Portrait of a woman with short dark hair and blonde highlights, wearing a black top and gold earrings, against a green background.
Portrait of a woman with short dark hair and blonde highlights, wearing a black top and gold earrings, against a green background.

Donna G Shinn, APRN

Donna Shinn is a psychiatric nurse practitioner with more than 30 years of experience in behavioral health. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Columbia University and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Saint Joseph College in West Hartford, Connecticut.

Donna began her career in inpatient psychiatry at Yale Psychiatric Institute and Yale New Haven Hospital, later transitioning to outpatient mental health care. She brings a wealth of clinical experience to her work, providing medication evaluation and management for adult patients across a broad range of psychiatric conditions.

Her approach emphasizes collaboration and trust. Donna works closely with each patient to build a therapeutic alliance, helping them identify goals and develop strategies that support their mental health and overall well-being. She uses medication management as a foundation to prepare patients for deeper therapeutic work, promoting long-term stability and improved coping skills.

For Donna, the most rewarding part of her work is seeing patients recover and thrive—living fuller, healthier lives and enjoying stronger relationships.

Education

MSN, Columbia University, New York
BSN, Saint Joseph College, West Hartford, Connecticut

Licensure

Licensed in Connecticut

Specialties

Medication Evaluation and Management
Adult Psychiatry
Collaborative Treatment Planning

See What Our Patients Are Saying

See how patients have experienced great care and positive results with us through their personal stories and feedback.
Dolly

“I have been seeing Dr. Awwa for almost 10 years. He is kind, compassionate and listens. I have seen him at all three offices and have never encountered any difficulty with any staff members.”
– D (Patient)

Foxy

“I have always been treated with dignity and respect @ CBH. I’m always warmly welcomed by name & treated very well. Dr. Awwa has been such an important influence in my life! Thanks to him I am in such a good place today.”
– F (Patient)

Tina

“I absolutely love Dr Awwa. I have been going to him for a long time. He knows what works for me and I am completely open and honest with him!”
– T (Patient)

Mark

“I’ve been a patient of Dr. Awwa for years. He has helped me through many changes and struggles. The staff is professional, friendly and accommodating!”
– M (Patient)

Carla

“The absolute best mental health place in CT. Dr. Awwa is great!”

– C (Patient)
Donna

“Dr Awwa is a blessing to me and my family. He has patiently seen us through some rough times. I have needed his help in some difficult situations and He was right there backing me up and doing everything to help. He has my upmost respect and trust. You can sense his love in helping people to get better.”
– D (Patient)

Elizabeth

“I have fought depression, anxiety, and PTSD for many years. I had settled for just okay, until CT Behavioral Health. I have been a client for around 1 1/2 years and have found myself healthier and happier then I have been in years. My therapist is awesome and knowledgeable and we have come a long way. She also returns calls promptly which keeps you grounded. The staff treats you with both respect and kindness. Dr. Awwa, the psychiatrist, is amazing. He can get so much done and really knows his patients.”
– E (Patient)

Connecticut Behavioral Health Associates

Connecticut’s Leading Psychiatric Practice

At Connecticut Behavioral Health Associates (CBHA), there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to mental health. We tailor our care plans to fit each person’s unique needs. Our providers include psychiatrists, physician assistants, psychiatric nurse practitioners and licensed therapists who are ready to support you. CBHA offers both in-person and telehealth appointments, so you can get the care you need in the format that serves you best. We also accept most insurance plans allowing you to get the most from your personalized care plan.

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