Immigration Psychological Evaluations
Immigration Psychological Evaluations
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Professional support for individuals and families navigating the immigration process.
An immigration psychological evaluation is typically completed in one longer appointment. During the evaluation, you will meet privately with a licensed clinician who will take time to understand your background, life experiences, and any emotional or mental health concerns you may be experiencing.The purpose of the evaluation is to help explain how your experiences may be affecting your emotional well-being and how that information relates to your immigration case.
An immigration psychological evaluation is typically completed in one longer appointment. During the evaluation, you will meet privately with a licensed clinician who will take time to understand your background, life experiences, and any emotional or mental health concerns you may be experiencing.The purpose of the evaluation is to help explain how your experiences may be affecting your emotional well-being and how that information relates to your immigration case.
What to Expect During the Evaluation
What to Expect During the Evaluation
Our goal is to make the process clear, respectful, and as comfortable as possible.
The evaluation generally includes:
After the appointment, the clinician prepares a detailed written report for immigration purposes. Reports are written carefully and commonly exceed 20 pages, depending on the type and complexity of the case.
The evaluation generally includes:
- A private, one-on-one interview conducted via secure video
- Questions about stress, emotional well-being, difficult experiences, and daily functioning
- A careful review of your personal and family history
- Time for you to ask questions about the process
After the appointment, the clinician prepares a detailed written report for immigration purposes. Reports are written carefully and commonly exceed 20 pages, depending on the type and complexity of the case.
Types of Immigration Cases We Evaluate
Types of Immigration Cases We Evaluate
We provide psychological evaluations for the following immigration matters:
- Asylum
- VAWA (Violence Against Women Act)
- U Visa
- T Visa
- Extreme Hardship Waivers (I-601 / I-601A)
About Beacon Behavioral Health
About Beacon Behavioral Health
Beacon Behavioral Health is a mental health practice that specializes in immigration psychological evaluations. We work with individuals and families who need professional documentation for immigration cases.
Our evaluations are designed to:
Clearly describe emotional and psychological symptoms
Explain the impact of trauma, stress, or hardship
Provide thorough reports that meet immigration requirements
We understand that immigration processes can feel stressful and overwhelming. Our goal is to provide a clear, respectful process where you feel supported every step of the way
Our Clinical Team
Our Clinical Team
Evaluations at Beacon Behavioral Health are conducted by licensed clinical social workers with extensive experience in mental health assessment.
Melinda Ortega LCSW-S
Melinda Ortega is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Supervisor with more than 15 years of clinical experience. She is the founder of Beacon Behavioral Health and has significant experience conducting immigration psychological evaluations.
Ms. Ortega approaches evaluations with professionalism, care, and cultural sensitivity, taking time to understand each person’s story and concerns.
Amy Padgett is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Supervisor with more than 18 years of experience in medical and behavioral health settings. Her background includes hospital-based care and crisis services, bringing a thoughtful and trauma-informed approach to immigration evaluations.
Ms. Padgett focuses on helping clients feel heard, supported, and respected throughout the evaluation process.
Amy Padgett - LCSW
Languages and States Served
Languages and States Served
All services are provided via secure telehealth, allowing you to complete the evaluation from the comfort of your home.
English & Spanish-speaking clinician licensed in:
Alabama • Arizona • Arkansas • Florida • Iowa • Mississippi • Nebraska • New Jersey • Texas
English-speaking clinician licensed in:
Colorado • Indiana • Maine • Massachusetts • Minnesota • New Hampshire • New Mexico • Ohio • Washington • Wisconsin
Availability may vary by state and clinician.
Turnaround Time
Turnaround Time
Most written reports are completed within 5–7 business days following the evaluation appointment.
Expedited options may be available in some cases.
Fees
Fees
Fees are charged as flat rates and vary based on the type and complexity of the immigration case, ranging from $650 to $850.
To receive current pricing information or a Good Faith Estimate, please contact the practice directly.
All fees are discussed before scheduling.
Counseling Services
Counseling Services
Beacon Behavioral Health also offers ongoing counseling services on a private-pay basis when clinically appropriate.
To maintain ethical boundaries, the clinician who conducts an immigration evaluation does not also provide ongoing therapy to the same individual. If counseling is requested, services are provided by a different clinician. Advance notice helps us coordinate care.
Ethical Care and Confidentiality
Ethical Care and Confidentiality
We follow professional and ethical standards to protect clients and provide high-quality care, including:
Informed consent before services begin
Confidential handling of personal information
Trauma-informed and culturally responsive care
Clear separation between evaluations and therapy services
You Don’t Have to Go Through This Process Alone
You Don’t Have to Go Through This Process Alone
We understand how stressful and uncertain the immigration process can feel. Our role is to support you with care, clarity, and respect at every step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this therapy?
No. An immigration psychological evaluation is not ongoing therapy. It is a structured evaluation focused on understanding your experiences and how they relate to your immigration case. You are not required to begin treatment.
What if I feel emotional or have difficulty talking?
Many people feel emotional when discussing difficult experiences. This is very common and completely okay. The clinician will guide the conversation at a pace that feels manageable for you.
Do I need to prepare or bring documents?
In most cases, no special preparation is needed. If your attorney has asked you to share documents, you may have them available. Otherwise, the clinician will guide you through the process.
Is my information confidential?
Yes. Your information is handled confidentially and in accordance with professional and legal standards. Information is shared only as explained in the informed consent and for immigration evaluation purposes.
What if I’m not sure an evaluation is right for me?
It’s okay to be unsure. You are welcome to contact us with questions before scheduling. We’re happy to help you decide whether an evaluation may be helpful in your situation.
What if I need interpretation?
If interpretation is needed, we can help coordinate professional interpretation services so you feel supported and understood during the evaluation.
Next Steps
Next Steps
If you choose to move forward, the process is simple:
Contact us with questions or to request fee information
Schedule a one-time evaluation appointment
Receive your written report within the standard timeframe
You are welcome to reach out even if you are still deciding.
Contact Us
Contact Us
713-489-5986
713-489-5986
Info@BeaconBehavioralHealth.org
Info@BeaconBehavioralHealth.org
Disclaimer
Disclaimer
Psychological evaluations are provided solely for immigration documentation purposes and do not automatically create an ongoing therapeutic relationship. Counseling services, if requested, are provided separately by a different clinician.
Evaluations are conducted by licensed clinicians within their authorized jurisdictions and in accordance with professional and ethical standards.
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