Psychological Immigration Evaluations: What are they?

If you are reading this, you are probably in the middle of collecting several documents for your immigration case. Whether you are working with a lawyer or not, most immigration cases require a lot of evidence. Including a psychological immigration evaluation in your case can have a very positive impact on your case.

What is included?

When you book a psychological immigration evaluation with Adelante Psychology, you will receive a detailed report that averages 15-25 pages. You can expect the following from your session:

  • Two hour interview session with licensed mental health professional

  • Detailed biopsychosocial history

  • Explanation and interpretation of behavioral, emotional, and cognitive patterns

  • Interpretation of symptoms

  • Several psychological tests and screeners with explanations of scores

  • Clinical DSM-5 diagnoses

  • Recommendations for a positive prognosis

  • Education of symptoms and diagnoses

  • Optional access to community resources for further mental health services

How much does it cost?

The full fee for everything listed above is $1500.

If you need your report finished in less than 5 business days, you can pay an optional rush fee of $150. If your schedule does not allow your appointment to occur within normal business hours (Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm PST), you can pay an optional out-of-office fee of $150. We also offer translation from one of our team members (Spanish/English) for an additional $100.

We require 48 hours notice to cancel your appointment. A fee of $200 is charged if you do not attend your session or need to cancel with less than 48 hours notice. When you make the appointment, we require that you store your credit card information with us to hold your appointment. We will never charge your credit card without your permission.

Do they really help?

According to emerging research, medical and psychological evaluations increase the chances of a favorable outcome to your case. In one 2004 study, 89% of asylum seekers who submitted a medical or psychological evaluation with their evidence were approved. That is compared to 37.5% who were approved who did not submit an evaluation. Many lawyers have explained that these evaluations are extremely valuable to your case.

What can I expect?

You can expect your therapist to listen to you and respect you. Your therapist will try and make this process as easy as possible, as we know it is already stressful enough. Your appointment with the therapist will take place over a video-call. It will last about two hours, usually. In the appointment, you’ll share a little bit about your life (only what you are comfortable with), answer a few questions about how you have been feeling lately, and go over next steps with the therapist. After the appointment, your therapist will ask you to complete a few questionnaires. Once you’ve finished the questionnaires, you can relax while your therapist takes care of the rest. The therapist will communicate with your lawyer directly, so that they can provide you with the best version of your evaluation report possible. During this process, all of your information is kept completely private due to confidentiality laws. Your information will only be shared with your lawyer. Your lawyer will receive your final copy of your report within 10-15 business days. Your therapist will be available to answer any questions you have while you wait for the report to be submitted.