​I provide specialized psychological and neuropsychological evaluations for complex legal and administrative proceedings, including immigration, disability, and litigation matters.

All evaluations are structured, objective, and grounded in clinical and scientific standards to produce clear, defensible findings.

 

​

Areas of Forensic Practice

​

Dr. Bonafina conducts evaluations in cases involving:

 

Asylum and trauma-related immigration claims (persecution, torture)

Traumatic Brain Injury and cognitive impairment

Dementia and neurodegenerative conditions

Toxic exposure

PTSD, anxiety, and depression

Competency to stand trial

Criminal responsibility (insanity)

Diminished capacity and mitigation

 

Her multi-lingual and cross-cultural expertise ensures accurate, defensible assessment for Spanish monolingual, Spanish-English bilingual, and French-speaking individuals.

​​​

​

Bilingual & Cross-Cultural Expertise

​

Accurate evaluation of Spanish-speaking individuals requires specialized training beyond standard clinical practice.

Dr. Bonafina’s work integrates:

Fluency in Spanish and English

Use of properly normed instruments for Spanish-speaking populations

Understanding of dialect, migration history, and cultural context

This approach ensures valid, reliable findings and reduces the risk of misinterpretation in legal settings.

​​

​​

Forensic Approach

​

Each evaluation includes:

Comprehensive record review

Clinical interview and collateral interviews

Standardized psychological and neuropsychological testing

Functional and diagnostic analysis

Clear, well-documented forensic reporting

All work is conducted with attention to legal standards, ethical considerations, and evidentiary requirements.

​​

​

​​

Expert Testimony & Legal Support

 

Services include:

• Preparation of detailed forensic reports

• Live and remote deposition

• Expert testimony (in-person and virtual)

• Consultation with attorneys, including preparation for cross-examination

​

​​

​

Evaluation Contexts

​

Evaluations are conducted in:

Private clinical settings

Detention centers

Community-based environments

Including work with refugees, asylum seekers, and survivors of torture.

​​

​​

​

Case Selection

​

Cases are accepted selectively. When clinical or forensic merit is not supported, the referring attorney is informed promptly.

Accepted cases proceed through formal retention and structured evaluation.