Why You Might Need an Immigration Psychological Evaluation (and How to Get One Online)
If you’re navigating an immigration case, your attorney may recommend a psychological evaluation—sometimes called an immigration psych eval. I’m licensed in New York and California and offer secure online evaluations statewide. The process is the same in both states; the key requirement is that your evaluator be licensed where you are located during sessions.
These evaluations are often requested for asylum, hardship waivers, VAWA, U visas, and T visas (for survivors of human trafficking). They aren’t about deciding whether your story is “valid.” They’re a structured way to translate your lived experience into clear, clinically grounded findings that USCIS and the courts can actually weigh.
Why an Immigration Psychological Evaluation Matters
Every immigration case tells two stories: one legal and one human. The legal story outlines the facts. The human story explains what those facts did to you and your family.
That’s where an evaluation helps. My role is to bring your human story forward—clearly, compassionately, and in alignment with legal standards—so decision-makers can understand the full impact.
Attorneys often recommend evaluations to help:
Asylum seekers document trauma symptoms and risks of return.
Families seeking hardship waivers show the mental-health impact of potential separation.
Survivors of abuse filing under VAWA, U visas, or T visas describe the emotional toll and long-term effects of violence, coercion, or trafficking.
And the impact is measurable. Research by Atkinson et al. (2021) found that while the national average for achieving relief through asylum or other petitions is 42.4%, cases supported by immigration psychological evaluations had a success rate of 73.7%. In other words, an evaluation can help tip the scales.
Can It All Be Done Online?
Yes. You can complete the entire evaluation virtually as long as your evaluator is licensed in the state where you’re physically located during sessions. I’m licensed in New York and California and use a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform.
What to Expect (It’s Easier Than You Think)
Step 1: Schedule a consultation.
You (or your attorney) reach out, and we set up your first appointment. I’ll explain the process and answer questions before we begin.
Step 2: Two online sessions.
Private, secure video calls where we discuss your background, current symptoms, and experiences relevant to your case. You’ll also complete brief questionnaires between sessions.
Step 3: Receive your report.
Within about 2–3 weeks, I prepare a detailed, trauma-informed report and send it directly to your attorney. Expedited options are available for tight deadlines.
That’s it—three steps. Simple, transparent, and human.
Final Thought
A psychological evaluation isn’t just another form—it’s a way to make sure your lived experience is seen and understood. Done online, with care and clarity, it can become a powerful part of your case.
If you or your attorney are ready to begin, you can contact me here to schedule your consultation.
