Immigration Mental Health Evaluations for Asylum Cases
Asylum may be granted to individuals who fear harm or persecution in their home country based on at least one of five situations - political opinion, religion, nationality, race, or membership in a particular social group.
The purpose of a mental health evaluation in an asylum case is to document how past experiences and current conditions affect a person’s mental health and daily functioning, in a way that immigration officials can clearly understand. In asylum cases, decision-makers are not only reviewing what someone has experienced, but also how those experiences continue to affect the person’s ability to function in everyday life, and whether the reported impact is consistent with the individual’s history and circumstances. A mental health evaluation helps explain these effects in a clear, organized way that can be reviewed alongside other case materials.
This type of evaluation is commonly used to document
How past harm or threats continue to affect daily functioning
Ongoing symptoms that are consistent with reported experiences
Difficulties with memory, concentration, or emotional regulation
Behavioral changes that may otherwise be misunderstood without clinical context
The potential psychological impact of return to the country of origin
This type of evaluation is commonly requested when:
Mental health effects are a significant part of the individual’s experience
Additional documentation may help clarify the impact of past harm
An attorney has recommended clinical documentation to support the case
The person’s history involves trauma, persecution, or prolonged fear that has affected their functioning
Note: Not every asylum case requires a mental health evaluation. This section is informational, not a qualifying checklist.
Is this the same as therapy? Why can’t my therapist write this?
An immigration mental health evaluation is different from therapy or a letter from a treating therapist.
Therapy is focused on treatment. It is an ongoing relationship meant to support healing and emotional wellbeing over time. Therapy notes and letters are written for clinical care, not for legal review, and they typically do not include the level of detail or structure that immigration filings require.
An immigration mental health evaluation is a time-limited clinical assessment completed for documentation purposes. The evaluator’s role is objective and professional. The focus is on gathering and clearly organizing information about a person’s experiences and current mental health for use in an immigration case.
Because of this difference, a short letter from a therapist is often not sufficient for immigration purposes . If you are currently in therapy, that relationship is separate and continues independently of the process.
Fees and Next Steps
Standard Evaluation: $1,000 (report delivered within 4 weeks of signing)
Expedited Evaluation: $1,300 (report delivered within 10 business days of signing)
Rush Evaluation: $2,000 (report delivered within 3 business days of the interview)
A $320 deposit is required to schedule and is applied toward your total balance. Payment plans are available for standard evaluations. Payment must be received in full before the report is released. Immigration mental health evaluations are not covered by health insurance.
The first step is a brief consultation to discuss your case and whether an evaluation is appropriate for your situation. There is no commitment required at that stage.
Disclaimer: This evaluation does not determine the outcome of a case or argue for a specific result. Its purpose is to provide neutral, professional documentation based on interviews, available records, and standardized assessment tools when appropriate. These services are offered as a forensic mental health evaluation for immigration cases, not as therapy or treatment.