For Families
We are here to help. This page explains what a psychological evaluation is and what you can expect.
What is a psychological evaluation?
A psychological evaluation is a clinical assessment conducted by a licensed mental health professional. It documents how you are affected by your family member's immigration situation. The evaluation becomes part of the legal evidence your attorney files with USCIS.
This is not therapy.
This is a clinical assessment to support your family's immigration case. We are impartial evaluators, not your therapist.
The evaluation is also not the same as the hardship letter your attorney helps you write. See the difference between a hardship letter and a psychological evaluation.
If Spanish is the language you are most comfortable in, the interview can be conducted entirely in Spanish, with no interpreter. Read how an immigration psychological evaluation in Spanish works.
Who gets evaluated?
It depends on the form of immigration relief. The person evaluated and the clinical focus depend on the case type. Some evaluations document hardship to a qualifying relative; others document the psychological effects of abuse, crime, or trafficking. Before the interview, we review the intake information and relevant records with you or your referring office. We do not determine legal eligibility.
I-612 / J-1 exceptional hardship evaluation
For the J-1 exceptional hardship service, we evaluate the qualifying U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse or child. We document that relative’s mental health and daily functioning in the separation and relocation scenarios. An immigration attorney determines eligibility and filing strategy.
Your interview happens where you are. See how remote evaluations by secure video work, nationwide.
What to expect
Conducted by secure, HIPAA-compliant Google Meet. Length varies by case.
Language access in six languages. Clinicians conduct evaluations directly in English and Spanish; Kipu Terra coordinates professional interpretation for French, Haitian Creole, Mandarin Chinese, and Portuguese.
We will ask about your relationship, your family, your emotions, and your fears about the future. This can be emotional, and that is okay.
Your information is confidential. It is shared only with your attorney and USCIS for the purpose of your case.
How much does it cost?
from $750
Hardship evaluations start at $750; trauma-focused case types (VAWA, U-Visa, T-Visa) start higher. Your exact fee is confirmed in writing before the engagement. A deposit reserves your evaluation, and the balance is due before the report is delivered.
Ready to get in touch?
Pick the door that fits you, or reach us directly.
An attorney referral is not required. Self-represented clients can contact us directly.
If you email us, please include a callback number and your preferred language.