Immigration Mental Health Evaluations for VAWA Cases

In VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) cases, a mental health evaluation is used to document how experiences of abuse have affected a person’s mental health and daily functioning.

People seeking immigration relief under VAWA may have experienced physical, emotional, sexual, or psychological abuse by a spouse, parent, or other qualifying family member. Immigration officials review not only whether abuse occurred, but also how those experiences have affected the person’s ability to function, maintain stability, and manage daily responsibilities over time.

The evaluation is conducted carefully, with an understanding that the subject matter is sensitive. Trauma-informed methods are used throughout to gather information accurately while minimizing unnecessary distress.

This type of evaluation is commonly used to document:

  • How experiences of abuse have affected daily routines and independence

  • Difficulties with work, school, or managing ongoing responsibilities

  • Changes in relationships, sense of safety, or ability to trust

  • Ongoing mental health symptoms and how long they have been present

  • How symptoms interfere with decision-making, concentration, or everyday tasks

  • How continued stress, instability, or reminders related to the situation affect current functioning

This type of evaluation is commonly requested when:

  • Experiences of abuse have affected the ability to function in daily life

  • Mental health symptoms are interfering with work, caregiving, or stability

  • An attorney has recommended additional clinical documentation

  • Written records alone do not fully show the impact of the experiences on current 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.