Immigration Evaluations

At Graceful Mind Therapy, I offer mental health evaluations for immigration cases that are compassionate, culturally sensitive, and trauma-informed.

I understand how emotionally complex these cases can feel and how important it is that your experience is represented with care, accuracy, and respect. My role is to help ensure your personal story is communicated clearly and in alignment with both clinical and legal standards.

Evaluations are conducted virtually and are available to individuals located in Arizona, California, Florida, New Mexico, Texas, and Washington. You can learn more about my training, values, and clinical background on the About Maria page.

Why Mental Health Evaluations Matter

An immigration evaluation provides a compassionate and thorough way to document your emotional and psychological experiences as they relate to your case. This process involves an in-depth interview and a written report summarizing your background, emotional history, and how your experiences connect to your legal situation.


Mental health assessments are recognized as an important part of the immigration process, helping professionals identify and document emotional and psychological factors that may affect applicants’ wellbeing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights the role of these evaluations in supporting immigrant health and ensuring accurate clinical documentation.

American flag surrounded by green plants. Symbolizing a welcoming environment and sense of belonging, through immigration services such as immigration evaluations, psychological evaluations for immigrants in Houston, Dallas, Texas and beyond.

Cases Eligible for Evaluation

  • Extreme Hardship Waivers (I-601)

  • Cancellation of Removal/Deportation

  • Asylum

  • VAWA Cases

  • U and T Visas

Additional details about the evaluation process, including what to expect and typical timelines, are outlined below.

What to Expect from Your Immigration Evaluation

  1. Before the first meeting: You’ll receive an email with several forms and questions to complete. These will help me understand both your personal background and the facts relevant to your case. It’s important to complete this information and come prepared to the interview.

  2. During the evaluation: The evaluation typically includes one to two clinical interviews, depending on the complexity of your case. These sessions are held virtually or in-person and usually last 60–90 minutes each.

  3. After the interview: I will prepare a comprehensive written report that outlines your history, relevant emotional or psychological symptoms, and how these relate to your immigration petition. The report is written in a professional, objective format that meets clinical and legal standards. Most reports are completed within two weeks.

If you’re considering an evaluation or would like to ask questions before moving forward:

Contact Me About an Evaluation

Compassionate & Culturally Responsive Support

As both a bilingual clinician and immigrant myself, I understand the cultural and emotional nuances involved in immigration cases.

My goal is to create a safe and affirming space for you to share your story: free of judgment, rooted in empathy, and focused on helping your voice be heard.

If you’d like to explore other services beyond evaluations, such as online therapy for women, you can find more information throughout my site.

Para obtener información en español sobre los servicios ofrecidos, incluidas las evaluaciones de inmigración, puede visitar la sección “Español” en el menú principal.

Immigration Evaluation FAQ’s

  • Many immigration attorneys recommend a mental health evaluation to help demonstrate the emotional or psychological hardship you or your family may experience if your case isn’t approved. A well-prepared clinical evaluation can help strengthen your petition.

  • The total cost is $1,000. You can either pay in full or split the payment into two parts: $500 before the first meeting and $500 before the second meeting or before the report is written. A $300 rush fee will apply if the clinical report is needed in less than two weeks.

  • Most evaluations involve one to two meetings, usually lasting 60–90 minutes each, depending on your specific case and history.

  • The standard turnaround time is 2 weeks from the final interview. In some cases, I may be able to accommodate a tighter deadline depending on availability. If approved, a $300 rush fee will apply.

  • Evaluations can be done virtually for clients located in Arizona, California, Florida, New Mexico, Texas, and Washington. If you’re located in the Houston, TX metro area, in-person appointments may be available upon request.

  • Evaluations are offered in English and Spanish. If you speak another language, interpreter services can be arranged and would need to be covered by you.

  • The evaluation may explore symptoms of trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and chronic stress, depending on your experience. The goal is to understand the emotional and psychological impact of your situation.