Immigration Evaluations

I conduct comprehensive mental health evaluations for Extreme Hardship Waiver, Cancellation of Removal, Asylum, VAWA, U-Visa and T-Visa immigration cases. I am licensed to work with anyone in Oregon. I offer both in-person (in my Portland office) and virtual appointments.

Find out more below!

Psychological evaluationsImmigration evaluations

My Approach

  • Having worked a great deal with immigrants throughout my career as a social worker, I understand how scary it can be for people to navigate the immigration system. I am sensitive to the stress it can cause and use a trauma-informed approach to ensure people feel as comfortable and safe talking with me during an evaluation as possible.

  • I am open and collaborative and will work with you and your attorney throughout the process, always responding in a timely manner.

  • I offer both in-person and virtual appointments. I can also be flexible with appointment times including on weekends and evenings.

  • I speak Spanish so can work with Spanish-speaking immigrants in their native language. If you speak a language other than Spanish, I will work with a certified court interpreter during your evaluation.

The Process

  • Phone consultation: I will consult with you and your lawyer to understand the case and we will schedule our first visit.

  • Paperwork: I will provide Intake documents and consent forms, which you will need to review and sign prior to our first meeting.

  • Evaluation: I am able to meet in-person or virtually, and typically we will need to meet at least twice, with exceptions for expedited cases. Each appointment will be approximately 1-2 hours. I will need to gather information about your background, life experiences, and mental health history.

  • Report: I will deliver a final signed report to you and your attorney within 2 weeks of our last meeting.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are your fees?

    • Mental health evaluations are $1000.

    • Expedited evaluations (report to be delivered within one week of our final meeting) are an additional $400.

    • I am able to offer payment plans.

    • I accept Venmo, Zelle, credit cards, and cash.

  • Why should I get a mental health evaluation as part of my immigration case?

    • A mental health evaluation can be a crucial piece of documentation to support your immigration case. One study, for example, demonstrated that the rate of approval for asylum is significantly higher when an evaluation is included (Lustig et al, 2007). Other studies have had similar findings.

Reference
Lustig, Stuart & Delucchi, Kevin & Iacopino, Vincent & Morse, Samantha. (2008). Asylum Grant Rates Following Medical Evaluations of Maltreatment among Political Asylum Applicants in the United States. Journal of immigrant and minority health / Center for Minority Public Health. 10. 7-15. 10.1007/s10903-007-9056-8.