Immigration Mental Health Evaluations
for Hardship Waiver Cases

The purpose of a mental health evaluation in a hardship waiver case is to clearly document how a possible immigration decision would affect a qualifying relative’s daily life and overall functioning. Immigration officials are not only considering whether a situation is upsetting or stressful. They are also deciding whether the impact would be more serious than what is typically expected in these circumstances. A mental health evaluation helps explain a person’s experiences in a clear, structured way that officials can review alongside other case materials. The evluation focuses on practical, real-world effects on daily functioning.

This type of evaluation is commonly used to document:

  • Changes in daily routines and ability to function

  • Ability to work, attend school, keep appointments, or manage ongoing responsibilities

  • Capacity to manage relationships and caregiving duties

  • Ongoing mental health symptoms and how significant they are

  • How those symptoms affect everyday tasks and decision-making

This type of evaluation is commonly requested when:

  • A qualifying relative would experience significant disruption to daily life if separation or relocation occurs

  • Mental health symptoms already affect work, caregiving, or day to day stability

  • An attorney has recommended additional documentation to explain hardship

  • Written records alone do not fully show how the situation affects everyday functioning

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.

Request a Consultation - No Commitment Required

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.