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An Asylum Psychological Evaluation (I-589) provides critical clinical documentation of the emotional and psychological impact of persecution, discrimination, violence, or threats experienced in an individual’s country of origin. These evaluations are often essential in asylum and refugee cases, as they demonstrate how past trauma and ongoing fear of harm continue to affect a person’s mental health and daily functioning.

 

By providing a clear, evidence-based account of psychological distress and trauma symptoms, an asylum evaluation can significantly strengthen an applicant’s I-589 petition and legal case for protection in the United States.

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Purpose and Benefits of an Asylum Psychological Evaluation

 

A psychological evaluation for asylum provides crucial information that strengthens legal cases while also supporting emotional healing. Key benefits include:

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• Clinical Documentation of Trauma: Provides a professional account of the emotional, psychological, and behavioral impact of persecution, torture, or displacement.

• Support for Legal Cases: Strengthens asylum applications by translating personal experiences into clinical evidence recognized by USCIS and immigration judges.

• Cultural and Emotional Understanding: Ensures cultural context, migration history, and trauma responses are accurately represented in the report.

• Healing and Empowerment: Offers survivors an opportunity to process their experiences in a trauma-informed setting while receiving validation and care.

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These evaluations help ensure that your story is heard and understood in both human and clinical terms—supporting fairness and compassion in the asylum process.

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Steps and Process of the Evaluation

 

Our asylum psychological evaluations are confidential, trauma-informed, and structured to meet immigration documentation standards. The process typically includes:

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• Referral and Scheduling: Your immigration attorney or legal representative may refer you for an evaluation, or you can contact our office directly. Appointments are available in person or via secure telehealth across California.

• Clinical Interview: During your session, you will meet with a licensed psychologist to discuss your personal background, reasons for seeking asylum, past trauma, and current mental health symptoms.

• Standardized Questionnaires: You may complete brief psychological assessments that measure trauma-related symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress.

• Review and Interpretation: The psychologist integrates your story and assessment results to create a thorough, evidence-based understanding of your mental health and resilience.

• Report and Feedback: A comprehensive written report is prepared for your attorney, tailored to meet the specific requirements of your asylum case. Reports are typically completed within one to two weeks to align with legal timelines.

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What the Evaluation Addresses

 

An asylum psychological evaluation may explore:

• Emotional and psychological impact of persecution, violence, or displacement

• Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or anxiety

• Effects of fear, isolation, and uncertainty on daily functioning

• Cultural identity, coping mechanisms, and resilience factors

• Recommendations for ongoing therapeutic or psychiatric support

Each report is written with empathy and professionalism, ensuring your experiences are accurately and respectfully represented in your legal case.

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What to Expect and How to Schedule

Asylum evaluations are conducted with care, confidentiality, and cultural sensitivity. You do not need to prepare extensively; simply be open to sharing your experiences in a supportive environment. Your comfort and safety are always prioritized.

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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, our team will reach out within a few business days to arrange your evaluation.

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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 compassionate, efficient, and aligned with USCIS and immigration court standards—helping you and your legal team present the strongest, most human-centered case possible.

 

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Fee Statement – Extreme Hardship

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The fee for an Asylum 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 persecution or trauma. The report includes a comprehensive psychosocial assessment, diagnostic impressions, and a detailed explanation of the psychological effects of past persecution and fear of return to the client’s country of origin. Spanish translator available.

• Comprehensive Evaluations ($1,100–$1,400):
  This range applies to more complex cases involving multiple traumas, co-occurring mental health conditions (such as PTSD, depression, or anxiety), multiple interviews, interpreter use, or extensive documentation and collateral review. These evaluations require greater clinical depth, case formulation, and detailed documentation to fully address the psychological impact and support the asylum claim. Spanish translator available.

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All Asylum evaluations include:

• One or more clinical interviews conducted via secure telehealth.

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

• A detailed written report outlining psychological symptoms, trauma impact, and clinical findings consistent with asylum criteria.

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