/he/they/them in reaching these goals. She likes to say "the person in therapy is driving the bus and Dr Colburn is a tour guide, pointing out various points of interest along the way. The choice to explore, and speed of exploration is up the the person driving the bus."


Message to clients

A message all: Therapy is a very important and sometimes difficult decision to make. For many, if not most, asking for help can be daunting, especially if you have accomplished many things without help and pride yourself on this. I believe that learning to ask for help is

an important life skill many have never had the chance to practice in a safe, non judgmental environment. While a certain amount of bravery is initially called for, most find they feel more connected, to themselves and others, just in the trying. Most find the rewards well worth the effort :)

A message to parents: Being a parent is probably one of the hardest jobs that anyone's gotten or opted to take on, and caring about your children and making things work for them is your goal; realizing your children may need help, especially beyond that which you know how to give them is hard and talking to someone about that is also difficult. My job is to have us work together here, setting goals along with your child so that we work together in the same way to get things accomplished that you want as a family.


Specialties

HS, college, grad schooll, med school, young adult - Specialized strategies for common issues of young adulthood, including school and career stressors, support around healthy relationships, existential concerns, drug or alcohol issues, eating disorders, and anxiety and/or depression

Divorce/ custody adjustments and forensic evaluations - Including managing the process of going through a divorce; completing custody evaluations for parent agreements; providing forensic psychology services

LGBTQ and gender identity issues - Includes coming out, relating to others, identifying and communicating needs, relationships, and family issues

Relationship difficulties - Relationship differences, breakups, friendships, dating

Anxiety - Generalized anxiety, panic disorder, phobias; eating disorders related to anxiety

Depression - Sleep and energy disruption, overall mood disturbance, inability to enjoy yourself, and difficulty being motivated, amongst many other symptoms

Substance use / harm reduction - Reducing and preventing the negative impact of drug and alcohol use and addictions on physical, emotional, and relational health

Family issues and parenting - Includes helping parents with their own issues within the context of supporting children; helping young adults navigate family issues

ADD / ADHD (Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) - Managing ADHD and its effects on decision making, studies, relationships, and work; helping with organizational challenges

Complex trauma - Coping and healing after long-term abuse, attachment wounds, or repeated traumatizing events such as witnessing domestic violence or experiencing sexual, verbal, emotional, or physical abuse




Clientele

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

Insurance

  • Aetna (in-network in RI)
  • Aetna International (in-network in RI)
  • Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island BCBS RI (in-network in RI)
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield (in-network in RI)
  • Brown University Employee Health Insurance (BCBS RI) (in-network in RI)
  • Brown University Student Health Insurance (United Healthcare) (in-network in RI)
  • United Healthcare (in-network in RI, OR)
  • United Healthcare Student Health Plan (in-network in RI, OR)

Out-of-pocket fees

  • Individual sessions: $210 (60min)
  • Sliding scale: $175 - $210
  • Initial session: $250 (60min)
  • Family sessions: $300 (90min)

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
  • Credit Card
  • Venmo
  • Zelle
Session frequency

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

  • Weekly
  • Every other week
  • Multiple times a week
  • As needed
Therapist's note

Happy to provide a superbill for out of network insurance companies in Oregon.

Provide billing for BCBS / United insurance in Rhode Island


Location(s)

Providence practice
295 Governor Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02906
Not accepting new clients in-person
Currently Available Times
  • Morning (Before 10am)
  • Daytime (10am - 1pm)
  • Afternoon (1pm - 5pm)
  • Evening (After 5pm)
  • Weekends
Regular Hours
  • Mon Online only
  • Tue Online only
  • Wed Online only
  • Thu Online only
  • Fri Office closed
  • Sat Office closed
  • Sun Office closed

Online Sessions (Rhode Island)
Not accepting new clients online
Currently Available Times
  • Morning (Before 10am)
  • Daytime (10am - 1pm)
  • Afternoon (1pm - 5pm)
  • Evening (After 5pm)
  • Weekends
Regular Hours
  • Mon 9-5
  • Tue 9-5
  • Wed 9-5
  • Thu 9-5
  • Fri Closed
  • Sat Closed
  • Sun Closed

Online Sessions (Oregon)
Accepting new clients online
Currently Available Times
  • Morning (Before 10am)
  • Daytime (10am - 1pm)
  • Afternoon (1pm - 5pm)
  • Evening (After 5pm)
  • Weekends
Regular Hours
  • Mon 8am-5pm
  • Tue 8am-5pm
  • Wed 8am-5pm
  • Thu 8am-5pm
  • Fri NA
  • Sat NA
  • Sun NA

Work and Education

Years of Experience: 44 years

Private Practice, 1982 - Present
University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Texas, Post-Doctoral Fellowship, 1979 - 1979

Bowling Green State University, Ohio, PhD, Clinical Psychology
University of Pennsylvania, MA, Ed Psych
University of Pennsylvania, BA, Psychology


Licensure

Rhode Island: PS01061

Virginia: 0810001091

Oregon: 3337


Languages

English


Client testimonials

"I have been struggling with my thoughts and emotions regarding current relationships with colleagues and family. Marnee is helping me put it all in perspective. I am extremely grateful for her help. This has been difficult for me. She helps me feel good about myself and helps me to validate and sort through my thoughts and feelings."
- Zencare client • September 2023
"Marnee is awesome. I look forward to speaking with her neck Wednesday!"
- Zencare client • August 2023
"Marnee is a wonderful listener, who always provided great insight and advice to help me through whatever I was struggling with. I felt that she truly cared about helping me get better. I would recommend Marnee to everyone!"
- Zencare client • September 2022
"Responsive, smart, knowledgeable, and present. Exactly who I needed."
- Zencare client • April 2022
"She was quick, open, honest, and attentive."
- Zencare client • September 2021
"I feel very respected. Dr. Colburn is very relatable."
- Zencare client • September 2020
"Marnee made a connection with me in a real way that showed understanding and empathy."
- Zencare client • September 2020
"She was upfront about her availability, clear about her approaches, and listened a lot to me. She encouraged me to shop around to find the right fit of provider, which made me feel like she was happy to spend the time with me on the phone."
- Zencare client • May 2020
"Marnee was punctual and clear."
- Zencare client • May 2020
"I worked with Marnee for several years while I underwent significant transitions in my life (death of a close family member, relationship issues, and others). Marnee was a great listener. She helped me talk through my issues and helped me become aware of the (sometimes self-defeating) ways in which I responded to difficult situations."
- Brown University alum • December 2019
"I came to Dr. Colburn after failing to find a therapist I clicked with in the area. Her straight-forward but nurturing approach was exactly what I needed. Her support and patience carried me through some of the hardest times in my life!"
- Brown University Research Assistant • December 2019
"I worked with Dr. Colburn for three years, and she guided me through a lengthy period of continuous pressure. She provided different strategies for dealing with anxiety and depression, and she always made sure that I had a balanced perspective. Dr. Colburn was attentive and personable, and it was obvious that she cared deeply about her clients — these are qualities that I valued in a good therapist."
- Graduate student • December 2019
"I started seeing Dr. Colburn after struggling to find a therapist I could really talk to and open up to. Dr. Colburn is kind and caring in a way that made it incredibly easy to talk to her, and she has helped me through some incredibly tumultuous times, both by giving advice and by helping me to understand unhelpful thought processes. She has always made me feel comfortable and supported, and I cannot speak highly enough of how much she has helped me. I would recommend Dr. Colburn to anyone and everyone."
- Brown University alum • June 2018
"Marnee was absolutely wonderful! She helped me come to terms with a lot of familial strife that had really affected the way I saw myself. I had a lot of fear of the future before I started talking to Marnee, and she helped me realize that I, like everything, am a process and that the things those around me have done do not diminish me or define the finished product (whatever that may be)!"
- Brown University alum • June 2018
"I worked with Dr. Colburn for half a year. She really helped me a lot. She helped me rebuild my self-confidence and was very professional and trustable. With her help, I started to communicate with people around me, instead of locking myself up."
- Brown University visiting student • June 2018
"Dr. Colburn called right as scheduled, and we had a very nice chat. Based on her profile and our conversation, I decided to go ahead and book an appointment with her."
- Zencare client • June 2018
"I started working with Dr. Colburn when I was struggling through a major life transition. She helped me tremendously to stay grounded through the change and also to sift through the family dynamics, behavior patterns, and poor coping skills that contributed to the crisis circling around the transition. She is wise, funny, and engaging. Her style of therapy is very involved—she regularly offers advice and responds. I would absolutely recommend her to anyone dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, academia, family or relationship issues, or life transitions!"
- Brown University postdoctoral fellow • February 2018
"Marnee is a perceptive, persistent, and attentive therapist. I would highly recommend her to anyone, especially young people looking for someone with both a great deal of experience working with young adults / students and a sharp analytic eye. Marnee helped me contextualize my existential woes developmentally while recognizing their gravity. She is smart and caring, frank and sensitive. She can also be counted on to acknowledge when an impasse has been reached, either because you’re not sharing enough or because she does not quite understand or know how to proceed — a form of sincerity representative of her other commendable traits."
- Brown University alum • June 2017
"Dr. Colburn helped me through a big OCD downswing in my life, which was impacting my schoolwork, relationships, and general ability to function and feel happiness. She was patient, compassionate, and supportive, putting in time and care to form a great patient-therapist relationship. I grew so much over my year and a half with her, and feel a stronger sense of self as a result."
- Brown University alum • June 2017
"Dr. Colburn was pivotal to my staying on track for senior year. She helped me manage a variety of stressors in my life, including depression, impending graduation, and my relationship with my parents. She always has useful insights to share, and keeps you focused on your own well-being amidst the mess of life. She is just a lovely person."
- Brown University alum • June 2017
"I sought Dr. Colburn during a challenging medical school application cycle. She helped me keep everything in perspective during a time of uncertainty and self-doubt. More than anything, Dr. Colburn became the invaluable mentor that I never had throughout college and beyond. My family and friends have commented how much happier I seem these days, and I have Marnee to thank for a lot of it. Also to note: I am not a talker, so I was a bit nervous seeking therapy for the first time in my life. Marnee is the perfect combination of a great listener and a great conversationalist. Whenever I wouldn’t know what to say, she would recount memorable and entertaining stories relevant to whatever issue I had brought up, that would always end up making me feel better by seeing the world in a different perspective."
- Brown University alum • May 2017
"Dr. Colburn helped me to look at my anxiety in new ways. When I was feeling overwhelmed by schoolwork, she would point out changes I could make to my daily routines and thought processes in order to make better progress."
- Brown University student • February 2017
"Dr. Colburn is very willing to listen and offers very good advice for almost any problem. She is able to quickly make connections and recall events from a while back almost perfectly."
- Brown University alum • October 2016
"I’ve worked with several therapists in my life and Dr. Colburn is the only one that created an environment comfortable enough to ensure an honest, productive conversation every time we met, rather than just asking questions."
- Rhode Island high school student • July 2016
"Dr. Colburn helped me to navigate successfully and happily through my transition of moving to a new state away from all my family and childhood friends, starting a new job at a new company, getting married for the 2nd time, and entering motherhood for the 1st time as a stepmom to a 5 year old boy. She and I worked hard together to find the best in me that I knew was inside but always let my crazy childhood smother it in negativity and fear. Not only would I recommend Dr. Colburn to you, I have recommended her to several friends."
- Mid 40s female, biotech professional • June 2016
"I worked with Dr. Colburn for about two years. On our first appointment, she made me feel safe, and was so open and supportive. Whereas with other therapists I had felt somewhat dismissed, or been given fixes instead of really trying to understand the problem, Marnee didn’t try to rush my process, instead giving me the time and space to work through things at my own pace. I always felt like Marnee really cared about me, about my successes and my failures, and even the monotony of my daily life. She helped me work through my mental struggles, through school and job stresses, through tumultuous interpersonal relationships. My last two years of college were hard, but Marnee helped them to be manageable. She helped me put my college life into perspective, and gave me the tools to begin adjusting my own hypercritical self-view to fit more with the realities of the world around me. I cannot recommend Dr. Colburn highly enough."
- Brown University alum • June 2016
"Dr. Colburn helped our complex family challenges become resolved through focused, immersive treatment. She is an experienced and marvelous help!"
- Providence community member • June 2016
"I have been working with Marnee for almost a year and she is supporting me as I transform my life. She is non-judgmental but also pushes me to evaluate what is best in my life."
- Recent transplant to RI • June 2016
"Dr. Colburn is blessed with being extremely bright. Equally important, she relates well and will always provide solutions to problems and positive feedback that makes sense. She is eminently qualified."
- College career counselor • June 2016
"Dr. Colburn has just the right listening touch. She is patient. She gives you the sense that you are really heard - and not just the things you are saying. She hears what’s underneath that. And shares her insights with you! It’s not just reflection - you don’t feel like you’re talking with yourself and she doesn’t make you guess what she’s thinking. Her insights are those of a highly experienced practitioner. I have found her knowledge of problems faced by a professional in recovery almost preternatural. She knows what she’s talking about! She has been an enormous help to me. She’s the real deal."
- Duke Medical School alum • February 2016
"Dr. Colburn is magnificent. I still see her to this day because she helps with issues of fluctuating degrees/severity. She’s conversational, not intimidating, a good listener, and provides helpful advice on how to approach the situations I find myself in, mentally and physically."
- Brown University student • June 2015
"I go to Dr. Colburn every week for my OCD and anxiety disorders. She is a great listener and very honest—she never sugarcoats anything, and is thus useful for getting a new, objective perspective on any situation."
- Brown University student • June 2015
"I first saw Marnee after the sudden passing of a very close friend, but I continued seeing her for over a year for help with my anxiety disorder. Marnee is an incredible source of advice and support. She aided me during a very critical time in my life. I don’t know what I would have done without her. She guided me towards building a more positive image of myself and gave me concrete steps towards learning to give myself a break and accept help. Marnee is a very honest listener, and her perspective was and continues to be invaluable to me. I have been to multiple therapists in the past, but I think I grew the most under Dr. Colburn’s care. I am extremely thankful to have met her."
- Brown University alum • February 2015