Psychological Evaluations for Immigration Cases in Texas –

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A psychological evaluation is a professional mental health assessment conducted by a licensed professional counselor (LPC) to provide insight into an individual’s mental and emotional health. These evaluations are often required to support immigration petitions, documenting how legal actions—like deportation, separation, or asylum proceedings—impact mental health.

Psychological evaluations are commonly required for:

• Hardship Waivers (I-601 or I-601A): To show extreme emotional or psychological hardship if a family member is deported or denied residency.
• Asylum Cases: To document mental health conditions resulting from trauma or persecution.
• U Visa or VAWA Petitions: For victims of crime or domestic violence, demonstrating the mental health impact of their experiences.
• T Visa (Human Trafficking Victims): To assess trauma and its psychological effects.
• Cancellation of Removal Cases: To show emotional or psychological impact if the individual is deported.

These evaluations provide detailed clinical reports that help attorneys present evidence of mental health challenges. A well-documented evaluation strengthens immigration petitions by:

• Demonstrating the emotional and psychological hardship of deportation or family separation.
• Documenting trauma and its long-term mental health effects in asylum and U visa cases.
• Supporting cases under VAWA by showing the psychological consequences of domestic violence or abuse.
• Identifying mental health conditions, such as PTSD or depression, that affect a person’s ability to function.

The evaluation typically includes:

1. Clinical Interview: A conversation to understand personal and family history, trauma, and psychological concerns.
2. Standardized Assessments: Tests to identify anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
3. Collateral Information: Review of medical, legal, or school records, and interviews with family members (if necessary).
4. Comprehensive Report: A licensed professional counselor prepares a detailed report with findings and recommendations for the legal team.

 The evaluation usually requires 1-2 sessions lasting about 1-2 hours each. The final report is typically ready within 14-21 days, depending on the case’s urgency and the information gathered. Expedited reports are available for additional costs.

 The cost of evaluations may vary based on the complexity of the case and the type of assessment required. At Heather D Alcala, LPC, LCDC, evaluations typically cost $1,200 - $1,800, but we offer payment plans and a $300 discount for clients with financial need. 

 Yes. The comprehensive reports provided by Heather D Alcala, LPC, LCDC are designed to meet the legal requirements for immigration courts and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). We work closely with attorneys to ensure the reports include relevant clinical details to strengthen petitions. 

  Yes. For clients across Texas or near the US/Mexico border, we offer in-person sessions at our office in Laguna Vista and virtual sessions via videoconference. This flexibility ensures convenience and accessibility for clients and their attorneys. 

We understand the importance of timely and thorough evaluations in immigration cases. Attorneys are welcome to:

• Schedule consultations to discuss the case and evaluation needs.
• Submit supporting documents to assist with the assessment process.
• Request expedited services for urgent cases to meet filing deadlines.

If you are an immigrant seeking support for your case or an attorney looking for reliable mental health evaluations, contact us today. Our office in Laguna Vista, Texas offers professional assessments for immigrants across the state, with both in-person and virtual appointments available.

Phone: 956-299-4258
Email: heather.alcala@plccrpllc.net
Location: Serving clients throughout Texas and near the US/Mexico border.