Marcela Bonafina, PhD is a Psychologist practicing clinical psychology at our Fort Sam Houston, TX clinic. As a trusted local provider on kellysearch.com, she is dedicated to providing comprehensive care, registered with The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists and practicing under the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act). Clinical Psychologists at KellySearch.com are doctoral-level mental health professionals providing psychotherapy, psychological assessments, and diagnoses for a wide range of conditions like depression and anxiety, working collaboratively with primary care physicians when appropriate. Dr. Bonafina serves all ages.
Dr. Bonafina, PhD is a clinical psychologist in Fort Sam Houston, TX, committed to a patient-centered approach to care. She believes in the power of collaboration and evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Her focus is on fostering positive change and helping individuals navigate life's challenges with resilience. Prospective patients should call (210) 539-9582 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.
Dr. Marcela Bonafina provides consultations primarily in English.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Bonafina is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Bonafina provides comprehensive clinical psychology care, focusing on a collaborative approach with patients and other healthcare providers. She utilizes evidence-based therapies to address a wide range of mental health concerns, from anxiety and depression to more complex conditions, ensuring a personalized treatment plan tailored to each patient's unique needs. Her commitment to clear communication and thorough assessments fosters a strong therapeutic alliance, empowering patients to actively participate in their recovery journey.
By working together, you and Dr. Bonafina can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Choice Care Network PPO
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice POS
- Humana
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Bonafina offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Childhood Depression: Children experiencing persistent low mood, loss of interest, and changes in behavior may have childhood depression, treatable with a clinical psychologist's guidance and therapy.
- Tobacco Use Disorder: Tobacco use disorder is a condition where someone struggles to quit smoking or using tobacco products, and a clinical psychologist can help them understand and overcome the underlying psychological factors contributing to their addiction.
- Pain Killer Addiction: Struggling with addiction to painkillers? A clinical psychologist can provide therapy and support to help you manage cravings, cope with withdrawal, and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
- Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures: Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) are episodes that look like seizures but are caused by psychological factors, and a clinical psychologist can help identify and treat the underlying emotional or mental health issues contributing to them.
- Panic Disorder Without Agorapobia: Clinical psychologists treat panic disorder without agoraphobia by teaching coping mechanisms and strategies to manage panic attacks and reduce their frequency and intensity.
- Delusion: Delusions are false beliefs that persist despite evidence to the contrary; a clinical psychologist uses therapy to help people understand and cope with these beliefs.
- Nondependent Sedative, Hypnotic, or Anxiolytic Abuse: A clinical psychologist helps individuals who are struggling with occasional or non-addictive misuse of sedatives, sleeping pills, or anti-anxiety drugs by identifying the root causes and offering therapy to manage these issues.
This list represents some of the common conditions treated. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional.
To provide comprehensive and patient-centered care, Dr. Bonafina offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Diagnostic Evaluation: Expect a comprehensive assessment to identify the specific mental health challenges you're facing.
- Behavior Modification: Expect to track your behaviors, identify patterns, and work with your therapist to implement changes using strategies like rewards and consequences to achieve your goals.
- Dyslexia Assessment: If you suspect dyslexia, this assessment provides a formal diagnosis, clarifying learning difficulties and enabling effective interventions.
- Eating Management: Eating management therapy helps identify and address underlying emotional issues that may be driving unhealthy eating behaviors, promoting sustainable lifestyle changes.
- Meditation: Practicing meditation can enhance the effectiveness of other therapeutic interventions by promoting relaxation and emotional regulation, leading to better outcomes.
- Psychotherapy and Psychophysiological Therapy (incl. Biofeedback): This approach uses both traditional talk therapy and biofeedback to help you identify and change unhealthy physical and mental patterns contributing to your mental health challenges.
- Hypnosis (Medical Hypnotherapy): It's a therapeutic technique that uses the power of suggestion during a hypnotic state to help patients overcome challenges.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for their professional license in Texas.
Dr. Bonafina is dedicated to partnering with patients to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how proactive care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- After receiving guidance from a clinical psychologist, a child successfully managed their childhood depression, experiencing improved mood and increased engagement in daily activities. Their family reported a noticeable improvement in overall family dynamics.
- By working with their provider to understand the underlying psychological factors contributing to their tobacco use, a patient successfully managed their cravings and achieved a healthier lifestyle. They now feel empowered to maintain their progress and avoid future relapse.
- By attending therapy sessions and developing coping mechanisms, a patient successfully managed their pain killer addiction, regaining control over their life and improving their overall well-being.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
3551 Roger Brooke Dr, Fort Sam Houston, TX, 78234
Phone: (210) 539-9582
View on Map - Practice
7800 W Interstate 10 Ste 300, San Antonio, TX, 78230
Phone: (210) 539-9582
View on Map
Here are answers to some common questions about receiving Clinical Psychology care with Dr. Bonafina:
- What is the main difference between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?
- A psychologist (PhD or PsyD) specializes in psychotherapy and psychological testing, while a psychiatrist (MD or DO) is a medical doctor who can prescribe medication. They often collaborate, with the psychologist providing therapy and the psychiatrist managing medication.
- What happens in a first therapy session?
- Dr. Bonafina's first session is an intake where she learns about your concerns, history, and goals. It's also a chance for you to get to know her and see if she's the right therapist for you. This is a collaborative conversation, not an interrogation.
- Do I have to have a serious mental illness to see a psychologist?
- No. While psychologists treat serious mental illnesses, they also help people address everyday challenges like stress management, grief, relationship issues, and navigating major life transitions.
- What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that helps people identify and change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors. It's a goal-oriented approach where patients learn practical skills to manage their symptoms and problems, often used for anxiety and depression.
- What is psychological testing used for?
- Psychological testing uses a series of standardized tests and interviews to gain a deeper understanding of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. It can help clarify diagnoses, identify conditions like ADHD, learning disabilities, or autism spectrum disorder, and inform treatment strategies.
- What is EMDR therapy?
- EMDR is a specialized therapy that helps people heal from trauma and difficult experiences. It uses bilateral stimulation, like eye movements or tapping, to help the brain process traumatic memories and reduce their emotional impact.
- Do you offer couples or family therapy?
- Yes, we offer couples and family therapy. These therapies focus on improving communication and resolving conflicts within relationships. Dr. Bonafina helps all parties understand each other better and develop healthier ways of interacting to strengthen their family or partnership.
- My primary doctor suggested I might have anxiety. Can a psychologist confirm this?
- Yes. A comprehensive diagnostic evaluation is a core expertise of a clinical psychologist. Dr. Bonafina will use interviews and potentially questionnaires to accurately diagnose an anxiety disorder and develop a non-medication treatment plan focused on therapy and coping skills.
3551 Roger Brooke Dr
Fort Sam Houston TX 78234
Phone: (210) 539-9582
Marcela Bonafina, PHD is regulated by the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act) in Texas and is licensed by The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1174782379
Registration can typically be verified through The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by kellysearch.com, is for informational purposes to help you connect with local healthcare providers. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. Healthcare providers like Dr. Marcela Bonafina are trained to manage a wide range of health concerns. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.