She was employed at University Behavioral Health Care for two years and later moved to Hackensack Hospital in 2001. She started at that facility as a Staff Physician, but quickly became the Medical Director of the Outpatient Mental Health Clinic until she joined VA New Jersey Health Care System in 2005 as a Staff Physician.  She was also assigned the responsibility of serving as Training Director for Psychiatry Residents and Medical Students.  In February 2011, Dr. Donepudi was promoted to the role of Assistant Chief of Mental Health & Behavioral Sciences.

In 2013, she became Associate Chief of Staff for Mental Health & Behavioral Sciences. As chief, Dr. Donepudi is delegated full responsibility for planning, directing, coordinating, and evaluating all activities performed in Mental Health.