What is this and how can it support your immigration case?
The purpose of a mental health evaluation for immigration is to assess how an individual has been affected by a crime or conflicts they have experienced. These are comprehensive reports prepared by a licensed counselor or therapist that provide clinical documentation that immigration attorneys may use in their clients’ cases in the U.S. This process may include documenting emotional symptoms and the challenges the person has faced as a result of trauma.
Immigration is a complex process that involves not only legal and administrative aspects but also emotional and mental health factors. In many cases, a mental health evaluation can be a useful tool for documenting a person’s experience in an immigration case. By documenting the emotional difficulties resulting from migration, these evaluations can provide supporting evidence in various legal proceedings, which attorneys may present to immigration authorities.
Mental health evaluations are used in various cases, such as:
- Asylum Cases: To document trauma and emotional distress resulting from persecution in the country of origin.
- U Visa: For victims of crimes in the U.S. who have suffered emotional or physical abuse.
- T Visa: For victims of human trafficking.
- VAWA (Violence Against Women Act): For victims of domestic violence seeking immigration protection.
- Extreme Hardship Waiver (I-601, I-601A): To demonstrate the severe emotional impact that the deportation of a family member would cause.
Why would an immigration attorney request a mental health evaluation?
When it comes to waivers for extreme hardship (Waivers I-601 or I-601A), a mental health evaluation can help show the emotional impact that deportation would have on a U.S. citizen or permanent resident’s family members. This report helps show that deportation would cause significant emotional harm to the immigrant’s loved ones, which can be a key factor for immigration authorities when deciding to grant the waiver.
How much does a mental health evaluation for immigration cost?
The cost of a mental health evaluation for immigration may vary depending on the type of report required and the professional conducting it. Many therapists offer affordable payment plans and online mental health evaluations for added convenience.
Who can conduct an immigration mental health evaluation?
Immigration mental health evaluations must be conducted by licensed mental health professionals, such as:
✔ Clinical Psychologists (Licensed Psychologists, PsyD, PhD)
✔ Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW, LICSW)
✔ Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT)
✔ Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC, LPCC, LMHC)
✔ Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
✔ Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC)
Independently licensed professionals (such as LPC, LCSW, LMFT, and licensed psychologists) can diagnose and document emotional conditions, which is crucial to support immigration cases such as Visa U, Visa T, VAWA, asylum, or waiver. Associate-licensed therapists (such as LMSW or LAC) may conduct evaluations under the clinical supervision of an independently licensed therapist. At Carla Parola Counseling, evaluations are conducted by licensed therapists; our founder, Carla Parola, is an Arizona Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), not a psychologist.
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Important note: This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Carla Parola is an Arizona Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC); she is not an attorney or a licensed psychologist. For decisions about your immigration case, consult an immigration attorney or accredited representative. A mental health evaluation can document emotional impact; legal decisions rest with USCIS or the court, and legal strategy with your attorney.
