FORENSIC EVALUATIONS

Dr. Bonafina completes specialized assessment conducted to answer specific legal questions by combining clinical interviews, standardized testing, and review of records to provide objective, evidence-based findings used in legal contexts such as asylum and immigration claims, disability determinations, and other civil matters. These evaluations differ from clinical assessments focused on treatment and 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 (e.g., Spanish/English).

Forensic Asylum Psychological Evaluations

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For clients seeking protection due to persecution, torture, or human rights violations, this evaluation provides a detailed, legally relevant psychological assessment that documents trauma exposure, symptomatology, and functional impact.

What’s included:

Clinical interview focused on asylum-relevant experiences
Trauma history and psychosocial context
Psychological symptom assessment (e.g., PTSD, depression, anxiety)
Cultural and linguistic competence throughout evaluation and reporting
Tailored reporting addressing legal standards for asylum claims

Forensic Disability Neuropsychological & Psychological Evaluations

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For disability claims (e.g., SSDI/SSI, private benefit disputes), neuropsychological evaluations provide objective measurement of cognitive impairment and functional limitations relevant to daily living and work capacity. These evaluations quantify the extent of neurocognitive deficits and their impact on occupational and social functioning.

What’s included:

Clinical interview and detailed history
Standardized cognitive testing (memory, attention, executive function)
Psychological symptom assessment
Functional impairment analysis linked to legal and disability criteria
Clear, defensible forensic report

Forensic Traumatic Brain Injury Evaluations

For individuals involved in legal or administrative proceedings with a history of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), this evaluation informslegal questions and document the impact of TBI on memory, attention, processing, and real-world functioning. Forensic TBI evaluations are used in contexts such as personal injury, disability claims, and other civil matters where objective, evidence-based findings are needed for legal decision-making.

What’s included:

Clinical interview focused on injury history and symptoms
Standardized cognitive testing of memory, attention, processing speed, and executive function
Review of relevant medical and collateral records
Assessment of functional limitations related to daily life and work
Objective reporting of findings for use in legal or administrative contexts

Dr. Bonafina's Expertise

Dr. Bonafina brings over 30 years of expertise in clinical psychology, neuropsychological assessment, and forensic evaluations. She routinely conducts evaluations for asylum seekers, refugees, disability cases, and legal referrals, with a special emphasis on bilingual, cross-cultural competence and ethical assessment practices. Her practice ensures that evaluations are conducted with linguistic fluency and cultural relevance to yield valid results.

Highlights:

Multilingual, cross-cultural evaluations
Expertise in trauma, PTSD, cognitive impairment
Experience with legal, immigration, and disability systems
PSYPACT APIT® certified for interjurisdictional telepsychology (Telepsychology available)

Neuropsychologist

MARCELA A. BONAFINA, PH.D.

FORENSIC EVALUATIONS