Compassionate, professional mental health assessments to support your immigration case
At Ubuntu Psychological Services, Inc., we offer in-person evaluations at our Corona, CA office and provide secure telehealth appointments statewide for individuals residing in California.
.png)
What is an Immigration Psychological Evaluation?
An immigration psychological evaluation is a comprehensive, clinical assessment conducted by a licensed mental health professional to assess an individual’s mental, emotional, cognitive, and psychosocial functioning in the context of U.S. immigration proceedings. These evaluations are often used to strengthen immigration petitions by providing detailed, professional documentation of psychological hardship, trauma, or abuse relevant to the applicant’s legal case.
The final written report is submitted to the applicant’s immigration attorney, who includes it in the packet sent to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). In many cases, immigration judges and officers rely on these evaluations to make informed, compassionate decisions about an individual’s request for immigration relief or protection.
Types of immigration evaluations we provide
Our team has extensive experience in preparing mental health evaluations for the following immigration-related matters
- Extreme Hardship Waivers - Evaluation of the psychological and emotional hardship a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident would experience if their family member were deported or denied a visa.
- VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) Petitions - Assessment for individuals (regardless of gender) who have experienced intimate partner violence, focusing on the psychological consequences of abuse, such as trauma, fear, and long-term emotional distress.
- U Visa Petitions - For victims of certain qualifying crimes who have suffered mental and emotional harm. The evaluation documents the psychological impact of the crime and the individual’s need for protection under U.S. law.
- T Visa Petitions - Designed for survivors of human trafficking, these evaluations explore the extensive psychological trauma resulting from forced labor or exploitation.
- Asylum Cases - For individuals fleeing persecution or violence in their country of origin. Evaluations provide detailed clinical evidence of trauma, PTSD, and fear of return, often critical to asylum claims.
- Cancellation of Removal - Evaluation of the potential psychological, developmental, and emotional toll on the individual and their U.S.-based family members if the person is removed from the country.
What to expect during the evaluation process
Immigration evaluations are conducted with the utmost professionalism, confidentiality, and cultural sensitivity. Each assessment includes:
- A one-on-one clinical interview, typically lasting 1 to 2 hours
- A detailed psychosocial history covering life events, trauma, family relationships, and current stressors
- Administration of standardized psychological screeners for conditions such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety
- Review of any supporting documentation (e.g., police reports, medical records, letters from family or community members)
How to prepare for your evaluation
You do not need to study or complete extensive preparation. Please note: While immigration evaluations can significantly support your case, we cannot guarantee any legal outcome. Your attorney will determine how best to use the evaluation in your filing. However, we recommend:
- Bringing or submitting any relevant documentation (e.g., legal filings, medical or police records, personal statements)
- Reflecting on your personal experiences and reasons for your immigration petition
- Arranging for a quiet, private space if participating via telehealth
‍
ADHD Testing Accommodations and Workplace Support
Ubuntu Psychological Services works collaboratively with families, schools, and employers to help implement these supports. A formal diagnosis of ADHD can open the door to supportive accommodations at school and work:
Why are these evaluations so important?
Immigration cases are not just legal proceedings—they are deeply personal journeys involving trauma, loss, family separation, and resilience. A well-written immigration psychological evaluation can:
‍
- Humanize and strengthen a legal case
- Document mental health struggles that align with legal requirements
- Validate the experiences of individuals who have endured abuse, fear, or trauma
- Highlight how removal or separation could cause irreparable psychological harm