What Is an Immigration Mental Health Evaluation?
An immigration mental health evaluation is an independent clinical assessment that may be requested when a person’s psychological symptoms, trauma history, hardship, or other lived experiences are relevant to an immigration matter. The evaluation helps document clinically relevant information in a comprehensive written report.
The evaluation is not psychotherapy and is not legal representation. The evaluator does not decide whether you qualify for an immigration benefit and cannot guarantee the outcome of your case.
What Happens During the Evaluation?
You will participate in a comprehensive clinical interview. Depending on your circumstances, you may be asked about:
- Personal and family history
- Migration history
- Important life experiences
- Traumatic or stressful experiences
- Medical and mental health history
- Current emotional or psychological symptoms
- Relationships and support systems
- Daily functioning
- Other experiences relevant to the purpose of the evaluation
Some questions may involve difficult experiences. You are encouraged to answer as accurately as you can. A trauma-informed approach is used so that the interview can proceed carefully and respectfully while still gathering the information necessary for a thorough clinical assessment.
How Should I Prepare?
- Plan to attend from a private location where you can speak freely if your appointment is virtual.
- Set aside enough uninterrupted time for the scheduled interview.
- Have a valid form of identification available if requested.
- Bring or provide relevant records if you have been asked to do so.
- Take prescribed medications as you normally would unless your medical provider has told you otherwise.
- You do not need to memorize your story or prepare perfect answers. The goal is to understand your experiences as accurately as possible.
How Many Appointments Will I Need?
The length and number of interviews depend on the complexity of the individual case and clinical need. Comprehensive evaluations commonly involve more than one interview. You will receive information about the anticipated process when scheduling.
What Happens After the Interview?
After the clinical interviews are completed and relevant information has been reviewed, an individualized written report is prepared. When an attorney is involved and you have provided written authorization, the report may be securely shared with your attorney according to the agreed process.
Privacy and Limits of Confidentiality
Your privacy is taken seriously. However, an immigration mental health evaluation is different from traditional psychotherapy. Information discussed during the evaluation is intended to be documented in a written report and may be shared with your attorney and potentially submitted as part of a legal proceeding. These limits will be reviewed with you before the evaluation begins.
English & Haitian Creole
Evaluations are available in English and Haitian Creole. Haitian Creole-speaking clients may complete the clinical interview directly with Mirdith Remy-Valeus, LMHC.
Virtual and In-Person Appointments
Virtual evaluations are available for appropriate clients who are physically located in Massachusetts or Rhode Island at the time of the clinical service, consistent with applicable licensure requirements. In-person appointments may also be available.
Fees and Insurance
Immigration mental health evaluations are private-pay services. Insurance is not accepted for these evaluations. The standard comprehensive evaluation fee is $1,500. Payment expectations and any applicable additional fees will be reviewed before scheduling.
Do I Need an Attorney?
An attorney referral is preferred but not always required. Because immigration mental health evaluations are completed in connection with legal immigration matters, clients are strongly encouraged to work with a qualified immigration attorney. Infinite Blossom Counseling does not provide legal advice.