Immigration Psychological Evaluations in Illinois & Minnesota
Bilingual, Trauma-Informed Clinical Assessments for USCIS Cases
Providing specialized Immigration Psychological Evaluations to support your USCIS application. Offering secure telehealth evaluations across Illinois and Minnesota, with in-person meetings available (upon request) for clients in or near McHenry County, IL.
Evaluaciones disponibles en Español e Inglés - Schedule your consultation call today
Immigration Psychological Evaluations in Illinois & Minnesota
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (IL & MN) specifically trained in the best practices for Immigration Psychological Evaluations. My approach combines a person-centered clinical interview with a highly technical, professional report designed to strengthen your legal case.
My focus is on:
Cultural & Linguistic Sensitivity: As a Spanish-speaking person, I conduct the entire evaluation in either Spanish or English to ensure your story is captured accurately.
Holistic Strengths: I use a compassionate lens to highlight the resilience and unique story of every individual.
2–3 Week Turnaround: I provide a streamlined, reliable process to ensure your legal team receives a high-quality report in time for critical deadlines.
Clinically Sound Evidence: Utilizing standardized tools and trauma-informed interviewing, I provide objective data on symptoms and hardship.
Why are immigration evaluations useful?
An immigration psychological evaluation provides the court with essential evidence that a standard legal brief cannot. By documenting the "invisible scars" of trauma, the impact of familial separation, or the extreme hardship a family may face, a clinical assessment adds a vital human dimension to your USCIS file.
How do immigration evaluations work?
The process involves a thorough clinical interview. We typically meet twice for about an hour each to ensure a thorough and accurate assessment. We will discuss your personal history and current mental health. I utilize standardized assessment tools and trauma-informed techniques to ensure your report is both medically accurate and supportive of your USCIS petition.
WHO I WORK WITH
For Immigration Attorneys
I serve as an objective, reliable forensic clinical partner for legal teams across Illinois and Minnesota. My reports are structured to address specific statutory requirements for Hardship, VAWA, T-Visa, U-Visa, and Asylum cases. I prioritize clinical objectivity to maintain the highest level of credibility for your clients' petitions.
For Immigration Clients
I offer a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental environment to discuss your history. I am a mandated reporter committed to your safety and dignity. I offer flexible payment plans and bilingual services to ensure my evaluations are accessible and culturally competent.
CASE TYPES
I provide assessments for the following types of applications:
Extreme Hardship/Cancellation of Removal-
Identifying unique factors such as severe psychological stress, medical conditions, or financial impact on a qualifying relative.
Asylum-
Providing clinical evidence of past trauma or well-founded fear of future persecution.
Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)-
Sensitive assessments of domestic violence dynamics, including the psychological impact of power and control.
U Visa & T Visas-
Documenting the substantial psychological impact of victims of a crime or human trafficking.
Where do I start?
I’m here to make this process as simple as possible.
Request a consultation: We discuss your case, language needs, and legal timeline to ensure we are the right fit.
The Clinical Interview: We meet for two 1-hour sessions (telehealth or in-person in or near McHenry county, IL) to conduct a trauma-informed assessment focused on your history and current symptoms.
Review & Delivery: Upon payment completion, you and your attorney receive a finalized, 10–12 page clinical report within 14–21 days of our final meeting.
FAQs
What are your fees?
Fees range from $900–$1,200 depending on the complexity of the case. I offer payment plans, though the balance must be paid in full prior to the release of the final report.
Do you accept insurance for this?
Immigration psychological evaluations are not covered by insurance, as they are forensic assessments rather than clinical treatment. Payment plans are available.
Is my evaluation confidential?
Absolutely- Your evaluation is confidential. Information is only shared with parties you authorize, such as your immigration attorney or as required by your case.
What if I don’t have an attorney?
It is highly recommended that you consult with legal counsel before beginning an immigration psychological evaluation. While you can reach out to me directly, my practice focuses on collaborating with attorneys to ensure the evaluation specifically supports your unique legal strategy. If you do not yet have representation, I can provide you with local resources for low-fee or free legal services. Once you have consulted with an attorney and determined the specific clinical needs of your case, we can move forward with the evaluation process.
How can I prepare for my clinical interview?
Please have copies of any medical records, police reports, or written statements related to your case ready to discuss. Ensure you are in a private, quiet space for our time together. Remember that you must be physically located in Illinois or Minnesota during the time of our interviews to comply with licensing regulations.
It’s also very important to focus on honesty- you don’t “need to be strong” or minimize your struggles. The goal is to provide an accurate clinical picture of how your situation has impacted your mental health. It’s also important that you know that discussing personal history and traumatic experiences can be overwhelming or draining. I will be mindful of this during our time together, and you can also be mindful of this by having water, tissues, or fidget toys nearby, and to plan a relaxing activity for after our interview.
Is this like regular therapy? Can you become my therapist later?
While I am a licensed psychotherapist, my role during an Immigration Psychological Evaluation is that of a clinical evaluator- not a therapist. That is because the primary goal of our meetings is to assess symptoms and document your history as evidence for your legal case. This is different from therapy, which focuses on long-term treatment and healing.
To avoid a conflict of interest, I cannot provide an Immigration Psychological Evaluation for someone who is already my therapy client. Additionally, I cannot become your therapist after the evaluation is complete until your immigration case has been officially decided. However, because the evaluation process can be stressful, I am happy to provide you with a list of local, low-fee or accessible therapy referrals to support you while your case is pending.