I know this process can feel overwhelming.
If you’re navigating an immigration case, you’ve likely spent countless hours gathering documentation, attending appointments and seeking out advocates who understand your situation.
You may now be looking to further strengthen your case by reinforcing your asylum claim, documenting experiences of persecution or domestic violence, or providing evidence for a hardship waiver.
That's where I come in.
I'm ready to help you tell your story and document the invisible scars that support your immigration case.
Explore the Services:
Immigration Evaluations
Immigration psychological evaluations are comprehensive clinical assessments conducted for individuals involved in immigration proceedings.
My Approach:
These evaluations provide clinical credibility, help predict the psychological impact of immigration-related outcomes and offer essential context and psychoeducation. They serve as vital documentation and support throughout the immigration process, particularly when mental health factors are central to the case.
These evaluations play a key role in influencing case outcomes by demonstrating the emotional and psychological toll of the immigration experience on individuals and their families. Evaluations are available for a range of immigration cases, including asylum claims, extreme hardship waivers, VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) petitions and T-visa or U-visa petitions.
Price per Evaluation:
$950
Benefits of working with me:
Confidential and Secure Process
A secure and user-friendly online portal is available for uploading protected records and exchanging confidential messages, ensuring smooth, efficient communication and seamless case preparation throughout the process.
Culturally Sensitive and Trauma-Informed Care
I know that discussing painful experiences can be deeply distressing, which is why I provide a supportive, respectful, and culturally responsive environment that fosters trust and safety. My goal is for clients to feel safe, empowered and truly heard throughout the process. I also coordinate interpreting services with trained professionals to help reduce language barriers and ensure clear, compassionate communication.
Expert Training in Immigration Evaluations
I received specialized training in 2020 through the Arizona Asylum Network, now part of the International Rescue Committee’s Evaluation Alliance for Human Rights, and continue to support their mission as a volunteer evaluator. Since then, I have also completed training through the Physicians for Human Rights’ Asylum Medicine Training Initiative, the Immigration Evaluation Training Program, the Immigration Evaluation Institute and the Society of Asylum Medicine.
Over a Decade of Clinical Experience
With over ten years of experience conducting clinical evaluations in a variety of contexts, I bring both skill and empathy to each evaluation. My assessments are grounded in a deep understanding of mental health and tailored to the unique needs of each client.
Clear, Clinically Sound Reports for Legal Use
My reports are carefully written to be clear, comprehensive and aligned with USCIS and immigration court standards. Each evaluation includes a full clinical picture, connecting mental health history with legal relevance to support the client’s case.
Collaborative Approach with Attorneys
I work closely with immigration attorneys to ensure each report addresses the specific legal questions of the case. I also provide a rough draft for attorney review before finalizing the signed evaluation, ensuring accuracy and reinforcing the overall case.
Types of Immigration Evaluations Offered:
ASYLUM
Asylum evaluations assess the psychological impact of traumatic experiences—such as torture, persecution or hostility—related to a protected aspect of an individual’s identity, such as race, religion or political opinion. These evaluations help support the asylum claim by demonstrating how the trauma has affected the individual’s psychological well-being and functioning.
EXTREME HARDSHIP WAIVER
Extreme hardship evaluations document the emotional, psychological, medical, or financial impact of potential separation from a family member facing deportation. They provide clinical evidence—such as anxiety, depression, or caregiving strain—to support claims that a U.S. citizen or permanent resident would suffer significant hardship if deportation occurs.
VAWA
VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) evaluations assess the psychological effects of abuse for individuals who have experienced intimate partner or domestic violence by a US citizen or lawful permanent resident family member. These evaluations document the psychological effects of abuse and provide clinical evidence of trauma — such as anxiety or depression — to support the self-petition for legal status.
T-VISA
T-Visa evaluations are conducted for individuals who have been victims of human trafficking, including labor or sex trafficking. These evaluations assess the psychological effects of the trauma—such as fear, anxiety, depression or PTSD—and provide clinical documentation to support the applicant’s claim.
U-VISA
U-Visa evaluations document the psychological impact of surviving a serious crime. They provide evidence of trauma, such as anxiety or depression, to support claims of substantial psychological harm and cooperation with law enforcement.
Cancellation of Removal
Cancellation of Removal evaluations assess the psychological and emotional impact of deportation on individuals with deep ties to the U.S. They document how removal would affect the individual and qualifying family members (e.g., citizen or resident child, spouse or parent), providing clinical evidence of hardship.
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status
Special Immigrant Juvenile evaluations assess the psychological impact of abuse, neglect, or abandonment on a child seeking legal protection in the U.S. They document mental health effects and potential harm if returned to their country. Clinical evidence such as trauma, anxiety, depression or attachment issues supports eligibility and best interest findings.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have additional questions for me, please email me at info@maranacounselingservices.com.
What is included in the evaluation report?
Each evaluation includes a clinical interview, mental status examination, self-assessment scales and a review of biopsychosocial history. Clinical assessments are used to assess psychological distress, and relevant documents, such as medical or psychiatric records, are reviewed. The evaluation examines current symptoms and evidence of trauma, concluding with diagnostic impressions and treatment recommendations.
What if I don't speak English fluently? Do you work with interpreters?
Absolutely. If English is not your primary language, I can coordinate with a trained interpreter to ensure you feel comfortable and understood throughout the evaluation process. I work with professional interpreters to maintain accuracy, confidentiality and cultural sensitivity. Please let me know your language needs at our initial consultation session so I can make the appropriate arrangements.
How long does the evaluation process take?
The evaluation process typically spans 3-4 weeks, with the draft report sent within 14 business days of the final evaluation session.
Do you offer expedited evaluations?
Yes, I do offer expedited evaluations. If you have a deadline approaching or an urgent need, please let me know as soon as possible. Expedited services may be available for an additional $300 fee, depending on scheduling and the complexity of the case. I’ll do my best to accommodate your timeline.
How effective are evaluations?
While an evaluation cannot guarantee the outcome of any case, individuals with evaluations are nearly twice as likely to be granted immigration relief, with recent data showing that 81.6% of applicants for various forms of immigration relief were approved. Learn more.