Immigration Mental Health Evaluations: What They Are and How the Process Works
By Nathalie Alabre, LPC (TX LPC 101728 · CT LPC 007970)
If you or your attorney have mentioned an immigration mental health evaluation, you may be wondering what it is and what the process involves. This article explains what these evaluations are, the steps involved, the timeline, and the cost, so you know what to expect before you begin.
What an immigration mental health evaluation is
An immigration mental health evaluation is a structured clinical assessment completed by a licensed mental health professional as part of an immigration case. Attorneys often request one to document a person’s history, experiences, and current mental health functioning in a formal written report that becomes part of the legal filing.
People seek evaluations in connection with several kinds of cases, including hardship waivers, asylum cases, U visa and VAWA petitions, and cancellation of removal. The evaluation is not therapy, and it is separate from any counseling you may receive. It also does not decide your case. The report is one piece of documentation that your attorney submits, and the outcome of any immigration matter rests with the government agencies and courts involved.
How the process works
The process usually follows a few clear steps. First, there is a consultation to confirm that an evaluation is appropriate for your case and to schedule your interviews. Next come the evaluation interviews themselves, typically one or more meetings where the evaluator asks about your personal history, your family, your experiences, and your current daily life and wellbeing. With your permission, the evaluator may also review records relevant to your case.
After the interviews, the evaluator prepares a written report describing the evaluation and its findings. The completed report goes to you and your attorney, who reviews it as part of your filing. Throughout the process, we coordinate with your attorney on timing so the report fits your case schedule.
Timeline and cost
Our fee for an immigration mental health evaluation is $1,200 flat, with 50% due at booking. The evaluation is private pay. If your case is on a tight deadline, an expedited option is available for an additional $400, with the report completed in under 10 business days.
Evaluations are available for clients located in Texas or Connecticut only.
A note for attorneys and referring providers
Attorneys refer clients to us because the process is structured and the timelines are clear. Reports are prepared for the case timeline, and we coordinate with counsel throughout. Providers and attorneys can learn more on our For Providers page.
You can read the full details, including how to schedule, on our Immigration Evaluations page. If you have questions about whether an evaluation fits your case, your attorney is the right first call, and we are glad to speak with either of you.
This article is educational information, not medical advice, and it does not replace care from your own provider. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 any time.