602-332-6367 [email protected]

Types of Immigration Evaluations

  • Extreme Hardship Waiver
  • U-VISA
  • Trauma Assessment
  • Asylum

A clinical evaluation can help your client communicate and document the psychological aspects of your case. As a culturally sensitive and bilingual clinician, my goal is to provide you with a comprehensive assessment, so that your client’s immigration case proceeds smoothly.

Call Martha Palacio, LICSW

602-332-6367

Email me:
[email protected]
CLINICAL SERVICES INSTITUTE, LLC

The clinical evaluation can be instrumental in showing that the removal of an immigrant would cause extreme hardship to a U.S. citizen or resident family member. The mental health and medical history, educational, occupational history, and the acculturation process of the person being evaluated. Effectively, such an evaluation helps the courts understand the catastrophic consequences of separating families. Consequently, psycho-social, cultural and economic factors of the petitioner and members of their families are well documented. I also conduct evaluations for same- sex couples and discriminatory barriers are integrated in their evaluations.

The psychological evaluation for a U-Visa identifies the psychological or emotional effects of the immigrant who has been a victim of crime. The evaluation is used for victims of crimes such as spousal abuse, domestic violence, sexual molestation, victims of trafficking, and other crimes that the immigrant may have experienced. The U Visa applicant must have suffered psychologically. I meticulously document the mental anguish and the functional limitations of the immigrant after the traumatic event.

Trauma evaluations are used for a variety of immigration cases. Traumatic events such as sexual and physical abuse, domestic violence, involuntary servitude, sexual exploitation, kidnapping, trafficking, and rape require a well trained trauma-informed clinician to evaluate and document the traumatic effects of chronic and prolonged stress. These evaluations are also used to identify the effects of torture, cruel, and inhumane treatment. Trauma assessments may also be used to document all forms of harassment, discrimination, persecution and other forms of ongoing oppression and repression as professionals in their country of origin.

As a trauma expert with extensive training in the evaluation of PTSD and trauma-related conditions, I’m uniquely qualified to elicit the trauma narrative. The nature of these evaluations typically documents mistreatment, violence, torture, and abuse the individual suffered because of their ethnicity, gender, religion, or political involvement. Their suffering in their country of origin is documented meticulously. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), severe anxiety, or depression symptoms are identified. The assessments involve a diagnostic formulation to support the immigrants’ claims. The mental health symptoms that interfere with the credibility or delays in their application are explained. The role of culture is taken into consideration in the comprehensive evaluation. Also, the mental health needs and the effects of relocation are explained. I can also provide supportive intervention for immigrants as they prepare to testify. My accurate and compelling evaluation reports will support your court case and give your client the best chance toward a successful outcome.

Strengthen your immigration case by always requesting Martha Palacio’s clinical / psychological immigration evaluation!