Dr. Monica Orama

I am a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Center for Optimal Brain Health, where I specialize in psychological and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) evaluations across the lifespan. My clinical interests include working with women and individuals whose autism is identified later in life, helping them gain a deeper understanding of themselves through comprehensive, evidence-based assessments. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, I earned my Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology from the APA-accredited program at Ponce Health Sciences University. My doctoral dissertation focused on understanding the needs of families raising children with autism throughout Puerto Rico, reflecting my longstanding commitment to supporting individuals with autism and their families. Throughout my training, I have gained extensive experience administering and interpreting comprehensive psychological assessments in both English and Spanish, including gold-standard instruments such as the ADOS-2, ADI-R, and WISC-V. I have also received training in evidence-based interventions, including DIR/Floortime, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and PEERS-informed social skills training.

In addition to my clinical work, I have had the privilege of teaching graduate-level courses in clinical practice and psychological assessment. I am passionate about expanding access to culturally responsive mental health care and resources for individuals and families in Puerto Rico and beyond. I am fluent in both English and Spanish and continue to pursue advanced training in specialized areas, including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Outside of my professional life, I enjoy hiking, traveling, and staying active through Pilates and running.

I welcome new patients and professional referrals and am committed to providing a thoughtful, collaborative, and supportive evaluation process. My goal is to help individuals and families better understand their strengths, challenges, and next steps while feeling informed and supported throughout their care journey.