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Immigration Hardship Evaluations
 

Professional Mental Health Evaluations for Immigration Cases in California

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Call now for a quick 5–10 minute call to get started.

Call to ask about availability, fees, and next steps (English/Spanish).

 

An immigration hardship evaluation is a comprehensive psychological assessment conducted by a licensed mental health professional to document the emotional and mental health impact that separation from a family member would cause. These evaluations are critical for immigration cases including extreme hardship waivers, VAWA petitions, U-Visa applications, and asylum cases. At Arbol de Vida Counseling Services, we provide thorough, bilingual immigration evaluations that meet USCIS requirements.

Who Needs an Immigration Hardship Evaluation?

   

You may need an immigration hardship evaluation if you are filing for:

  •  I-601 or I-601A Extreme Hardship Waivers

  •  VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) petitions

  •  U-Visa applications for crime victims

  •  T-Visa applications for trafficking survivors

  •  Asylum or refugee status applications

  •  Cancellation of removal proceedings

  •  Family reunification cases.

Our licensed therapists conduct comprehensive evaluations that document the psychological impact of potential separation and provide detailed clinical assessments that strengthen your immigration case.

What's Included in Our Immigration Hardship Evaluation?

 

Our bilingual immigration evaluations include:

- Comprehensive clinical interview (2-3 hours)
- Psychological assessment and mental health history
- Documentation of family relationships and bonds
- Analysis of emotional, psychological, and developmental impact of separation
- Review of country conditions when relevant
- Detailed written report (15-25 pages) with clinical findings
- Professional recommendations and DSM-5 diagnoses when applicable
- Letter on professional letterhead for submission to USCIS or immigration court

All evaluations are conducted via secure telehealth throughout California and comply with current USCIS standards and legal requirements for immigration proceedings.

FAQ

How long does an immigration evaluation take?

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The clinical interview typically takes 2-3 hours and can be completed in one session or split into multiple sessions based on your schedule. After the interview, we need 2-3 weeks to complete the comprehensive written report. Rush services may be available for urgent cases.


Do you provide evaluations in Spanish?

Yes. All of our clinicians are bilingual and can conduct evaluations entirely in Spanish or English, depending on your preference. This ensures you can communicate comfortably and accurately about sensitive family and emotional matters.

Will my evaluation be accepted by USCIS?

Our immigration evaluations are conducted by California-licensed mental health professionals and follow current USCIS guidelines and legal standards. We provide detailed, objective clinical assessments that meet the requirements for immigration proceedings. However, the final decision on any immigration case rests with USCIS or the immigration court.

How much does an immigration hardship evaluation cost?

Please contact us directly for current pricing. We understand the financial stress of immigration proceedings and offer payment plans when possible. Call (818) 294-5733 or email contactus@advcs.org for a consultation.

Ready to begin? Book an appointment through our secure portal or contact us for a free 15 minute consultation. All forms and sessions are available in English and Spanish.

¿Listo para comenzar? Reserve una cita a través de nuestro portal seguro o

contáctenos para una consulta gratuita de 15 minutos. Todos los formularios y sesiones están disponibles en inglés y español.

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Contact us at: 

 

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We provide telehealth services throughout California. Our office is closed on Sundays and all federal holidays.​

Office Hours
Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

 

We respond to non‑urgent phone calls and emails within 24‑48 business hours. Please note that our communication channels are not monitored constantly. If you’re facing a medical or mental health emergency or feel unsafe, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Respondemos a llamadas y correos electrónicos no urgentes dentro de 24‑48 horas hábiles. Tenga en cuenta que nuestros canales de comunicación no se monitorean constantemente. Si tiene una emergencia médica o de salud mental o se siente en peligro, llame al 911 o acuda al departamento de emergencias del hospital más cercano.

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