Why Psychological Evaluations Matter in Immigration Cases

Immigration cases are legal matters, but they are also deeply personal. Many individuals involved in these cases have experienced trauma, prolonged stress, family separation, or fear about their future. A psychological evaluation can help ensure that these experiences are clearly and accurately understood by immigration authorities.

As a psychologist who specializes in immigration-related psychological evaluations, I work with both attorneys and clients to provide careful, objective assessments that explain the psychological impact of a person’s experiences in a way that is meaningful and useful within the legal process.

Why Psychological Evaluations Can Be So Helpful

1. They Offer Clear Clinical Context

Immigration officials must rely on evidence. While personal statements are essential, a psychological evaluation adds clinical context—helping decision-makers understand how experiences such as trauma, abuse, or prolonged uncertainty can affect emotional functioning, memory, and daily life.

These evaluations translate complex psychological concepts into clear language that is accessible and relevant for a legal audience.

2. They Help Decision-Makers Understand the Person Behind the Case

Many clients worry that their emotional reactions—or lack of visible emotion—may be misunderstood. A psychological evaluation can explain why someone might struggle to recall details, appear emotionally guarded, or feel overwhelmed during interviews or testimony.

By placing these responses in a clinical framework, the evaluation helps ensure the individual is seen not just as a case file, but as a person shaped by real experiences.

3. They Support a Wide Range of Immigration Matters

Psychological evaluations are often helpful in cases involving:

Asylum

VAWA self-petitions

U visas and T visas

Extreme hardship waivers

Cancellation of removal

Cases involving children or other vulnerable individuals

Each evaluation is tailored to the legal questions involved, while remaining independent, objective, and grounded in professional standards.

4. They Provide Thoughtful Explanations for Trauma-Related Challenges

Trauma can affect how people communicate, remember events, and respond to stress. A psychological evaluation can offer a professional explanation for these challenges, helping adjudicators understand how psychological symptoms may influence a person’s presentation—without making legal arguments or advocacy statements.

What to Expect When You Reach Out

An Initial, Supportive Conversation

When attorneys or clients contact me, we begin with a brief discussion about the case, timelines, language needs, and any specific questions. This helps ensure the evaluation is appropriate and focused, and gives clients the opportunity to understand the process before moving forward.

A Respectful and Trauma-Informed Evaluation

The evaluation takes typically includes a comprehensive clinical interview, a review of personal history, and the use of standardized measures when appropriate. Evaluations are conducted with attention to cultural background and emotional safety, recognizing that many clients are sharing difficult experiences for the first time.

There is no “right” or “wrong” way to respond during an evaluation. The goal is accuracy, understanding, and clarity.

A Clear, Professional Report

The written report is prepared within two weeks of the evaluation appointment and includes:

Relevant background information

Clinical observations and diagnoses, when applicable

An explanation of how psychological findings relate to the immigration issue

Professional conclusions presented in clear, careful language

Working Together with Care and Professional Integrity

For attorneys, my role is to provide thorough, reliable evaluations that support informed decision-making. For clients, my role is to offer a respectful, structured space where their experiences can be documented thoughtfully and professionally.

Psychological evaluations do not determine the outcome of a case, but they can play an important role in helping immigration authorities fully understand the psychological impact of what an individual has endured.

If you are considering a psychological evaluation for an immigration matter, I welcome the opportunity to speak with you and answer any questions you may have.

Clients Often Ask

Will this evaluation determine whether I win my case?

No. A psychological evaluation does not decide the outcome of an immigration case. Its purpose is to provide professional clinical information that helps immigration authorities better understand the psychological impact of your experiences. Legal decisions are made by immigration officers or judges, based on all the evidence in the case.

Am I being tested or judged?

No. There are no “right” or “wrong” answers in a psychological evaluation. This is not a test you pass or fail. The goal is to understand your experiences and how they have affected you emotionally and psychologically, using established clinical methods.

What if talking about my experiences is difficult?

Many people feel nervous or emotional about discussing painful events. This is very common. The evaluation is conducted at a respectful pace, with care given to your emotional safety. You are always encouraged to let me know if you need a break or if something feels overwhelming.

Do I need to remember every detail perfectly?

No. Trauma and chronic stress can affect memory and concentration. Difficulty recalling details does not mean something is wrong or that your experiences are not valid. Part of the evaluation is understanding how psychological symptoms may affect memory and communication.

Will what I share be kept confidential?

Your privacy is taken seriously. Information from the evaluation is used solely for the purpose of preparing the psychological report for your immigration case, and only information relevant to the referral question is included. Confidentiality and its limits are explained clearly before the evaluation begins.

How long does the process take?

The evaluation usually involves one to two sessions, followed by time to carefully prepare the written report. Timelines are discussed in advance so attorneys and clients know what to expect, especially when there are upcoming deadlines. Written reports are generally provided within two weeks of the evaluation appointment. Expedited reports are often provided for an additional fee, based on availability.

How much does it cost?

The evaluation appointments and written report cost $900. We work with each client to establish a payment plan.

• Additional evaluations within a family are $450 each.

• The rush fee for expedited evaluations is $300.

What languages are evaluations conducted in?

Evaluations are conducted in the language in which the client can best express themselves. We provide evaluations in Spanish and English. If an interpreter is needed, this can be discussed during the initial contact to ensure the process is as comfortable and accurate as possible.