Posted on July 14, 2025

A mental health evaluation for immigration is a specialized clinical assessment performed by a licensed mental health professional — typically a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), psychologist, or clinical social worker — for the specific purpose of supporting an immigration petition.

This comprehensive assessment includes:

• A detailed clinical interview
• Review of your immigration and mental health history
• Standardized psychological assessments (as needed)
• A written report summarizing findings, diagnoses (if applicable), and professional opinions

The report is designed to support your immigration case by clearly explaining how your psychological well-being is affected by trauma, family separation, fear of persecution, abuse, or the threat of deportation.

Why Might You Need One?

There are several types of immigration cases where a mental health evaluation can significantly strengthen your legal argument:

1. Extreme Hardship Waivers (I-601 / I-601A)

If you’re applying for a waiver to prevent the deportation of a loved one, a mental health evaluation can show how their removal would cause exceptional emotional or psychological hardship to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.

2. VAWA Petitions

For survivors of domestic violence, a psychological evaluation can document the emotional and psychological effects of abuse, reinforcing the validity of your experience and need for protection under the Violence Against Women Act.

3. U-Visa and T-Visa Applications

If you were a victim of a serious crime (U-Visa) or human trafficking (T-Visa), a clinical evaluation can explain how the trauma has affected your mental health and why you may need ongoing support and protection.

4. Asylum Cases

A mental health evaluation can help demonstrate credible fear and psychological harm tied to persecution, supporting your claim for protection and showing the potential mental health risks of being returned to your country of origin.

5. Cancellation of Removal

If you're in removal proceedings, an evaluation can illustrate how your deportation would emotionally devastate your children, spouse, or other family members, or further deteriorate your own mental health.

What Does the Evaluation Process Look Like?

At Breathe Counseling & Consulting, our mental health evaluations typically include:

✅ One or two clinical interviews conducted via telehealth or in person
✅ Trauma-informed, culturally sensitive assessment in English or Spanish
✅ Standardized tools and mental health screenings
✅ A comprehensive report delivered within 10-14 business days
✅ A licensed clinician available to testify or provide additional support to your attorney if needed

We approach each evaluation with compassion, professionalism, and deep respect for the courage it takes to share your story.

Why Is It Important?

A well-written, clinically sound evaluation:

• Strengthens your legal case by providing objective evidence
• Gives a voice to your experience, validating the psychological effects of trauma or fear
• Informs judges or USCIS officers of the human impact of their decisions
• Connects you to needed care — many clients continue therapy and healing after the evaluation

Do You Need a Mental Health Evaluation?

If your immigration attorney recommends a psychological evaluation — or if you're navigating hardship, abuse, trauma, or fear — it's a good idea to seek one out. These evaluations can make a profound difference in how your story is understood and how your case is decided.

We're Here to Help

At Breathe Counseling & Consulting, we specialize in mental health evaluations for immigration cases, including Extreme Hardship, VAWA, Asylum, U-Visa, T-Visa, and more. Led by Glenny Trejos, LCMHC, QS, a licensed clinician and expert witness in immigration court, our evaluations are trusted by attorneys across Florida.

Ready to take the next step?
📞 Call us at 305-519-7146
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Visit: www.breathecounseling.us

Healing begins with being heard. Let us help you tell your story.