IMMIGRATION EVALUATIONS

What is a mental health immigration evaluation?

An immigration mental health evaluation is a professional assessment designed to provide psychological insight and documentation for immigration cases. These evaluations are used by attorneys and immigration courts to better understand the emotional, psychological, and social factors impacting an individual’s situation. At VISTA COUNSELING, we specialize in immigration evaluations, offering thorough, culturally sensitive, and evidence-based reports that meet legal standards. Our goal is to clearly communicate the psychological experiences of our clients, helping to support their cases and ensure their voices are heard. We provide evaluations for a variety of immigration cases, including U-Visa, VAWA, Hardship Waivers, Cancellation of Removal, and Asylum. By combining clinical expertise with a deep understanding of the legal process, we help clients and their attorneys present compelling, accurate, and professional documentation to immigration courts.

Types of Evaluations

We provide the following types of evaluations to be presented to the attorneys representing immigration cases, including the following types:

U-Visa

VAWA

Hardship Waivers

Cancellation of Removal

Asylum

How We Conduct Immigration Evaluations

Client Interview (2–4 hours): A detailed interview to gather personal information and explore your history and experiences. Sessions can be held in-office or remotely via secure video call.
Administration of Clinical Assessments and Questionnaires: A minimum of five standardized psychological tests and questionnaires are conducted, including scoring and professional interpretation.
Detailed Written Report:
- Comprehensive psychosocial history
- Test results and interpretation
- Diagnostic impressions
- Recommendations for mental health services, if needed
Collaboration With Your Attorney:
- Ongoing communication with your attorney and legal team via email, fax, or telephone.
- Incorporating attorney feedback to ensure the report meets immigration law standards and requirements.

Our goal is to deliver accurate, culturally sensitive evaluations that effectively support your immigration case.

Steps to Take Before Requesting an Immigration Evaluation

Consult With an Attorney:
Speak with your immigration attorney to determine whether a mental health evaluation is necessary for your case.
Obtain Specific Instructions:
If an evaluation is recommended, ask your attorney for a written document outlining the exact type of evaluation required, based on the visa or immigration relief you are applying for.
Schedule Your Appointment:
Book an initial appointment and provide all relevant supporting documentation to ensure a thorough and accurate evaluation.

IMPORTANT TO KNOW:

The assessment DOES NOT guarantee you will obtain a VISA or a permit to stay in the United States.
The evaluation has a cost that must be paid directly by the client. It is not covered by health insurance.