Immigration evaluations
The Process: What to Expect
An evaluation is more than a single meeting; it is a collaborative clinical deep-dive.
Clinical Interviews: Usually consisting of two to three hours of conversation (via secure telehealth) where we discuss your personal, medical, and family history.
Standardized Assessment: I utilize evidence-based psychological tools to provide objective data regarding anxiety, depression, medical and trauma symptoms.
You and your attorney will receive a rigorous, professional document that utilizes a biopsychosocial framework to complete your medical and mental health history with current clinical research and with cultural competency.
Attorney Collaboration: I work closely with your legal team to ensure the report addresses any and all issues.
I provide evaluations for adults and families in the following areas:
Asylum: For those seeking protection from persecution, I conduct specialized evaluations that document the psychological impact of past trauma and the fear of future harm. Using a psychosocial lens, I help the court understand how your history of trauma—whether based on political opinion, religion, nationality, race, or membership in a particular social group (including LGBTQ+ identity). These reports provide the narrative evidence necessary to validate how it’s affected functioning and to prevent further persecution.
Cancellation of Removal and Extreme Hardship Waivers: I provide in-depth analysis of how the removal of a loved one would cause significant psychological, medical, and economic distress to U.S. citizen or resident family members.
T-Visa Evaluations: I offer a safe, affirming space to document the complex psychological trauma resulting from labor or sex trafficking and exploitation. My reports provide the court with an in-depth understanding of the severe harm you have faced and the clinical risks associated with removal.
U-Visa Evaluations: For survivors of crimes, I document the substantial mental or physical abuse resulting from the trauma and its impact on your daily life. These evaluations provide the court with a clear, narrative account of the psychological harm sustained and your ongoing resilience.
VAWA (violence towards women and all genders): I offer a supportive, non-judgmental environment for survivors of domestic abuse or " partner cruelty" to share their experiences. I analyze the complex layers of your experience—including the biological effects of chronic stress, medical and the psychological impact of power and control, and the social barriers to your safety.
***Please note I do have some spaces for pro-bono.
FAQS section:
How many sessions are required for an evaluation? Most evaluations require two to three sessions, totaling about 3 to 4 hours of clinical interviewing. This ensures we have enough time to build a comfortable alliance and gather the detailed history needed for a high-quality report without feeling rushed.
Do I need an attorney to get an evaluation? While you do not need an attorney to start the process, I highly recommend working with one. I coordinate closely with legal teams to ensure the clinical report addresses the specific legal "hooks" relevant to your individual case.
Is the information I share during an evaluation confidential? Yes, within the bounds of clinical ethics and the law. However, please keep in mind that the final report is specifically intended to be shared with your attorney and the immigration court as evidence. We will discuss the limits of confidentiality during our first meeting to ensure you feel safe and informed.
Can evaluations be done virtually? Yes. I offer secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth evaluations for clients residing anywhere in Arizona, Oregon or Washington. This allows you to participate from the privacy and comfort of your own home.
How much does it cost? To support your journey with transparency and care, I offer an all-inclusive fee of $1,200 for a comprehensive biopsychosocial evaluation, which covers all clinical interviews, record reviews, and the final report. This is seperate from your legal fees with attorneys.
Payment plans: I utilize a three-step payment plan: an initial $200 deposit to begin our work together, a $500 when the report is finalized and the final $500 the following month. This approach ensures you receive a high-quality, professional narrative for your case while providing a clear and predictable financial path forward for you and your family.
We take credit cards, payment apps (PayPal, Venmo, Cash app), and cash.
Will insurance cover it? Unfortunately, filing is not billable by insurance companies in the US as it’s considered a legal matter. The process of writing an interview will take over eight hours. This includes writing the evaluation, working with attorneys, coordinating research and identifying appropriate assessments and evaluations.
Do you offer expedited evaluations? Yes, we can talk about additional fees if the report is needed in two weeks or less.
Cancellation policy: I require at least 48 hours’ notice for any cancellations or rescheduling. The deposit is non-refundable.
Narrative Evidence for Complex Legal Cases
In the immigration process, a person’s life is often reduced to forms and filing dates. However, the legal standards for "extreme hardship" or "victimization" require more than just facts—they require a deep, psychological understanding of the human impact of separation or relocation.
At In The Mind LLC, I provide comprehensive clinical evaluations for individuals and families across Arizona, Oregon and Washington. My goal is to bridge the gap between your personal experience and the legal requirements of the court, ensuring your story is heard with dignity and clinical precision.