Finding Safety Through Understanding

 

What is an Immigration Evaluation?

 

An immigration psychological evaluation is a vital step in supporting immigration cases that involve hardship, trauma, or emotional distress. This specialized assessment provides documentation of how immigration-related stressors, such as separation from family, fear of persecution, or experiences of abuse, affect an individual’s mental and emotional well-being.

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Many immigration attorneys and law offices request psychological evaluations to strengthen cases such as hardship waivers, asylum, VAWA, U-Visa, T-Visa, or cancellation of deportation. These evaluations are designed to present a clear, evidence-based understanding of a client’s emotional state and the psychological impact of their circumstances, which can be crucial in immigration court proceedings.

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The purpose of this evaluation is not to judge or diagnose unnecessarily but to provide a compassionate, professional account of your experiences. The insights gained help attorneys, judges, and immigration officers understand your story within the context of psychological health and human resilience.

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Benefits and Purpose of an Immigration Psychological Evaluation

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An immigration evaluation provides meaningful documentation and clinical insights that support your legal case and overall well-being. Key benefits include:

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Evidence for Legal Proceedings: Provides objective psychological documentation that strengthens asylum, hardship, or VAWA cases by explaining the emotional and mental health impact of trauma, separation, or fear of return.

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Emotional and Mental Health Support: Identifies symptoms of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, or adjustment difficulties that may be connected to past or ongoing immigration stressors.

Humanizing Legal Cases: Offers attorneys and courts a deeper understanding of your personal story, emotional challenges, and the potential hardship that deportation or separation would cause.

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Treatment and Support Planning: Includes recommendations for ongoing mental health care, trauma recovery, and coping support, promoting overall well-being beyond the legal process.

These evaluations not only provide legal evidence but also promote healing by helping individuals process difficult experiences and connect with appropriate mental health resources.

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Types of Immigration Psychological Evaluations

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Our practice provides evaluations for a range of immigration-related needs, including:

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Each evaluation is personalized and conducted with compassion, cultural awareness, and clinical expertise to ensure accuracy and sensitivity in representing your experiences.

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Steps and Process of the Psychological Assessment

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Our immigration psychological evaluations are confidential, trauma-informed, and structured to meet all USCIS and legal documentation requirements. The process typically includes:

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Referral and Scheduling: Your immigration attorney or legal representative may refer you for a psychological evaluation, or you may contact our office directly. Appointments are available in person or through secure telehealth for clients across California.

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• Clinical Interview: During your session, you will meet with a licensed psychologist to discuss your background, immigration experiences, family relationships, and the emotional impact of your circumstances.

• Standardized Questionnaires: You may complete brief psychological assessments to measure mood, trauma symptoms, and stress responses, helping to support the clinical findings.

• Review and Interpretation: The psychologist reviews and interprets all results to create a comprehensive picture of your emotional functioning and resilience.

• Report and Feedback: A detailed written report is prepared for your attorney or legal team. Reports are written in clear, professional language that meets immigration court standards and typically completed within one to two weeks.

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What to Expect and How to Schedule

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Immigration psychological evaluations are designed to be supportive, respectful, and empowering. You do not need to prepare extensively—simply be ready to share your story and experiences openly in a confidential setting.

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To schedule your appointment, complete the contact form on our website or email our office directly. If your immigration attorney has submitted a referral, we will reach out within a few business days to arrange your session.

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Evaluations are available throughout California via secure telehealth and in person for local clients. Our goal is to make the process efficient, compassionate, and professionally aligned with USCIS and court documentation requirements - helping you and your legal team present the strongest, most effective case possible.

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Fee Statement – Immigration Evaluation

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The fee for an Immigration Psychological Evaluation ranges from $900 to $1,400, depending on the complexity of the case and the level of documentation required.

• Standard Evaluations ($900–$1,000):
  This rate applies to cases involving a single clinical interview and a clearly defined history of abuse or trauma. The report provides a thorough psychosocial assessment, diagnostic impressions, and a clear explanation of the emotional and psychological effects of the abuse, suitable for submission to immigration counsel. Spanish translator available.

• Comprehensive Evaluations ($1,100–$1,400):
  This range applies to cases with more extensive trauma histories, co-occurring disorders (such as depression, PTSD, or substance use), multiple interviews, or when collateral information, record review, or consultation with legal representatives is needed. These evaluations require more time, in-depth clinical analysis, and detailed reporting to fully capture the client’s psychological experiences and impact. Spanish translator available.

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All evaluations include:

• One or more clinical interviews conducted via secure telehealth.

• Review of relevant documentation or collateral information (as applicable).

• A comprehensive written report outlining the psychological impact of abuse and the client’s recovery process.

• One follow-up consultation with the client or attorney to clarify findings.