Immigration Evaluations

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What is an Immigration Evaluation?

An immigration evaluation is a comprehensive clinical assessment that a licensed mental health professional completes for persons navigating immigration proceedings or seeking to adjust their legal status.

Evaluations are often used as supportive evidence for an immigration petition. An evaluation aims to provide objective and professional feedback on the client’s psychological functioning, physical safety, and extreme hardship. We collaborate with attorneys to ensure that we understand the specifics of your petition and the details relevant to your case.


Evaluation Includes

+ Consultation with your attorney

+ 2 Clinical interviews (1-2 hours each)

+ Interview with close family if needed

+ Detailed bio-psychosocial history questionnaire

+ Review of relevant documents (police reports, medical records or other collateral documents)

+ Screenings to assess for mental health diagnoses

+ Clinical DSM-5 diagnosis (if applicable)

+ Education on symptoms and diagnosis

+ Community resources for ongoing care

+ Clinical evaluation report 10-15 pages

+ Professional interpreting service with over 200 languages, including ASL

The Evaluation Process

You will be scheduled for 2 virtual clinical interviews via a HIPAA-compliant platform. Each interview will be scheduled for two hours. During the interview, we discuss in-depth information about your work and family history, your current situation around your immigration case, past trauma, conditions of your home country, any previous mental health diagnoses, your support system here in the United States, your plans for the future, and anything else relevant to your case. 

Depending on the case, family members may be invited to the interview as part of the process. You will be provided with a questionnaire to complete before your first interview. After your first interview, your therapist will ask you to complete additional questionnaires to return to the second interview. After your final interview, your therapist will compile all the information gathered and generate a clinical evaluation report. 

We typically complete the report within 2-3 weeks after the final interview. We then send the report to you and your attorney for review.

FAQ Immigration Evaluations

Do I have to live in the same state as your therapy practice?

Evaluations are currently available for individuals physically located in California, Washington, and Indiana.

Do I need to have an attorney?

Yes, we will only accept clients that have legal representation. We are not legal experts and may be unable to answer your legal questions about your case. We will consult with your attorney to make sure we understand the psychological needs of your case and if we are providing you with the correct service.

What if I need an interpreter?

A professional interpreter is recommended for anyone who is not fluent in English. We will provide a trained interpreter for both interviews for those we feel may need one. We do NOT allow the use of friends or family members because this is a clinical report used for a legal case. Interpreters can reduce the chance of misunderstandings as we gather essential information for your report. We currently offer interpreter services in 200 different languages, including American Sign Language. This service is an additional charge.

What is the cost of an evaluation?

The cost of a clinical evaluation ranges from $1250 to $1500, depending on the case’s complexity.  During your consultation call, we will discuss fees and situations that will increase service fees. If you need your report finished within 14 business days, you can pay an optional rush fee of $500. Cancellations less than 72 hours and No Shows fees, may apply.

Are payment plans available?

Yes, during the initial consultation call, let us know that you would like to be on a payment plan. A deposit/or first installment of the payment plan is due 48 hours before your initial interview. All fees are due before we provide you and/or your attorney with a signed and finalized evaluation. Accepted forms of payment are credit/debit cards (through the payment system of our choice).

 

How do we meet for appointments?

Appointments are virtual and conducted using a HIPAA-compliant video platform of our choice. At this time, we are using Zoom and Simple Practice.

Why do I need a clinical evaluation and is it helpful?

Speak with your attorney to make sure that you need an immigration evaluation. A thorough clinical evaluation report can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Evaluations help with screening for trauma, emotional difficulties, and extreme hardships. They can also provide diagnostic clarification and relief for many individuals. In addition, clinical evaluations can help enhance clinical clarity and support identifying appropriate interventions and treatment recommendations. Research has also shown that medical and psychological evaluations increase the chances of a favorable outcome in immigration cases.

What is the difference between an evaluation conducted by a Psychotherapist and A Psychologist?

Both disciplines are well-suited for immigration evaluations and can evaluate mental health symptoms and diagnose mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. Moreover, psychologists perform tests that measure neurological functions. You should seek a psychological evaluation from a psychologist when your attorney wants you to get assessed for a learning disability, cognitive functioning, dementia, or another testing such as malingering. Another example would be N-648 form, which can only be completed by a clinical psychologist or medical doctor. You must speak with your attorney to make sure you find the correct provider.

After my evaluation, can I see you for therapy?

Due to the nature of our relationship, it would be unethical and a conflict of interest for us to provide you with therapy. However, part of your evaluation report will include recommendations and resources for mental health services if needed or upon request.

Who has access to my information?

All of your information is kept private and shared only with your attorney during this process. We require that the client sign a release of information form (ROI) before speaking to anyone about your evaluation.