Dr. Marco G. Morelli, PsyD
CA License PSY 34288

Marco G. Morelli, PsyD

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Specializing in objective, evidence-based forensic psychological evaluations for civil litigation

✓ 15+ Years Experience
✓ Fluent in Spanish
✓ M.S. Biology

I am Marco G. Morelli, PsyD, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in California (PSY 34288) with over 15 years of experience. I provide objective, evidence-based psychological evaluations and expert opinions for civil and administrative legal matters.

My work is dedicated to assisting attorneys and the court by providing clear, impartial, and scientifically-grounded answers to complex legal questions. In transitioning from a purely clinical role to that of a forensic expert, the primary function shifts: I am not a therapist to the individual being evaluated, but rather an evaluator and an educator for the legal team.

My Role as a Forensic Expert

It is critical to understand the bright ethical line between a treating clinician and a forensic expert.

Treating Expert (Fact Witness)

Testifies about their own diagnosis and treatment of a patient they have a therapeutic relationship with.

Forensic Expert Witness (My Role)

Retained by an attorney or appointed by the court to render an objective opinion with no prior therapeutic relationship.

I have no prior therapeutic relationship with the individual, and no doctor-patient relationship is formed. My work is not therapy; it is an evaluation designed to be objective, impartial, and answer a specific legal question. I cannot serve as both a treating therapist and a forensic expert for the same person in the same case.

Unique Qualifications

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Cross-Cultural & Trauma Expertise

Deep expertise in cross-cultural and trauma psychology, including extensive experience with refugee populations, asylees, and asylum seekers. Managed emergency mental health responses to disaster and acute trauma.

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Fluency in Spanish

Fluent in Spanish and Italian. Conduct direct psychological evaluations without an interpreter, eliminating potential error and increasing assessment accuracy. Specialized experience with Spanish-speaking populations.

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Scientific Foundation

Background in biological sciences (M.S. Biology, B.S. Biological Sciences) provides a rigorous, analytical foundation for complex causation analysis and comprehensive record review.

Education & Licensure

Current

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

State of California, License #PSY 34288

2019

PsyD, Clinical Psychology

California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University

Dissertation: "An evaluation of a mindfulness-based treatment program on maternal well-being in the Gaza Strip"

2004

M.S., Biology

San Francisco State University

1999

B.S., Biological Sciences

University of California, Davis

Relevant Professional Experience

Clinical Psychologist

Spine, Pain & Rehabilitative Care | San Mateo, CA | 2020-Present

  • Conducts psychological evaluations for injured workers within the Workers' Compensation system
  • Assesses psychological factors impacting chronic pain, functional restoration, and return-to-work capacity
  • Provides specialized, direct Spanish-language psychological services

Postdoctoral Registered Psychological Assistant

Pain & Rehabilitative Consultants Medical Group | Emeryville, CA | 2019-2020

  • Conducted psychological assessments for injured workers in chronic pain programs
  • Evaluated patient progress and provided multidisciplinary team reports

Psychology Intern

Girard Medical Center | Philadelphia, PA | 2018-2019

  • Provided psychological assessment and services to dually-diagnosed adults
  • Worked with extended acute inpatient care unit serving forensic clients

Psychology Trainee

Partnership for Trauma Recovery | Berkeley, CA | 2017-2018

  • Conducted assessments for survivors of significant trauma, including refugees and asylum seekers
  • Developed expertise in evaluating post-traumatic grief/loss and resettlement issues

Emergency Mental Health and Psychosocial Manager

International Medical Corps | Bong County, Liberia | 2015

  • Managed emergency mental health response to the Ebola crisis
  • Provided evaluation and services related to acute trauma, mass grief/loss, and palliative care

Psychology Trainee

HealthRight360 | San Francisco, CA | 2013-2014

  • Provided services for forensic population with co-occurring substance use disorders
  • Experience with severe mental illness and dually-diagnosed populations

Research & Publications

Morelli, M., Cyrus, G., et al. (2019). Recovering from the Ebola crisis: 'Social Reconnection Groups' in a rural Liberian community. Global Mental Health, 6, E17.

Let's Discuss Your Case

Contact my office for case consultation or to request materials review

Contact Dr. Morelli