Immigration Psychological Evaluations
Independent psychological evaluations for immigration proceedings — conducted in English and Brazilian Portuguese.
Immigration proceedings often require psychological documentation that is both clinically rigorous and sensitive to the realities of trauma, displacement, and cultural difference. At Elo Healing, we provide independent psychological evaluations conducted according to professional forensic standards — and with the cultural fluency and trauma-informed care that this population deserves.
Our evaluations are clinical assessments, not advocacy documents. Their value lies in their accuracy.
Our Approach
Our evaluations are conducted by a licensed mental health counselor, licensed in Florida, with experience working with immigrant, refugee, and asylum-seeking populations. Each evaluation involves a thorough structured clinical interview, review of relevant records, and — where clinically indicated — the administration of validated psychological assessment instruments.
Findings are documented according to DSM-5 criteria and organized to address the specific clinical and legal questions relevant to the petition type. We conduct evaluations in English and Portuguese and serve clients via HIPAA-compliant telehealth and in person.
We work collaboratively with referring attorneys to ensure our reports address the evidentiary requirements of each case. Our role is to provide accurate, well-supported clinical findings. The legal strategy remains the attorney’s domain.
Evaluation Types
Each evaluation is tailored to the clinical and legal questions specific to that petition, conducted according to professional standards, and written to be clearly understood by attorneys, adjudicators, and immigration judges.
Asylum
Clinical assessment of psychological symptoms consistent with persecution, torture, or traumatic events in the country of origin. Evaluations document diagnostic findings and their relationship to the basis for the asylum claim.
VAWA (Violence Against Women Act)
Psychological evaluation documenting clinical findings — including trauma symptoms, diagnosis, and functional impact — related to reported domestic violence by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
U-Visa
Clinical assessment of psychological harm resulting from qualifying criminal victimization, addressing the nature, severity, and clinical presentation of symptoms relevant to the petition.
T-Visa
Psychological assessment documenting the impact of human trafficking on mental health and functioning, relevant to the applicant's petition for immigration relief.
Cancellation of Removal / Hardship Waivers
Psychological assessment of the nature, severity, and clinical impact of hardship — including psychological, functional, and relational effects — that would result from deportation or removal for qualifying relatives. Findings are documented in relation to the legal standard of “exceptional and extremely unusual hardship.”
The Evaluation Process
Initial Consultation
Contact us with a brief description of the case type, timeline, and any attorney instructions. We respond within 24–48 hours to confirm availability, fees, and next steps.
Records Review
Prior to the clinical interview, we review relevant records provided by the client or attorney. These may include prior mental health records, medical documentation, legal filings, or country-condition reports. Thorough records review is a standard component of forensic evaluation methodology.
Clinical Interview
A structured, in-depth clinical interview conducted in a trauma-informed manner and with cultural sensitivity. The evaluation consists of a two-hour session followed by a one-hour follow-up session within one week to finalize the report. Sessions are available in English or Portuguese, via HIPAA-compliant telehealth or in person.
Psychological Assessment
Where clinically indicated, validated psychological assessment instruments are administered to supplement clinical interview findings.
Written Evaluation Report
Reports are comprehensive and may include demographic information, presenting problem, background and family history, symptomatology, and a diagnostic impression where clinically supported. Where relevant, the report references and incorporates supporting records — such as medical or mental health documentation, prior evaluations, legal filings, and country-condition information — reviewed as part of the assessment. Documentation is considered as clinical evidence informing the evaluator's findings, not to advance a predetermined conclusion. Reports are written to professional forensic standards and organized for clarity by legal reviewers, USCIS adjudicators, and immigration judges. Standard turnaround is one week; expedited timelines are available — contact us to discuss.
Attorney Coordination
We communicate directly with referring attorneys throughout the process and are available to respond to questions following report delivery.
For Referring Attorneys
We understand that the quality of a psychological evaluation directly affects its utility in your case. Our reports are written to withstand scrutiny — from USCIS adjudicators, immigration judges, and opposing review. We do not produce advocacy documents. We produce accurate, well-supported clinical assessments.
What attorneys can expect
- ●Structured clinical interview methodology
- ●DSM-5 diagnostic framework where applicable
- ●Validated psychological assessment instruments where clinically indicated
- ●Clear documentation of clinical findings and their relevance to the applicable legal standard
- ●Professionally formatted, clearly written reports
- ●Responsiveness to attorney questions and timeline requirements
- ●Availability to discuss findings with counsel following report delivery
Turnaround: Standard reports are completed within one week of the final interview session. Expedited timelines are available — contact us to discuss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the evaluation confidential?
Yes. Information is shared only with parties you authorize — typically your attorney — or as required by your case.
Are telehealth evaluations accepted by USCIS and immigration courts?
Yes. Evaluations conducted via HIPAA-compliant telehealth are accepted by USCIS and EOIR, provided the clinician is licensed in the applicable jurisdiction.
What is the difference between a psychological evaluation and therapy?
A psychological evaluation is a time-limited clinical assessment with a specific forensic purpose. It is not a therapeutic relationship. The evaluator's role is to conduct an objective clinical assessment and produce an accurate written report — not to provide treatment or advocacy.
What languages are evaluations available in?
We conduct evaluations in English and Portuguese.
What is the typical turnaround time?
Standard reports are completed within one week. Expedited timelines are available — contact us to discuss.
Request an Evaluation
If you or your client requires a psychological evaluation for an immigration matter, we welcome your inquiry. All contacts are handled with discretion, and we respond within 24–48 hours.