An immigration psychological evaluation is a clinical assessment conducted by a licensed mental health professional to support an individual’s immigration case. These evaluations provide detailed, evidence-based documentation of the emotional, psychological, and sometimes physical effects of past trauma, hardship, or fear of persecution. The goal is to offer the immigration court or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) a deeper understanding of how an immigration decision may impact the applicant or their loved ones.
Each evaluation includes a thorough clinical interview, standardized assessment tools (when appropriate), and a written report tailored to the specific type of immigration case. These evaluations often play a critical role in legal cases such as:

• Asylum
• U-Visa
• T-Visa (Human Trafficking)
• VAWA (Violence Against Women Act)
• Extreme Hardship Waivers
• Cancellation of Removal

The evaluation process typically involves one to three sessions and includes an in-depth review of the client’s mental health history, current functioning, and psychosocial circumstances. The final report is written with sensitivity, professionalism, and attention to the legal context—ready to be submitted by the client’s immigration attorney.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a doctorate in counseling psychology, I approach each immigration evaluation with cultural sensitivity, trauma-informed care, and clinical rigor. My goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment where clients feel comfortable sharing their experiences while also producing a thorough and well-documented report that supports their legal case.

Here is what clients can expect during the evaluation process:

1. Initial Consultation (Optional)
If needed, I offer a brief consultation (by phone or email) to answer general questions about the evaluation process, fees, and timelines. This is especially helpful for clients or attorneys who are unfamiliar with psychological evaluations in immigration cases.

2. Clinical Interviews
The evaluation typically includes 1–3 sessions, each lasting 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the case complexity and client needs. These sessions may take place in person or via secure telehealth platforms. During the interviews, I gather:

• Personal and family history
• Mental health and medical background
• Trauma history (if applicable)
• Current emotional and psychological functioning
• Psychosocial and cultural context
• Immigration-related stressors

I conduct these interviews with care, especially when discussing sensitive or traumatic events, and ensure clients feel emotionally supported throughout the process.

3. Psychological Assessment Tools (If Applicable)
Depending on the case type and clinical presentation, I may administer standardized questionnaires to assess symptoms such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or trauma-related distress. These tools help provide objective data to support clinical findings.

4. Collaboration with Legal Representatives
With the client’s written consent, I may consult with their immigration attorney to ensure the evaluation aligns with legal requirements and addresses the specific needs of the case (e.g., hardship criteria, trauma history, functional impairment).

5. Comprehensive Written Report
After the sessions are complete, I prepare a detailed and legally sound psychological evaluation report. Each report includes:

• A summary of clinical interviews and assessment results
• Diagnostic impressions (if applicable)
• A psychosocial narrative contextualizing the client’s emotional or psychological struggles
• Clear documentation of how immigration-related circumstances affect the client’s well-being
• Professional recommendations (if needed)

6. Delivery & Follow-Up
The final report is typically completed within 2–3 weeks after the last session (expedited reports available upon request). Once finalized, I provide a PDF copy to the client and/or their attorney. I remain available for clarification, revisions (if necessary), or legal testimony (additional fee may apply).

Immigration Psychological Evaluations

1. What is an immigration psychological evaluation?
An immigration psychological evaluation is a mental health assessment conducted to support a person’s immigration case.
It includes a clinical interview and may involve psychological testing.
The goal is to document how a specific immigration-related issue (e.g., trauma, hardship, fear of persecution) affects your mental and emotional well-being.

2. What types of immigration cases benefit from a psychological evaluation?
Evaluations are often helpful—and sometimes critical—for the following types of cases:

• Asylum
• U-Visa (crime victim)
• T-Visa (human trafficking survivor)
• VAWA (abuse by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse or parent)
• Extreme Hardship Waiver
• Cancellation of Removal

3. What happens during the evaluation?
The evaluation involves 1–3 sessions, each lasting about 60 to 90 minutes.
We will talk about your personal history, mental health, family background, current symptoms,
and any experiences of trauma, abuse, or hardship related to your case.
All information is kept confidential and is handled with care and cultural sensitivity.

4. Do I need to bring anything to the appointment?
You do not need to bring anything specific, but if you have medical records, therapy notes, or legal documents related to your case, you may share them if you feel comfortable. These documents can sometimes support the evaluation.

5. Will you talk to my immigration attorney?
Yes—if you give written permission. I often work closely with attorneys to ensure the report addresses the legal elements of your case
and is submitted in the appropriate format.

6. Will I receive a copy of the report?
Yes. Once the evaluation is complete, I will provide you and/or your attorney with a PDF copy of the final report.

7. How long does the evaluation process take?
Typically, the process—from the first session to receiving the completed report—takes 2 to 3 weeks.
Expedited reports may be available for an additional fee.

8. Do you offer remote (online) evaluations?
Yes. I offer secure, HIPAA-compliant virtual sessions for clients who prefer or require remote services.

9. Will you diagnose me with a mental health disorder?
Only if it is clinically appropriate and helpful to your case.
Some evaluations require a diagnosis (e.g., PTSD, depression, anxiety), while others focus more on emotional hardship or trauma history.
I will explain this during our sessions.

10. Is everything I say confidential?
Yes. All information shared during your evaluation is confidential and protected under HIPAA,
with the exception of safety concerns (e.g., threats to self or others), which may require mandatory reporting.

U-Visa Evaluation
The U-Visa is available to individuals who have been victims of certain crimes, including domestic violence, sexual assault, and physical assault. This visa encourages undocumented victims to assist law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity, while offering protection for those who have experienced significant mental, emotional, or physical harm. For this evaluation, I meet with clients across two sessions (each lasting 1.5 hours) to assess the psychological, emotional, financial, and physical impact of the trauma endured.

T-Visa Evaluation
The T-Visa offers temporary immigration relief to individuals who have survived human trafficking and cooperated with law enforcement in the investigation. This visa allows victims to remain in the United States for up to four years, and eligibility for family members may also be considered. During the evaluation, I assess the client’s psychological, emotional, financial, and physical responses to their trafficking experiences.

Asylum Evaluation
Asylum provides legal protection for individuals who fear persecution in their home country due to their race, religion, nationality, political beliefs, or membership in a particular social group. To qualify, the application must typically be filed within one year of arrival in the U.S. In asylum evaluations, I explore the emotional, physical, and psychological effects of past persecution, helping to support the applicant’s claim for protection and safety in the U.S.

Extreme Hardship Evaluation
Extreme Hardship waivers are available to undocumented immigrants who face removal from the United States. These evaluations focus on the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family member who would endure significant emotional, physical, financial, psychological, or educational hardship if their loved one were deported. My role is to assess and document these hardships to strengthen the waiver application.

Cancellation of Removal Evaluation
This form of relief is intended for undocumented individuals who have resided in the U.S. for at least ten years and can demonstrate good moral character. If deportation would cause exceptional hardship to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family member—especially a child—this evaluation can be instrumental. In these cases, I interview the qualifying relative (typically a son or daughter) to assess the emotional, psychological, educational, financial, and physical impact of potential family separation.

VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) Evaluation
VAWA allows survivors of domestic violence—regardless of gender—to petition for legal residency without the abuser’s consent or involvement. Eligible individuals may be spouses, children, or parents of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. The evaluation focuses on the psychological, emotional, physical, and financial effects of the abuse, and serves to support the survivor’s petition for protection and independence.

$1,000
Includes:

• 1–3 clinical sessions (in-person or virtual)
• A 15–20 page report tailored to your specific case
• Documentation of psychological, emotional, physical, financial, and spiritual impact
• Collaboration with your immigration attorney (with written consent)
• Turnaround time: 2–3 weeks (expedited service available for an additional fee)

Note: This fee applies to standard in-office sessions. Additional charges may apply for:

• Expedited evaluations
• Use of an interpreter
• Off-site sessions or travel time

$250

• Provided via telephone or Webex
• Requires advance scheduling
• Only available for clients who have completed an evaluation with me