Immigration Evaluations
The immigration journey can be highly stressful, often bringing about anxiety, uncertainty, and financial and family strain. Carol Hernandez, LMSW, provides supportive psychosocial evaluations for individuals and families in Texas as they navigate the intricate immigration process.
Carol offers expert immigration psychological evaluations, working in partnership with your immigration attorney to understand your case details. Her goal is to create an evaluation that effectively supports your specific immigration petition.
What is an immigration psychological evaluation?
An immigration psychological evaluation, also known as a psychosocial evaluation, is an official mental health assessment used to support different immigration petitions. It provides immigration courts with insight into your psychological and emotional well-being. The evaluation may include documentation of mental health conditions, past trauma, or the effects that separation or deportation could have on you and your loved ones.
Why do I need an immigration evaluation?
Psychosocial evaluations are usually required for hardship waiver, U-Visa, VAWA, and asylum cases. Your immigration attorney will refer you (and maybe your whole family) for an evaluation as needed.
These evaluations can serve as a valuable asset in your legal proceedings. Although each case is different and results may vary, attorneys frequently advise including an evaluation to strengthen a petition.
What should I expect from the evaluation?
The evaluation is conducted over two meetings and involves a thoughtful conversation between you and Carol Hernandez, LMSW.
During your sessions, we will discuss:
Past trauma or life stressors
Current or past mental health concerns
Current living situation
Family dynamics and support systems
Your hopes and plans for the future
We will also include any information your attorney considers relevant to your case. These conversations are meant to be safe, respectful, and supportive. Carol’s goal is to provide an open and welcoming space where you can share your story with dignity.
Where do we offer immigration evaluations?
We offer in-person appointments in Austin, as well as virtual sessions across Texas.
What is the cost?
The fee for an Immigration Mental Health Evaluation for hardship waiver, U-Visa, VAWA, and T-Visa cases is $650 USD.
Additional fees will apply for travel or court testimony.
How Long Does It take to receive my evaluation?
The full process — from the initial consultation to the final delivery of the evaluation — typically takes between 2 to 4 weeks. This timeframe includes scheduling, interviews, document review, and writing the report.
If your case is time-sensitive, we may be able to expedite the evaluation for an additional fee, depending on our current availability. Please reach out to Carol directly to discuss rush options and current turnaround times.
do you offer counseling for immigrants and their families?
The immigration journey can be overwhelming and emotionally challenging. At Rise Integrative Psychotherapy, we provide therapy for adults, teens, and children dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, or relationship difficulties related to the immigration process or other life transitions.
Whether you need a one-time evaluation or ongoing counseling, we’re here to support you every step of the way.