Dr Alexandra Antonesei

Dr Alexandra Antonesei is an independent clinical psychologist with extensive experience in criminal, family and immigration proceedings based in London. She has studied and practiced in the field of psychology and mental health for over 20 years in the UK and abroad. With extensive experience working with adults who are neurodivergent and/or who have (chronic and severe) mental health issues in the community, psychiatric and general hospitals, custodial environments, and private practice.

Dr Antonesei is  instructed by counsels, courts, probation offices, solicitors, and the Local Authority/Children's Services.
Cases undertaken include:
- criminal matters, e.g., sexual offences, physical harm including murder, drug paraphilia, fraud, theft, dangerous driving;
- care proceedings, e.g., parents who undergo care proceeding for child neglect and/or abuse;
- immigration issues, e.g., refugees/clients seeking asylum.

Family law
Dr Antonesei undertakes full psychological and cognitive assessments to assist the Court, the Local Authority, the Children's Services, solicitors, and parents in conducting and taking part in family (pre)proceedings.

She provides comprehensive assessments and reports with regard to:
- neurodevelopmental conditions (e.g., autism, ADHD, learning disabilities);
- mental health conditions (e.g., PTSD, personality disorders, alcohol and substance misuse, suicidal ideation and self-harm, OCD, depression, anxieties);
- (complex) trauma, associated disorders and attachment styles;
- domestic abuse;
- parents' risk for child abuse;
- parenting capacity.
- the parents' level of cognitive, psychological and interpersonal functioning;
- parents' level of insight;
- the impact of mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions on the parents' ability to provide optimal care;
- the parents' ability to meet their child/ren's developmental timescale, as well as their psychological/emotional needs;
- therapy suggestions for parents, prognosis to achieve and sustain change, willingness to engage with professional agencies, recommendations for intermediaries/advocates, recommendations for local resources/facilities.

Criminal Law
Dr Antonesei runs full psychological, cognitive, risk, and sexual risk assessments to assist the Court, Parole Boards, Mental Health Tribunals, solicitors, and clients in conducting and taking part in criminal proceedings.

She provides comprehensive assessments and reports with regard to:
- neurodevelopmental conditions (e.g., autism, ADHD, learning disabilities);
- mental health conditions (e.g., PTSD, personality disorders, psychopathy, paraphiliac disorders, alcohol and substance misuse, suicidal ideation and self-harm, OCD, depression, anxieties);
- (complex) trauma and associated disorders;
- risk for violence;
- risk for sexual violence towards adults, children, and the general public;
- domestic violence.
- mental capacity;
- the impact of mental health and/or neurodevelopmental conditions on offensive behaviour;
- risk for violence and risk for relapse;
- risk for sexual violence and sexual deviance;
- vulnerability and suggestibility;
- deception;
- capacity to cope in custodial environment;
- recommendations for intermediaries/advocates.

Immigration Law
Dr Antonesei runs full psychological and cognitive assessments to assist the Immigration and Asylum Chamber, solicitors and clients in conducting and taking part in immigration procedures.

She provides comprehensive assessments and reports with regard to:
- mental health conditions (e.g., PTSD, personality disorders, alcohol and substance misuse, suicidal ideation and self-harm, OCD, depression, anxieties);
- (complex) trauma and associated disorders;
- neurodevelopmental conditions (e.g., autism, ADHD, learning disabilities);
- domestic abuse.
- mental health diagnosis/es and prognosis;
- recommendations for psychological treatment and timescales;
- ability to recount (details of) relevant life events;
- ability to testify and engage with relevant authorities;
- vulnerability and suggestibility;
- the psychological/emotional effects of deportation and/or being detained in an immigration centre;
- ability to cope and re-adjust in the country of origin.

Dr Antonesei accepts cases that are funded by the Legal Aid Agency (LAA) or privately.

Adult mental health

Family and Criminal Law Bond Solon

HCPC PYL039120