Immigration Psychological Evaluations
Clinical Expertise Aligned with Legal Standards
At the Association for Multicultural Behavioral Health (AMBH), we specialize in comprehensive immigration psychological evaluations prepared for United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Immigration Court proceedings. Our evaluations are clinically rigorous, culturally informed, and structured to meet professional and legal standards. Our work is regularly referred by immigration attorneys who value detailed documentation, diagnostic clarity, and legally relevant clinical reasoning.
A well-prepared psychological evaluation can play a critical role in immigration proceedings by documenting the mental health impact of separation, persecution, trauma, abuse, medical vulnerability, or other hardship factors relevant to the case. While we do not determine legal outcomes, our role is to provide objective, well-supported clinical findings that assist legal decision-makers in understanding the psychological dimensions of each case.
We recognize that immigration proceedings can be one of the most stressful experiences an individual or family may face. Our goal is to provide a thorough, respectful, and clinically sound evaluation process that supports both the legal case and the emotional well-being of those involved. We regularly work with individuals and families from diverse cultural, national, and linguistic backgrounds, and approach each case with cultural awareness, clinical care, and respect for the client’s lived experience.
A well-prepared psychological evaluation can play a critical role in immigration proceedings by documenting the mental health impact of separation, persecution, trauma, abuse, medical vulnerability, or other hardship factors relevant to the case. While we do not determine legal outcomes, our role is to provide objective, well-supported clinical findings that assist legal decision-makers in understanding the psychological dimensions of each case.
We recognize that immigration proceedings can be one of the most stressful experiences an individual or family may face. Our goal is to provide a thorough, respectful, and clinically sound evaluation process that supports both the legal case and the emotional well-being of those involved. We regularly work with individuals and families from diverse cultural, national, and linguistic backgrounds, and approach each case with cultural awareness, clinical care, and respect for the client’s lived experience.
Types of Evaluations We Provide
We conduct psychological evaluations for:
- Extreme Hardship Waivers (I-601, I-601A) Extreme Hardship evaluations assess the psychological, medical, financial, and functional impact that separation or relocation would have on qualifying U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. The evaluation documents clinically significant emotional distress, vulnerability, and cumulative hardship factors beyond ordinary family separation.
- Cancellation of Removal In Cancellation of Removal cases, evaluations may examine the exceptional and extremely unusual hardship that qualifying relatives would experience if removal is not cancelled. Reports may address developmental impact on children, mental health vulnerabilities, medical concerns, and the psychological consequences of relocation or prolonged separation.
- Asylum (Political, Religious, or Social Group Persecution) Asylum evaluations assess the psychological effects of persecution, torture, threats, violence, or severe trauma. These evaluations document trauma-related symptoms, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, and provide clinical analysis consistent with internationally recognized trauma standards.
- VAWA (Violence Against Women Act Self-Petitions) VAWA evaluations assess the presence and psychological impact of domestic violence, including physical, emotional, psychological, sexual abuse, and coercive control. The report documents trauma-related symptoms and the long-term emotional effects of abuse within the relationship.
- U Visa (Victims of Crime) U Visa evaluations document substantial psychological harm resulting from qualifying criminal activity. These assessments examine trauma exposure, emotional distress, functional impairment, and the long-term mental health consequences of victimization.
- T Visa (Victims of Human Trafficking) T Visa evaluations assess the psychological impact of trafficking, exploitation, coercion, and forced labor or sexual exploitation. Reports document trauma-related symptoms, dissociation, anxiety, depression, and other clinical findings consistent with complex trauma.
- Adjustment of Status cases requiring psychological documentation In certain Adjustment of Status cases, psychological evaluations may clarify mental health conditions, remission of substance-related disorders, or other factors relevant to admissibility determinations and discretionary decisions.
- Other immigration-related matters upon request Additional evaluations may be conducted in cases requiring documentation of mental health conditions, trauma history, psychological vulnerability, or substance-related disorders, including assessment of remission and recovery status. Evaluations are tailored to the specific legal context and evidentiary requirements of each case.
Professional Credentials and Expertise
Angelika Danek, MSW, LCSW, CRADC, Founder and Clinical Director of AMBH, brings over 25 years of clinical experience and extensive expertise working with immigrant and multicultural populations. She is licensed and qualified to diagnose and treat mental health disorders. She has prepared hundreds of comprehensive psychological evaluations for USCIS and Immigration Court proceedings and is well-versed in the evidentiary and clinical standards required in immigration cases. Her areas of expertise include depression and anxiety disorders, PTSD and complex trauma related to persecution and displacement, domestic violence, complex family dynamics, and the psychological impact of forced relocation and family separation.
The Evaluation Process
The immigration evaluation process is thorough, structured, and tailored to the specific legal context of each case. It typically includes:
- Initial consultation to determine the appropriate type of evaluation and clarify the legal framework
- Comprehensive clinical interview(s) to obtain detailed psychosocial, medical, and trauma history
- Review of relevant case documentation provided by the attorney or client
- Administration of standardized diagnostic instruments (psychological testing), when clinically indicated
- Psychological assessment and diagnostic formulation based on clinical findings
- Preparation of a detailed, court-ready written report consistent with immigration evidentiary standards
- Coordination with legal counsel, including clarification or preparation of addenda when necessary
Professional Standards and Objectivity
Our role is not to determine legal outcomes, but to provide objective psychological assessment and professional clinical opinion. All evaluations are conducted in accordance with ethical standards for licensed mental health professionals and reflect independent clinical judgment.
Expert psychological testimony may be available upon request, depending on case circumstances.
Expert psychological testimony may be available upon request, depending on case circumstances.
Confidentiality
All evaluation services are confidential and handled with discretion. Information is released only with proper authorization and in accordance with legal and ethical requirements.
Scheduling and Fees
Immigration evaluations are typically private-pay services. Fees vary depending on case complexity and number of sessions required. Please contact our office to discuss scheduling, fees, and timeline expectations.
Why Attorneys Refer to AMBH
- Deep clinical and cultural expertise in trauma and immigration-related stress
- Well-organized forensic-level report structure
- Diagnostic accuracy and evidence-based assessment
- Timely appointments with reports delivered within 2–3 weeks (expedited services available)
- Bilingual clinical interviews (interpreters available as needed)
- Availability for expert testimony when required
Have Questions?
If you are considering an immigration psychological evaluation or are unsure whether it may be helpful in your situation, please feel free to reach out. Our team is available to answer questions and guide you through the next steps.
Attorney Inquiries
For referral questions, case consultations, or scheduling information, please contact our office at 773-313-3757 or [email protected]. We welcome the opportunity to collaborate.