MARCELA A. BONAFINA, PH.D.
Neuropsychologist
FORENSIC EVALUATIONS
Dr. Bonafina conducts specialized psychological and neuropsychological evaluations designed to answer specific legal questions. These evaluations combine clinical interviews, standardized testing, and careful review of records to provide objective, evidence-based findings for asylum and immigration claims, disability determinations, traumatic brain injury cases, and other civil matters. Unlike clinical assessments focused on treatment, forensic evaluations are written in a clear, defensible format to support attorneys, adjudicators, and decision-makers.
Bilingual and culturally informed assessments are essential for validity in cross-cultural cases, including Spanish-English evaluations.
Who Refers for Forensic Evaluations?
Referrals are commonly made by attorneys, immigration advocates, disability representatives, physicians, and individuals involved in legal or administrative proceedings. Each evaluation is tailored to the referral question and designed to produce a clear, objective, legally relevant report.
Asylum Evaluations
For individuals seeking protection due to persecution, torture, or human rights violations, I provide detailed psychological evaluations documenting trauma exposure, symptom presentation, and functional impact.
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Clinical interview focused on trauma history
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Assessment of PTSD, depression, and anxiety
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Cultural and linguistic considerations
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Clear, legally relevant documentation
Disability Evaluations
For disability claims (e.g., SSDI/SSI, private benefits), these evaluations provide objective assessment of cognitive and psychological functioning and their impact on daily and occupational capacity.
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Comprehensive clinical interview
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Standardized cognitive and psychological testing
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Functional analysis related to work capacity
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Clear, defensible reports
Traumatic Brain Injury Evaluations
For individuals involved in legal or administrative proceedings with a history of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), this evaluation provides a legally relevant neuropsychological assessment of how brain injury affects memory, attention, processing speed, executive functioning, mood, behavior, and daily functioning. Forensic TBI evaluations are used in personal injury cases, disability claims, and other civil matters where objective, evidence-based findings are needed for legal decision-making.
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Assessment of memory, attention, and executive function
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Review of medical and collateral records
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Evaluation of functional limitations
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Objective reporting for legal decision-making
All evaluations are conducted with clinical rigor, cultural sensitivity, and attention to the legal standards required for each case.
Clinical & Forensic Expertise
Dr. Bonafina brings over 30 years of experience in clinical psychology, neuropsychological assessment, and forensic evaluation. Her work is distinguished by precision, cultural competence, and the ability to translate complex clinical findings into clear, legally relevant conclusions.
✔ Multilingual, cross-cultural evaluations
✔ Expertise in trauma, PTSD, and cognitive impairment
✔ Extensive experience with immigration, disability, and legal systems
✔ PSYPACT APIT® certified (telehealth available where permitted)
