VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) Psychological Evaluation​

 

 

A VAWA Psychological Evaluation provides essential clinical documentation for individuals applying for immigration relief under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). This evaluation helps demonstrate the psychological and emotional impact of domestic violence, emotional abuse, or coercive control experienced within a qualifying relationship with a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.

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These evaluations are commonly requested by immigration attorneys to strengthen VAWA self-petitions, offering professional evidence that supports the client’s claim of abuse and its lasting emotional effects. Conducted by a licensed psychologist, the assessment provides a safe, supportive space to share your story and obtain a detailed, trauma-informed psychological report that meets U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) standards.

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The purpose of a VAWA psychological evaluation is to ensure that your experiences are documented with compassion, accuracy, and clinical professionalism, helping your attorney and immigration officials understand the emotional and psychological toll of the abuse you endured.

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Purpose and Benefits of a VAWA Psychological Evaluation​

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A VAWA psychological assessment serves as powerful legal and emotional documentation for your case. Key benefits include:

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• Clinical Documentation of Abuse: Provides a detailed psychological account of the emotional, verbal, physical, or sexual abuse experienced in the relationship, described in professional language recognized by USCIS.

• Emotional and Mental Health Assessment: Identifies symptoms of trauma, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and other emotional effects of abuse.

• Humanizing Legal Evidence: Translates your personal experiences into clear, clinical documentation that helps attorneys and immigration officers fully understand your story.

• Support and Healing: Offers validation, therapeutic guidance, and mental health recommendations to support your recovery and emotional well-being during the immigration process.

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These evaluations not only strengthen your legal case but also help you begin or continue the healing process by acknowledging your resilience and experiences in a compassionate, trauma-informed way.

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Steps and Process of the Evaluation

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Our VAWA psychological evaluations are confidential, trauma-informed, and structured to meet all USCIS documentation standards. 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 across California through secure telehealth or in person.

• Clinical Interview: During your session, a licensed psychologist will meet with you to discuss your personal history, relationship experiences, emotional symptoms, and current coping strategies.

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

• Review and Interpretation: The psychologist reviews and integrates all information to create a comprehensive understanding of your emotional and psychological functioning.

• Report and Feedback: A detailed psychological report is prepared for your attorney. Reports are written in clear, evidence-based language and typically completed within one to two weeks to support your immigration timeline.

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What the Evaluation Addresses

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Each VAWA psychological evaluation is personalized and may include:

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• Documentation of the emotional and psychological effects of domestic violence or abuse

• Assessment of trauma symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD

• Impact of coercive control, isolation, or fear on mental health and functioning

• Strengths, resilience, and coping mechanisms developed through adversity

• Recommendations for continued emotional support and therapeutic care

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The evaluation provides an empathetic, professional account of your experiences that helps attorneys and immigration officials understand the depth of harm caused by abuse—and your strength in overcoming it.

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What to Expect and How to Schedule

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A VAWA psychological evaluation is a supportive and confidential process designed to help you feel safe and respected. You do not need to prepare extensively, but it can be helpful to reflect on your experiences and any emotional or physical challenges you’ve faced as a result of the abuse.

 

To schedule your appointment, complete the contact form on our website or email our office directly. If your immigration attorney has already 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. Reports meet USCIS standards and are written to be clinically accurate, trauma-informed, and legally persuasive—helping survivors of abuse gain protection, stability, and a path forward.

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Fee Statement – VAWA

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The fee for a VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) 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 2-hour 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 VAWA 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.