Frequently Asked Questions
At times, a psychological assessment is the only substantial evidence that can be presented in immigration court to demonstrate the traumatic experiences a client has endured and how these have impacted their mental health. It can validate claims of emotional and psychological harm when other types of documentation are unavailable.
I completely understand your concern. Rest assured, the assessment is done by an independent, licensed clinician. These types of assessments are widely recognized and commonly used as legitimate evidence in immigration cases. They are not fabrications but professional evaluations based on clinical expertise.
The process involves a detailed conversation about your life and experiences. I’ll ask about your background, emotional well-being, and how trauma or other factors have affected you. Some questions might bring up difficult memories, and I want you to know that it’s completely normal to feel uncomfortable or emotional during this time. You are in control of how much you share, and my role is to create a safe and compassionate space for you. If anything feels too overwhelming, we can take breaks or go at a slower pace.
I understand that receiving a diagnosis might feel intimidating, but the information we discuss is strictly confidential and used only to support your case. It won’t be shared with anyone outside of the immigration process without your permission. You’re in control of your story, and my job is to help you present it in the most effective and supportive way possible.
I completely understand how intimidating it can feel, especially if this is your first time talking to a therapist. My goal is to make this process as comfortable as possible for you. We’ll start with a simple conversation about your life—there’s no pressure to share more than you’re ready to. I’ll ask questions to get to know you and your experiences, but you’re always in control of the conversation.
Think of it as a safe space where your story matters, and there’s no judgment. We’ll take everything at your pace, and if you feel uncomfortable at any point, we can take a pause. You don’t need to have all the answers right away, and it’s okay to feel nervous. My job is to listen, support you, and help the court understand what you’ve been through.
It’s completely understandable to feel concerned about revisiting difficult experiences. Talking about the past, especially traumatic events can bring up uncomfortable or even painful emotions. This is a natural part of the process, and it’s something I’m very mindful of. The reason it’s important to talk about these memories is because they help illustrate the impact those experiences have had on your mental health, which can be critical for your immigration case.
That being said, your comfort and emotional well-being are my top priority. We’ll go at your pace, and you’ll never be forced to share more than you feel ready to. If anything becomes too overwhelming, we can take a break, slow down, or switch gears. I’m here to support you through this, and together, we’ll make sure you feel as comfortable and safe as possible during the assessment.
Подумайте об этом как о безопасном пространстве, где важна ваша история, и где нет осуждения. Мы будем двигаться в вашем темпе, и если вы почувствуете себя некомфортно, можем сделать паузу. Вам не нужно сразу иметь все ответы, и нервничать — это нормально. Моя задача — слушать, поддерживать вас и помочь суду понять, через что вы прошли.
While your therapist knows you well, it’s best to have an independent clinician perform the assessment to avoid any conflicts of interest or ethical concerns. That said, your current therapist can be incredibly helpful during this process by providing support and guidance. During the assessment, I can also offer specific recommendations to aid your ongoing treatment.
