IMMIGRATION EVALUATIONS
(MENTAL HEALTH EVALUATIONS FOR IMMIGRATION PROCESSES)
Mental health evaluations document the psychological effects of traumatic experiences and may corroborate migrants' narratives of fear, persecution, or hardship. Research shows that psychological evaluations can play a fundamental role and significantly impact the outcome of immigration cases.*
With over 10 years of experience providing trauma-informed mental health care, conducting evaluations for immigration purposes, and training other mental health professionals on how to conduct them, I specialize in evaluations for extreme hardship, asylum, special immigrant juvenile status (SIJS), U visas, T visas, and protection under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).​
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As a New York State licensed trauma-informed psychotherapist working with immigrants, I have assisted countless patients in processing their pre- during- and post-migration experiences. I have deep knowledge of the impacts of trauma and forced displacement. This, together with the training and experiences as a former human rights lawyer, has equipped me with a unique blend of expertise that enhances my skills as an evaluator. See co-authored scholarly publications on the subject, here.
My commitment is to produce clear, thorough, and sensitive reports that accurately reflect the lived reality of the person being evaluated. I work with empathy, care, and attention to detail, aiming to contribute meaningfully to the individual’s legal process.
Specialties
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Asylum
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Extreme Hardship
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Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)
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U visas
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T visas
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Protection under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)
Specifications
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I conduct evaluations in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, without the need of an interpreter. Other languages will need an interpreter.
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Evaluations are currently conducted online through a secure platform.
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Fees vary depending on, among other things, the type of immigration relief being sought and the timeframe the evaluation report needs to be submitted by. Ask me about the fee for your specific case!
Values
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My work is grounded in the highest ethical standards, on the principles of social justice, human dignity, and I vow to ensure that the person's story is heard.
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I believe in creating a community of care that stands in solidarity with those facing the complexities of the immigration process. I am here to offer my expertise and unwavering support as you or your clients navigate their journey toward safety and stability.
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In addition to conducting evaluations, I am passionate about empowering other mental health professionals by providing training on how to conduct them. Read more here.
(*Atkinson, H. G., Wyka, K., Hampton, K., Seno, C. L., Yim, E. T., Ottenheimer, D., & Arastu, N. S. (2021). Impact of forensic medical evaluations on immigration relief grant rates and correlates of outcomes in the United States. Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 85, 102272.)
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