OUR SERVICES

Immigration

Psychological Evaluations 

Short Hills • New Jersey • Online

What is a Psychological Immigration Evaluation?

An immigration evaluation refers to a mental health assessment provided by a licensed clinician for an immigration legal case.

The assessment includes a clinical interview, including a review of the individual’s mental health history, and DSM-5 diagnosis (if applicable). The evaluation explores various aspects of mental health as it relates to the applicant’s immigration status, including emotional stability, coping mechanisms, trauma history, and the impact of past experiences on the individual’s psychological wellbeing.

  • Immigration hardship psychological evaluation assists in listing all of the difficulties a US Citizen or legal permanent resident will experience if their non-citizen relative is deported or must leave the country.

  • Some individuals who have been the victim of a serious crime may be eligible for a U-Visa. A psychological evaluation is used to assist in documenting the substantial physical and/or mental abuse resulting from having been the victim of a serious crime.

  • Violence Against Woman Act (VAWA) allows certain victims of domestic violence (including men), to petition for immigration benefits without the cooperation of the abusive US citizen or permanent resident spouse.

  • Political asylum is a form of protection granted to individuals who have suffered persecution or have a well-founded fear of persecution in their home country based on their race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political affiliation.

  • The T-Visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows victims of human trafficking to remain in the United States if they have been trafficked and can assist law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of human trafficking cases.

What is the process?

My immigration psychological evaluations consist of a one-on-one interview with the applicant, which includes history gathering (e.g., what is your country of origin, reason for relocating to the US, trauma history, and current life dynamics) as well as the applicant’s mental health and hardships. I seek to capture as much information as possible to support the applicant’s case.

You can expect for the psychological immigration evaluation to be split into 2 appointments, each lasting approximately 1.5-2 hours. During this time, you will also be asked to complete self-report psychological assessment scales, that will help this clinician further assess your psychological symptoms.

Throughout the process, I will create a collaborative relationship with your attorney in order to best meet your needs. All of my immigration psychological evaluations are tailored to meet the unique needs of each case.

Once we have spoken to you and scheduled your appointment, you will be provided with a questionnaire in your preferred language (English or Spanish), that will aim to gather detailed information about your history. You can email back or bring the completed questionnaire to your appointment.  

Immigration Psychological Evaluation FAQ’s

What is the timeline for an immigration psychological evaluation?

You can expect a final draft of your report to be completed within 3-4 weeks from the time of your evaluation.

Expedited reports can be provided with an additional fee.

Where are you located?

The evaluation can take place at my office in Short Hills, NJ or online using a HIPPA compliant platform.

In what language will the evaluation take place in?

Spanish and/or English. Spanish speaking applicants in need of a bilingual immigration evaluation can contact me for an assessment.

What is the cost for an immigration psychological evaluation?

The total cost of the evaluation is $1,350 which includes the evaluation (including the two appointments) and the written report (approximately 10-15 pages).

If your reports must be completed in less than 2 weeks, there is an additional fee of $300.00