What is the interview process like?

The evaluation typically lasts two to three hours and involves an in-depth clinical interview and psychological testing.  All appointments are currently online (via videoconference.)  After scheduling an appointment, you will receive an email with instructions on how to access the online appointment.  This is a one-time meeting (follow-up sessions are not typically needed.)

Can you work through an interpreter?

Yes, we work with interpreters regularly. The videoconference platform we use (doxy.me) has interpreters available on demand in over 100 languages.  Clients are responsible for paying the interpreter fee, which on doxy.me is 0.99 per minute.  Evaluations are typically around 100 minutes, so interpretation would cost approximately $100.

You can also invite an interpreter of your choosing to the evaluation.

Do I need to bring anything with me to the appointment?

In most cases, no.  However, there may be instances in which obtaining a copy of your medical or legal records would be helpful.  We can discuss this at the time of the evaluation.

What is the report like?

After the interview, I write a comprehensive (typically five to ten pages) report outlining your personal (family, educational, medical, etc.) history and any mental health diagnoses.  All reports include a summary paragraph where I answer the legal question specific to the case.  I may also request and include medical or legal records that are relevant to your case.

How quickly will you have the report ready after our appointment?

I typically send reports to attorneys (or directly to clients, where applicable) within three to five business days after meeting with the client.

How will a psychological evaluation help?

The answer to this question differs depending on the type of case (i.e. hardship vs. U visa vs. asylum.) However, the general purpose of a psychological evaluation for immigration court is to document any mental health conditions or diagnoses and to describe, from a psychosocial perspective, how potential deportation would impact a client and their family.  A psychological evaluation can also help address discrepancies in a client’s report of personal history or clinical presentation, for example, by citing research regarding memory and posttraumatic stress disorder.

Research studies have demonstrated the utility of psychological evaluations in immigration cases.  For example, in a study of asylum seekers, 89% of those who received a medical evaluation from Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) were granted asylum, versus the national average of 37.5% of US asylum seekers who did not receive PHR evaluations (Asylum Grant Rates Following Medical Evaluations of Maltreatment among Political Asylum Applicants in the United States.)

To understand more, please see How a Psychological Evaluation May Help an Immigration Case and other resources on the resources page.

Are you experienced in writing for a legal audience?

Yes.  My practice is almost exclusively devoted to providing psychological evaluations for immigration court and I have worked with immigration attorneys from around the US on a range of cases. In addition, I used to work as a Staff Psychologist at the Veterans Hospital, where I performed thousands of psychological evaluations for legal audiences.

What training have you received to do these evaluations?

I have received training in the documentation of torture and trauma through Physicians for Human Rights and training in forensic evaluations for undocumented immigrants through the American Psychological Association.  I have also completed training through the American Psychological Association’s Division of International Psychology and Physicians for Human Rights’ Forensic Training Institute in more specialized areas, including the evaluation of children seeking humanitarian protection.

Do you see children?

Yes, I provide immigration evaluations for children and adolescents and have specialized training in the evaluation of unaccompanied minors.

Do you see clients in immigration (ICE) detention?

Yes, I am available to meet with clients in immigration detention.

Do you see clients for therapy?

I do not provide therapy.  However, in cases where a client I see for an evaluation and they express an interest in therapy, I can make referrals to mental health professionals in the Cincinnati area.

I’m already seeing a therapist.  Can’t they just write a letter?

Yes and no… Yes, they can certainly write a letter describing any mental health conditions and where applicable, I will include these in my report.  However, treating providers are not generally trained to write reports for legal audiences, particularly for immigration court, and therefore often do not know how to adequately address the legal question at hand.  In addition, treating providers typically are not familiar with and able to cite literature on the psychological impact of deportation and family separation.

How much do you charge for evaluations?

I charge $950 for evaluations.  This includes a clinical interview, records review, and a comprehensive report that I send to your attorney (or to you directly if not represented by an attorney.)  I charge an additional fee ($150 per hour) if asked to testify in immigration court.

Do I have to pay the full amount at the time of the appointment?

I require a minimum payment of $475 at the time of the appointment.  You can pay the remainder at a later date but I will not send the report to the attorney (or to you) until you have paid in full.

How do I make a payment?

Click here for payment options.