Immigration Mental Health Evaluations for Cancellation of Removal Cases
Cancellation of removal is a form of relief that allows certain individuals in removal proceedings to remain in the United States. A mental health evaluation in a cancellation of removal case documents the psychological impact that removal would have on the individual and, where relevant, on qualifying family members.
Cancellation of removal is available to both lawful permanent residents (Form EOIR-42A) and non-permanent residents (Form EOIR-42B). The eligibility requirements differ between the two tracks, and your attorney will advise which applies to your situation. In both cases, the evaluation documents the same thing: how removal would affect the mental health and daily functioning of qualifying family members, and where relevant, the individual facing removal.
This type of evaluation is commonly used to document:
How removal would affect a qualifying relative’s mental health and daily functioning
Changes in ability to work, manage responsibilities, or maintain stability
Impact on caregiving duties and family relationships
Ongoing mental health symptoms and how significant they are
How those symptoms affect everyday tasks and decision making
The psychological history and current functioning of the individual facing removal
This type of evaluation is commonly requested when:
A qualifying relative would experience significant disruption to daily life if removal occurs
Mental health symptoms are affecting a qualifying relative’s work, caregiving, or stability
An attorney has recommended clinical documentation to support the hardship argument
Written records alone do not fully show the psychological impact of removal on the family
The mental health history of the individual facing removal is itself relevant to the case
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.