I provide clinical evaluations for the following types of cases:

• U Visas

• T Visas

• VAWA

• Hardship Waivers

• Cancellation of Removal

• Asylum, Withholding, and CAT

Yes, I am trained to work with clients of all ages and have extensive experience working with Spanish-speaking children and their trauma and grief. I use child-specific assessment tools and maintain a child-friendly therapy setting.

I have over 10 years of working with immigrants and their families in clinical settings. I worked at a community health clinic for years where most of the patients were Spanish speakers and I used to work as a Bilingual Grief Counselor at a grief center where I would run Spanish grief groups for children and their caregivers, respectively. I also have experience as a School-Based Therapist and have provided therapy in the schools to immigrant families. I am bilingual (Spanish, English) and bi-cultural (Mexican-American).

Typically clients can be scheduled within 1-2 weeks.

In most cases, the report will be completed within 2 weeks after the final meeting with the client. This is provided that all additional documentation (such as school or medical records) has been received. The report will be completed after documentation and payment have been received.

Yes. In the case where an evaluation is needed sooner, I can expedite the evaluation for an additional fee.

A comprehensive psychological evaluation provides objective clinical documentation of psychological factors relevant to immigration proceedings. Assessments document:

• Current mental health status and any diagnosed conditions

• Psychological symptoms and their clinical significance on functioning

• Assessment of reported trauma and its psychological effects

• Clinical observations about psychological and daily functioning

• Professional recommendations for mental health treatment when appropriate

The evaluation provides courts and immigration officials with professional clinical information to help them understand the psychological aspects of each case. My role is to conduct thorough, objective assessments and document clinical findings professionally.

I cannot. Completing an evaluation and being the client’s therapist constitutes a dual relationship, regardless of the order in which it is done. The APA (American Psychological Association) has the best, most concise statement on the matter:

“Providing forensic and therapeutic psychological services to the same individual or closely related individuals involves multiple relationships that may impair objectivity and/or cause exploitation or other harm.” (American Psychological Association 2013. Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychology. American Psychologist, January 2013.)

Research has shown that having an ongoing therapeutic relationship with the client does not influence the outcome of their case.

I always provide clients with a list of resources and therapists near them should they wish to receive ongoing therapy.