Psychological Evaluations for Immigration
In addition to providing therapy, I also conduct Immigration Psychological Evaluations to assist individuals and families in their immigration process. I collaborate with many of the most trusted attorneys who have approved and regularly recommend my services.
Why Do I Need a Psychological Evaluation?
In my experience, a psychological evaluation adds a remarkable value to the immigration case. A comprehensive, expert evaluation conducted by a licensed professional knowledgeable about the factors involved in extreme immigration hardships and the relevant mental health issues, along with a thorough report, can be effectively used by your attorney to support your case and move forward with your immigration proceedings.
What Is a Psychological Evaluation?
An Immigration Psychological Evaluation is a psychological assessment that is used to help immigration courts determine whether an individual will be able to remain lawfully in the United States.
The immigration evaluation itself includes two in-depth interviews that are usually spread over 3 hours. During the assessment process, I will ask you questions about yourself and your immigration case. The topics will include but are not limited to your current immigration predicament; your personal, marital, and family history; your work history; and medical and psychiatric history relevant to the case. I will inform you about each step as it becomes relevant. I will then write a detailed report and send it to your attorney.
What Type of Immigration Cases Benefit From A Psychological Evaluation?
Psychological Immigration Evaluations and reports are used in four major areas of immigration proceedings:
-
Extreme Hardship Cases
-
Spousal Abuse (VAWA)
-
Political Asylum Cases
-
U Visa
Could Any Therapist Conduct a Psychological Evaluation in Immigration Cases?
These types of evaluations and reports are very specific and address particular points. It is important that the mental health professional is familiar with the terms used in immigration law and understands the standard of evidence that is required by the court. It is also very important that the therapist has an experience with culturally diverse patients and is aware and sensitive to the wide range of customs and lifestyles of people from different parts of the world. It is, therefore, recommended that an immigration evaluation professional that is well versed in the area of psychological evaluation and immigration issues provide these services. I have worked extensively with clients from different countries and cultures and, conducted many evaluations of individuals from several African countries, The Caribbean, Latin America.
TESTIMONIALS FROM LAWYERS
“Yori’s evaluations are superb. Her exhaustively detailed evaluations have led to the establishment of extreme hardship or a grant of asylum in 100% of the approximately 30 cases we have referred to her.”
–– Cecil Hill, Immigration Attorney