VAWA Psychological Evaluation (I-360)
Self-petitions for survivors of domestic violence by a U.S. citizen or LPR spouse or parent.
What is a VAWA psychological evaluation?
A VAWA psychological evaluation documents how abuse by a U.S. citizen or LPR spouse or parent affected the survivor's mental health. The survivor is the person evaluated, never the abuser. It is also called a VAWA psychosocial evaluation. Kipu Terra conducts trauma-informed evaluations remotely, nationwide, in English or Spanish, by secure video, and delivers a co-signed report the attorney files with the I-360 self-petition.
The evaluator interviews the survivor, applies standardized trauma and mood measures, and documents how the abuse affected their mental health and daily functioning. The product is a written report addressed to USCIS, not a treatment record.
Who is evaluated in a VAWA evaluation?
The person evaluated is the survivor, also called the self-petitioner, not a separate qualifying relative. VAWA lets a survivor petition on their own when the abuser is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse or parent, without depending on that abuser to file. The evaluation centers on the survivor's account, mental health, and functioning. This is different from an I-601A or I-601 hardship case, where a qualifying relative is evaluated.
Does VAWA cover emotional abuse or only physical violence?
VAWA covers battery or extreme cruelty, and extreme cruelty reaches well beyond physical violence. It includes patterns of coercion, threats, isolation, and psychological and emotional abuse committed by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse or parent. The evaluation documents the clinical impact of that conduct on the survivor. The legal determination of eligibility stays with the referring attorney.
Do I need a psychological evaluation for VAWA, and when?
A psychological evaluation is not legally required for a VAWA self-petition. Attorneys request one because clinical evidence can document extreme cruelty in cases where police reports or medical records were never created, which is common with abuse that leaves few physical traces. The report gives USCIS documented evidence of the harm rather than the survivor's statement alone. Whether to include it, and whether to file it before submitting or in response to a request for evidence, is the attorney's call.
What to expect during a VAWA psychological evaluation
The evaluation is a remote interview conducted by secure video (Google Meet, free, and works on any internet or phone connection), paced with a trauma-informed protocol. The evaluator asks about personal history, the abuse, and how it affects daily life, and administers standardized measures: the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 on every case, and the PCL-5 with the LEC-5 when trauma is indicated. This is not a test to pass or fail. Breaks are allowed, and the survivor sets the pace.
How does the evaluation document the impact of abuse?
The evaluator builds the clinical picture from three sources: the survivor's own account, direct clinical observation, and standardized test results. The report ties concrete detail (sleep, intrusive memories, hypervigilance, mood, the survivor's ability to work and care for children) to the abuse described, using DSM-5-TR criteria. It describes psychological impact; it does not argue the legal case or state a predetermined finding.
Emotional abuse is documented the same way any clinical finding is: through specifics. The report records the pattern and frequency of the conduct as the survivor describes it, quotes representative words that were used, and ties them to measurable effects on daily functioning. This gives the adjudicator a concrete account of harm that leaves few physical traces, without the evaluator drawing legal conclusions.
Which assessments does Kipu Terra use for a VAWA case?
Every evaluation includes the PHQ-9 for depression and the GAD-7 for anxiety. Because VAWA cases center on the effects of abuse, the trauma battery is usually central: the PCL-5 administered with the LEC-5 exposure inventory. When chronic stress or caregiver burden is significant, the evaluator adds the PSS-14, and the WHODAS 2.0 quantifies functional impairment across daily-living domains. Complex cases may add Beck, PAI, or MMPI measures. Diagnostic impressions follow DSM-5-TR criteria.
How long does it take, and what does it cost?
A standard VAWA evaluation is $750 with a 3 to 7 business day turnaround. Expedited service is $1,050 in 48 hours, and same-day emergency service is $1,650. Complex, RFE, or supplemental cases run $750 to $1,250. Pricing is flat and published, and the client pays Kipu Terra directly for the evaluation.
What this evaluation does not do
Kipu Terra provides the psychosocial evaluation only. It does not prepare the I-360 self-petition, the survivor's personal declaration, or legal arguments; those stay with the attorney. It is forensic evaluation, not therapy or treatment. Questions about eligibility or filing strategy are for the referring attorney.
What does the evaluation process involve?
Kipu Terra works on referral from immigration attorneys and offices, who send the case material. Every evaluation then follows the same evidence-based protocol, conducted by secure video (Google Meet), and the finished report returns to the referring office for the waiver filing.
Clinical Interview
One or more sessions conducted via secure video (Google Meet) with the person being evaluated, covering personal history, family dynamics, and the impact of potential separation.
Standardized Assessments
PHQ-9 and GAD-7 on every case. PCL-5 when trauma is indicated. Additional instruments (Beck, PAI, or MMPI measures) for complex cases.
Forensic Report
A 12-to-25-page report with DSM-5-TR diagnostic impressions, direct client quotes, assessment scoring, and a hardship nexus connecting symptoms to USCIS factors.
Dual-Clinician Review
Every report is reviewed and co-signed by our independently licensed Clinical Lead before release, ensuring clinical accuracy and forensic integrity.
What clinical standards back the report?
Each report holds a forensic, impartial tone and traces every clinical statement to interview data, observation, or standardized results. DSM-5-TR diagnostic impressions are data-supported, a hardship nexus connects symptoms to USCIS factors across multiple domains, and an independently licensed Clinical Lead co-signs before release.
- Objective, forensic tone throughout the report
- Statement of impartiality and informed consent documented
- DSM-5-TR diagnostic impressions supported by clinical data
- Hardship nexus connecting symptoms to USCIS factors across multiple domains
- Dual-clinician co-signature on every report
Frequently asked questions
Who is evaluated in a VAWA case, the survivor or the abuser?
The survivor, also called the self-petitioner, is the person evaluated. VAWA lets a survivor petition without depending on the U.S. citizen or LPR spouse or parent who abused them. The abuser is not interviewed or assessed.
Does VAWA only cover physical violence?
No. VAWA covers battery or extreme cruelty. Extreme cruelty includes psychological and emotional abuse, coercion, threats, and isolation, not only physical harm. The evaluation documents the clinical impact of the conduct described.
Is the interview trauma-informed?
Yes. VAWA evaluations use a trauma-informed protocol, and the trauma battery (the PCL-5 with the LEC-5) is usually central, alongside the standard PHQ-9 and GAD-7.
Can the evaluation be done in Spanish?
Yes. The interview and all communication can be conducted in English or Spanish. The written report is delivered in English addressed to USCIS.
Who signs the report?
Every report is co-signed by two clinicians: a Licensed Master Social Worker who conducts the evaluation, and an independently licensed Clinical Social Worker who reviews and co-signs it.
How quickly can it be ready?
Standard turnaround is 3 to 7 business days. Expedited service is available in 48 hours, and same-day emergency service is available.
What questions do they ask in a VAWA psychological evaluation?
The evaluator asks about your personal and family history, the abuse and how it unfolded over time, and how it affects your daily life now: sleep, mood, concentration, and your ability to work and care for your family. Standardized questionnaires cover depression, anxiety, and trauma symptoms. The interview follows a trauma-informed protocol, so questions are paced and you are not pressed for detail you are not ready to give.
Do I have to talk about the abuse in a VAWA evaluation?
You set the pace. The evaluator needs enough detail to document the clinical impact of what happened, but that detail is gathered without pressure, with breaks whenever you need them. A trauma-informed protocol means the interview is structured to avoid retraumatizing you while still producing an accurate record for your attorney.
Can I get a VAWA evaluation near me?
Kipu Terra conducts VAWA evaluations remotely, nationwide, by secure video (Google Meet, free, and works on any internet or phone connection). There is no need to find a provider in your city or travel to an office; the evaluation is done from wherever you are, in English or Spanish. New Mexico is our home base, and we serve survivors and attorneys across the country.
Can men get a VAWA psychological evaluation?
Yes. Despite the name, VAWA is gender-neutral: men, women, and nonbinary survivors can self-petition when they were abused by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse or parent. Kipu Terra evaluates any eligible survivor. Whether a given person qualifies is confirmed by the referring attorney.
How is emotional abuse documented for VAWA?
Emotional abuse is documented through specifics: the pattern and frequency of the conduct as the survivor describes it, representative words that were used, and the measurable effects on sleep, mood, concentration, and daily functioning. Standardized measures and DSM-5-TR criteria anchor the account. This gives the adjudicator a concrete clinical record of harm that often leaves no police report or medical file.
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