Dr. Marina Bassili is a licensed clinical and forensic psychologist in California and the owner of Ascend Psychological Services, Inc. She specializes in comprehensive mental health evaluations for a wide range of forensic issues in criminal, family, and civil cases. She provides expert witness testimony and consultation services in challenging cases, such as those involving questions about neuropsychological functioning or the impact of trauma on the brain and behavior. With a background in academia, Dr. Bassili offers in-depth analysis and tailored recommendations to address complex psychological questions and inform legal decision-making.

Dr. Bassili holds a doctorate degree in clinical psychology from Loma Linda University and has a background in pediatric psychology. She has extensive experience working with children and adolescents with complex medical histories in hospital and outpatient settings, including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Loma Linda Children’s Hospital, LeBonheur Children’s Hospital, and Miller Women and Children’s Hospital, where she provided therapy, psychological assessment, and consultation-liaison services. She has specialized training in several trauma-informed, evidence-based practices, including:

• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

• Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

• Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT)

In addition to her clinical and forensic work, Dr. Bassili is dedicated to education and professional development. She serves as adjunct faculty at Pepperdine University and the California School of Professional Psychology and is an assistant editor for the Institute on Violence, Abuse & Trauma (IVAT) journals. She enjoys public speaking and educating individuals at both the community and organizational level. She is particularly passionate about training on topics related to mental health and its intersection with the legal system.

As a second-generation Egyptian American, Dr. Bassili is deeply committed to multicultural competence and diversity-informed care, working with clients from a broad range of cultural backgrounds. Dr. Bassili has also published research on cultural considerations for families involved in the child welfare system, with a focus on Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) families. This expertise informs her work with immigrant and ethnically diverse individuals navigating the legal system.