Dr. Michael J. Doria,
PhD, MPH, MC, MRC, MAPL
Exceptional clinician, dedicated, and patient-focused are just a few words most often used to describe Dr. Michael Doria. As a licensed practitioner focused on crisis intervention and trauma treatment, Michael leverages an extensive background focusing on patients suffering from issues surrounding disaster traumatic events. Dr. Doria compassionately helps patients navigate life
changes and the psychological consequences of their experiences. He is adept at working in one-on-one or group settings, guiding the dynamic and providing effective solutions to challenging situations. His true passion is to ensure that his work makes a difference in the lives of patients and community members he serves.
Dr. Doria is a native and longtime resident of New York. His professional career began with his service in the U.S. Coast Guard. Early on, he discovered a passion for working in a counseling environment and became involved with human affairs. Through his service and education, he became the first clinical neuropsychologist in the Coast Guard and developed the Coast Guard’s Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury programs. Dr. Doria built a strong clinical background with the Coast Guard, supporting challenging trauma environments with personnel on a global scale. He deployed multiple times in support of military operations, including a Combined Task Force deployment with US Navy and Marines, rotating through combat environments in the Middle East. After active duty and reserve rotations spanning twenty years, Dr. Doria honorably retired from the Coast Guard as a highly commended and decorated officer
After his military service, Dr. Doria continued his work as a clinical trauma professional and a mental health provider in private practice and as a member of the New York Guard. During that period, he had the opportunity to work with Delta Airlines out of NYC, where he served staff dealing with various mental health challenges and traumatic issues. He became an invaluable asset to Delta and the New York City community during that period. Ultimately, one of his greatest challenges was support efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he served at the epicenter of the crisis, supporting patients through the most mentally challenging environments. Working in his clinical capacity, Dr Doria rendered inestimable aid serving with the Division of Military and Naval Affairs for the state of New York while attached to the Office of the Medical Examiner for New York City, Putnam, and Westchester counties.
Dr. Doria is an accomplished speaker, educator, and trainer in both commercial and clinical environments. He is an expert in establishing and guiding public policy dealing with traumatic events. He has earned multiple Master’s Degrees in mental health, public health and public leadership, a Doctor of Philosophy in counseling psychology, and a postdoctoral neuropsychology certificate.
Dr. Doria is licensed to practice in New York, Hawaii, Maine, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina. He holds certifications as a Clinical Trauma Professional, Rehabilitation Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and National Certified Trainer in Individual Crisis Intervention and Peer Support and Group Crisis Intervention.
In his free time, Dr. Doria has earned the distinction of being the original charter member and founding father of the United States Coast Guard Pipe Band. He is an avid bagpiper and enjoys walking, listening to music, and traveling.
CLICK HERE FOR DR. DORIA’S CURRICULUM VITAE
CLICK HERE FOR DR. DORIA’S RESEARCH PROJECTS
Presentations
Cognitive Assessment in Coast Guard Personnel: Neuroendocrine and Biological Correlates ($4M)
Principle Investigator: Michael J. Doria, PhD, U.S. Coast Guard, Headquarters, Washington, D.C. (Jul. 2013 – Dec. 2015)
- Active duty military personnel are at high risk to develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a stress disorder typified by avoidance, exaggerated startle reactivity, nightmares and intrusive thoughts and images. A basic assumption of PTSD is that the sequelae is develops as a consequence of exposure to extreme physical or psychological trauma – objectively defined. An alternative conception is that the events (the trauma) are but necessary, but insufficient conditions for PTSD. This alternative conception emphasizes individual differences in the way humans respond and cope with subjective stressors. Further, risk factors which affect coping and the manner of coping are likely to significantly contribute to etiology and expression of PTSD.
- Regardless of theoretical orientation, studies which are longitudinal in nature and which measure a variety of risk factors prior to PTSD expression, have the highest likelihood of illuminating the etiology and expression of PTSD. Accordingly, this is a four-year longitudinal study in which numerous risk factors for PTSD will be measured in Coast Guard personnel. The risk factors are generally in five domains: neurocognitive, neuroendocrine, genetic, epigenetic and personality. A fifth domain, functional and structural neuroanatomy, is impractical currently.Cognitive Assessment in Coast Guard Personnel: Neuroendocrine and Biological Correlates ($4M)Principle Investigator: Michael J. Doria, PhD, U.S. Coast Guard, Headquarters, Washington, D.C. (Jul. 2013 – Dec. 2015). Less is generally known concerning PTSD in females in the military; females are generally considered to be at higher risk for PTSD. Coast Guard has a high proportion of females which will directly compare male and female Coast Guard personnel; and have high likelihood of obtaining numbers enough to make such comparisons meaningful.
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and Department of Defense (DoD) – Concussion Assessment, Research and Education (CARE) Consortium – Longitudinal Clinical Study Core ($600K)
Principle Investigator: Michael J. Doria, PhD, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, New London, CT (Jul. 2014 – Aug. 2015)
- The NCAA-DoD Grand Alliance: Concussion Assessment, Research and Education (CARE) Consortium described in this proposal offers the promise of a large-scale, multi-site study of the natural history of concussion in both sexes and multiple sports, that will address the current gaps in our knowledge, and shed light on the neurobiological mechanisms of concussion symptoms and trajectory of recovery.
- This research project is a four-year longitudinal study involving Coast Guard Academy Cadets to determine the extent and duration of dysfunction in the aftermath of concussion in several relevant functional domains: neurocognitive performance, concentration, attention, balance, motor and orienting reflexes. This broad grouping of tests and measures are supplemented with self-report questionnaires of symptoms, personality and emotional coping. While the intention is to have pre-post assessments to gain insight in individual changes relative to concussion, practical limitations to equipment and cadet time will limit testing. These are low-throughput tests requiring instrumentation.
- Tests are administered by time after concussion, regardless of subjective assessment of symptoms. After concussion, the cadet will have assessments within six hours, one to two days, one to two weeks and six months after concussion. These time frames roughly correspond to acute, subacute and chronic with respect to the persistence of dysfunction.
- The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of concussion on health outcomes. The specific goal of this study is to look at several diagnostic tools available for concussion at the same time to better understand how a concussion affects a person. Concussion has become recognized as a major public health issue in the United States and worldwide. However, concussion is still poorly understood. There are many unanswered questions about the effect of concussion on the brain and how athletes and soldiers recover following injury. There is limited information about when it is safe for athletes to return to sport following concussion and how athletes are affected by multiple concussions. The long-term impact of concussion is not known. The goal of this study is to help answer some of these questions.
CLICK HERE FOR DR. DORIA’S RESEARCH PROJECTS
Presentations
Department of Defense – Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG)’s Working Groups
- Neely, E., Erickson, J., Theeler, B., Gillies, D., Walker, W., Picon, L., Richers II, R., Hinds, S., Fideli, U., Holland, S., DiPatrico, P., Schept, S., Gregory, E., Gill, R., West, T., Johnson, F., Davies, C., Qashu, F., Spells, C., West, B., George, K., Lattimore, T., Duckworth, J., Sher, A., Brown, A., Namasaka, K., Tsao, J., DeCicco, V., Doria, M.J., Auster, S., Drew, W., Kelly, J., Brewer, K., Maxfield-Panker, S., Carolina, A., Silberstein, S., and Gladston, J. (2014). Management of Headache Following Concussion/Mild TBI. U.S. Coast Guard. Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC).
- Balkin, T., Bender, J., Brierly-Browers, J., Camasta, T., Capaldi, V., Cernich, A., Coyle, M., Doria, M. J., Gill, R., Grimes, J., Grogan, L., Helmick, K., Holland, S., Kaplan, D., Letteiri, C., Lewis, J., Maxfield-Panker, S., Nacev, V., Tsao, J., West, T., Edinger, J., Epstein, D., Hunt, S., Sim, T., Auger, R., Aurora, R., Castriotta, R., McCann, U., Rao, V., Taylor, D., Watson, N., Yochelson, M., Zafonte, R. (2013). Management of Sleep Disturbances Following Mild TBI/Concussion Workgroup. U.S. Coast Guard. Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC).
Journals and Articles
- Wright, W. G., Handy, J. D., Avcu, P., Ortiz, A., Haran, F. J., Doria, M. J., Servatius, R. J. (2018). Healthy Active Duty Military with Lifetime Experience of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Exhibits Subtle Deficits in Sensory Reactivity and Sensory Integration During Static Balance. Military Medicine, Vol. 183, March/April Supplement, page’s 313-320.
- Handy, J. D., Avcu, P., Ko, N., Ortiz, A., Doria, M. J., Servatius, R. J. (2018). Facilitated acquisition of the classically conditioned eyeblink response in active duty military expressing posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. Behavioral Brain Research. Volume 339, page’s 106-110.
- Servatius, R. J., Handy, J. D., Doria, M. J., Myers, C. E., Marx, C. E., Lipsky, R., Ko, N., Avcu, P., Wright, W. G., Tsao, J. W. (2017). Stress-Related Mental Health Symptoms in Coast Guard: Incidence, Vulnerability, and Neurocognitive Performance. Frontiers in Psychology. Volume 8, Article 1513.
- Doria, M.J. Editor. TBI 401: Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness for Expeditionary Deploying Command Leadership Training Booklet. US Coast Guard Office of Health Services (CG-112). March 2013, Edition 1.
- Doria, M.J., Editor. TBI 401: Traumatic Brain Injury for Providers Training Manual. US Coast Guard Office of Health Services (CG-112). February 2013, Edition 1.
- Doria, M.J., Editor. Military Acute Concussion Evaluation Leader Train the Trainer (Policy and Procedures). US Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery. September 2011, Edition 3.
- Doria, M.J., Editor. Military Acute Concussion Evaluation Train the Trainer Manual. US Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery. September 2011, Edition 3.
- Doria, M.J., Editor. Military Acute Concussion Evaluation Line Leader Booklet. US Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery. September 2011, Edition 3.
- Doria, M.J., Editor. Military Acute Concussion Evaluation Training Booklet. US Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery. September 2011, Edition 3.
- Doria, M.J., Editor. Military Acute Concussion Evaluation Training Booklet. US Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery. April 2011, Edition 2.
- Doria, M.J., Editor. Military Acute Concussion Evaluation Training Booklet. US Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery. January 2011, Edition 1.
- Perna, R., and Doria, M.J., (2006). Brain Injury: Incidence of Depression and Suicidality. International Neuropsychological Society, 34th Annual Meeting Program and Abstract Book, 228. Abstract retrieved. Perna, B.R., and Doria, M.J. (2006). Memory Complaints and Memory Test Performance after Brain Injury. Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology, 21, 509-606. Abstract retrieved.
- Perna, R., Doria, M.J., and Ablitz, B. (2006). Depression and Treatment. Brainstorm, Brain Injury Association of Maine’s Bi-Annual Magazine on Brain Injury. Fall/Winter 2006. Waterville, ME.
- Doria, M.J. (2005). Attention Deficit-Hyperactive Disorder and Post-Secondary Education. Dissertation Abstracts International, (UMI No. 3179176).
Poster Sessions
- Servatius, R. J., Handy, J. D., Doria, M. J., Wright, G. W., Tsao, J. W. (2018). Longitudinal Association Between Stress-Related Mental Health Difficulties & Attention Deficit in Active Duty Military. Poster presented at the Military Health System Research Symposium. Kissimmee, FL.
- Handy, J. D., Pelin, A., Ko, N., Ortiz, A., Marx, C., Doria, M.J., and Servatius, R. (2016). Facilitated Acquisition of the Conditioned Eye-blink Response in Active Duty Coast Guard Personnel Expressing Type D Personality. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the Society of Biological Psychiatry, Atlanta, GA.
- Anastasides, N., Amalfe, S., Sprycha, M., Jiao, X., VanMeenen, K., Myers, C., Doria, M.J., Tsao, J. W., and Servatius, R. J. (2014). Cognitive Assessment in Coast Guard Personnel. Poster session presented at the Department of Veterans Affairs, NJ Healthcare System, East Orange, NJ.
- Doria, M.J., Tsao, J. W., Tarantino, D. A., Musiani, A. N., Cygan, N. K., and Engle, L. K. (2011). Management of Concussion in Deployed Setting: TBI / Concussion / Military Acute Concussion Evaluation (MACE) Training Program Development. Poster session presented at the 5th Annual Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Submit, National Harbor, MD.
- Doria, M.J., Jett, S. A., Tsao, J. W., Tarantino, D. A., and Ensley, T. C. (2011). Management of Concussion in Deployed Settings: Just-in-Time Pre-Deployment Training Process. Poster session presented at the 5th Annual Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Submit, National Harbor, MD.
- Perna, B. R., Doria, M.J., and Errico, A. L. (2006, February). Brain Injury: Incidence of Depression and Suicidality. Poster session presented at the International Neuropsychological Society, 34th Annual INS Conference, and Boston, MA.
- Perna, R., Naidoo, R., and Doria, M.J. (2006, October). Memory Complaints and Memory Test Performance after Brain Injury. Poster session presented at the National Academy of Neuropsychology, 26th Annual Conference, San Antonio, TX.
- Doria, M.J. (2007, February). CISM Interventions Utilized with Military First Responders in Critical Incidents. Poster session presented at the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, 9th World Congress on Stress, Trauma and Coping, Baltimore, MD.
- Doria, M.J. (2007). CISM Interventions Utilized with Military First Responders in Critical Incidents. ICISF 9thWorld Congress on Stress, Trauma and Coping, Congress Proceedings, 83-86. Poster Handout.
- Doria, M.J. (2007, July). AD/HD and Postsecondary Education: The Relationship between Disability Services, Medication Usage and Symptom Severity. Poster session presented at the Association on Higher Education and Disability, 30th Annual AHEAD Conference, Charlotte, NC.
Websites/Official Military Publications/DVDs
- Doria, M. J. (2014). National Brain Injury Awareness Month, Official BLOG of the U.S. Coast Guard. http://allhands.coastguard.dodlive.mil/2014/03/24/traumatic-brain-injury-assistance-offered/.
- Doria, M.J. (2013). National Brain Injury Awareness Month, Official BLOG of the U.S. Coast Guard. http://coastguard.dodlive.mil/2013/03/national-brain-injury-awareness-month/.
- Doria, M.J. (Approver) U.S. Coast Guard Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) 101 Awareness DVD: Isom Global Strategies, 2013.
- Doria M.J. (2013). The USCG Psychological health and Traumatic Brain Injury Program, The RESERVIST Magazine – The Official Magazine of the US Coast Guard Reserve. http://uscgreservist.epubxp.com/i/120540/51.
- Doria, M.J. (2011) Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI). Center for Deployment Psychology. http://www.deploymentpsych.org/disorders/tbi-main.
- Doria, M. J. (2018, January). Alcohol Misuse and Its Contributing Factors to Suicide. New York Guard Headquarters, Camp Smith, NY.
- Doria, M. J. (2018, January). Traumatic Brain Injury. New York Guard Headquarters, Camp Smith, NY.
- Doria, M.J. (2017, December). Mental Health Issues in the Military. The Special Interest Division and the Veterans Affairs Resource Center at Westchester Community College. Westchester County Psychological Association. Valhalla, NY.
- Doria, M.J. (2017, October). Caring for our Servicemembers Inside and Out. The 6th Annual OutService-SLDN LGBT Military Leadership Conference. Washington, DC.
- Doria, M.J. (2014, February). The U.S. Coast Guard Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury Program. Institute for Defense and Government Advancement. Military Behavioral Healthcare. Arlington, VA.
- Doria, M.J. (2013, August). The U.S. Coast Guard Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury Program. American Psychological Association Annual Conference. Honolulu, HI.
- Doria, M.J. and Drexler, M. (2013, February). The U.S. Coast Guard Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury Program. 41st Annual meeting of the International Neuropsychological Society, Waikoloa, HI.
- Doria, M.J. and Drexler, M. (2012, November). The U.S. Coast Guard Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury Program. 32nd annual meeting of the National Academy of Neuropsychology, Nashville, TN.
- Doria, Michael J. “MACE: Lead Train-the-Trainer Course,” Navy/Marine Corps TBI Meeting, National Harbor, MD, August 25, 2011.
- Doria, Michael, J. “ICISF: Assisting Individuals in Crisis (Peer Course),” United States Coast Guard, Newport, RI,
May 14, 2007 and May 15, 2007.
- Doria, Michael, J. “ICISF: Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM): Group Crisis Intervention,” United States Coast Guard, Newport, RI, May 16, 2007 and May 17, 2007.
- Doria, Michael, J. “ICISF: Assisting Individuals in Crisis (Peer Course),” United States Coast Guard, Corpus Christi, TX, February 7, 2007 and February 8, 2007.
- Doria, Michael, J. “ICISF: Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM): Group Crisis Intervention,” United States Coast Guard, Corpus Christi, TX, February 5, 2007 and February 6, 2007.
- Doria, Michael, J. “Test Anxiety.” The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, August 2002.
