​​​

Dr. Marcela A. Bonafina is a clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist with more than 30 years of experience in psychotherapy, neuropsychological assessment, forensic evaluation, trauma, bilingual/cross-cultural assessment, and Functional Neurological Disorder treatment. Her work bridges clinical care, legal evaluation, neuroscience, and culturally informed practice.

​

​​​​​

​

 

 

 

 

 

 

Areas of Clinical and Forensic Focus

 

Dr. Bonafina provides specialized services in:

Trauma and PTSD

Functional Neurological Disorders (including PNES)

Neuropsychological assessment

Forensic psychological and neuropsychological evaluations

Her approach is structured, objective, and grounded in both clinical expertise and scientific standards.

​​​

​

​

​

 

 

 

Multi-lingual & Cross-Cultural Expertise

 

Dr. Bonafina is fully bilingual in English and Spanish and fluent in French. She has extensive experience working with diverse populations, 

She integrates cultural and linguistic factors into both clinical treatment and forensic evaluations to ensure accuracy, fairness, and validity.

​​​

​

 

 

 

 

 

Forensic & Legal Experience

​

Dr. Bonafina conducts evaluations for:

Asylum cases

Disability claims (SSDI/SSI and private)

Personal injury and traumatic brain injury cases

Legal and administrative proceedings

Her reports are designed to meet legal standards, providing clear, well-documented, and defensible findings.

​​​

​

​

 

 

 

 

Clinical and Institutional Experience

 

Dr. Bonafina has held clinical and academic roles across major institutions, including:

New York City World Trade Center (WTC) Mental Health Program

Bellevue Hospital Center

Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system

New York State psychiatric and academic institutions

She has worked extensively with individuals affected by trauma, neurological conditions, and complex psychiatric presentations.

​

​

 

​​​​

 

 

 

​​Academic & Teaching Roles

​

Dr. Bonafina has served in academic positions in neuropsychology and psychology, contributing to training, supervision, and professional development within the field.

She has also participated in research, advisory committees, and interdisciplinary collaborations focused on mental health and neuropsychology.

​​

​

​​

​

 

 

 

Professional Leadership and Contributions

​

She has been actively involved in:

Clinical program development

Multicultural mental health initiatives

Professional organizations and advisory groups

Public speaking and education in neuropsychology and forensic psychology

​

​

​

​

 

 

 

​Approach to Care

​

Many individuals who seek Dr. Bonafina’s services have gone through long and often frustrating processes without clear answers.

Her goal is to provide:

Clarity

Validation

Structured, evidence-based guidance

A clear path forward​​

​

​​

​

​

 

 

 

 

Licensure & Telehealth

​

Dr. Bonafina is PSYPACT APIT certified, allowing for telehealth services across participating states.

​

​​

​

 

 

 

 

 

Call to Action

If you are seeking clinical treatment or a forensic evaluation, you may request a consultation to discuss your needs and determine next steps.

​

​

​​