Immigration Evaluations
What are Immigration Evaluations?
Immigration evaluations are psychological assessments provided by a licensed clinician to individuals seeking to resolve their immigration status. Immigration evaluations are critical in explaining the mental health state of the applicant, describing the trauma they have experienced, and the long-term psychological challenges to their immigration status.
A psychological evaluation can significantly strengthen a client’s case; the evaluator makes no guarantees regarding the case’s outcome. Researchers point out that judges and professionals engaged in the decision process are influenced by a mental health assessment provided by a psychologist, psychiatrist, or a mental health provider.
What kind of evaluations are offered?
Currently Branching Out Wellbeing offers evaluations for immigration cases for the following situations.
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Extreme Hardship
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Affirmative Asylum
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VAWA
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T-Visa
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U-Visa
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Cancellation of Removal
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What is involved in the process?
The process typically consists of the following
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Two interviews ranging from 1-2 hours each held one to two weeks apart.
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Reviewing the documentation provided by the applicant, any screenings, scoring, and interpreting the information.
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Between 6-8 hours for the report to be written.
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Receiving a written report 10-15 days after the second appointment. This report normally ranges 10-20 pages depending on complexity.
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What costs are involved?
We understand that this entire process can seem incredibly expensive, but evaluations can add tremendously to your case. ​
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Evaluation costs can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the turn around time needed.
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Normal turn around time of 10-15 days cost $900.
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Expedited reports have a rush fee of $250. This means report completion and delivery by end of business on the 10th day after the second interview.
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Change requests made after the written report is completed and delivered may include an additional fee.
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Situations that require testimony in court may require an additional fee. Not all evaluators offer this option. If this is something you may need please communicate that up front so that you may be paired with the appropriate evaluator.
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A down payment of 1/3, $300, is required up front, prior to the first appointment, with the remaining portion due upon completion of the report, before delivery to the attorney.
We offer payment plans if needed. Please inquire for more information.
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All cases in which a person is not fluent in English will require the services of an interpreter. This cost will be paid by the client and is not a part of the fee for the evaluation.
What can I expect?
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Regular communication between your evaluator, your attorney, and yourself.
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Confidentiality
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A full report delivered to your attorney within the agreed upon time frame.
Potential conflicts between psychotherapy and immigration evaluations.
In mental health, a dual relationship exists where multiple roles exist between a therapist and a client. A case in which a therapist sees a client regularly for psychotherapy and conducts an evaluation for the same client would be considered a dual relationship. The American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) requires that clinical mental health counselors do not accept as clients any individual with whom they are involved in an administrative, supervisory, or other relationship of an evaluative nature.
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The American Psychological Association (APA) guidelines state that “providing forensic and therapeutic psychological services to the same individual or closely related individuals involves multiple relationships that may impair objectivity and/or cause exploitation or other harm.”
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If the assessment results conclude that therapeutic services are recommended for the client, in compliance with the above regulations and guidelines, we can refer the client to another qualified clinician rather than engage in psychotherapy with the same client.
Cancelation Policy
Appointments must be rescheduled or canceled within 48-hours prior to the appointment or a cancellation fee of $300 will be charged. If an appointment is canceled within the 48-hour time frame twice the deposit placed will be forfeit and the client referred to another evaluation provider.