Why Immigration Psychological Evaluations Are Essential
Immigration cases are often life-changing. Whether you are applying for asylum, a hardship waiver, a U-Visa, a T-Visa, or a VAWA self-petition, every piece of evidence matters. A psychological evaluation can be the deciding factor in whether a case is approved or denied.
Psychological evaluations:
- Document trauma and hardship with clinical credibility
- Corroborate an applicant’s story with objective findings
- Show the emotional impact of deportation, family separation, or past persecution
- Strengthen legal arguments with expert testimony
Research evidence: A study of 2,584 applicants who received forensic medical or psychological evaluations found that 81.6% were granted relief, compared to a 42.4% national asylum grant rate without evaluations. Source: Physicians for Human Rights and CUNY School of Law – Study Findings.
Who Needs an Immigration Psychological Evaluation?
At The Human Rights, Immigration and Psychological Program at Center of Inner Transformations (COIT), we provide evaluations for:
- Asylum seekers fleeing persecution
- Extreme hardship waivers for families facing separation
- U-Visa applicants who are survivors of crime
- T-Visa applicants who are survivors of trafficking
- VAWA self-petitioners who have experienced domestic violence
- Other specialized needs that require evaluation specialized support (Contact to discuss)
Each evaluation is tailored to your case and designed to meet legal requirements.
Can Immigration Evaluations Be Done Nationwide?
Yes. While COIT is based in New Jersey, we provide immigration psychological evaluations nationwide through telehealth.
Why this is legal and effective for USCIS cases:
:
- Immigration evaluations are forensic legal assessments, not ongoing psychotherapy
- Forensic services are distinct from therapy and often permitted across state lines
- Our role is to document psychological impacts for a U.S. legal proceeding, not to provide treatment subject to state therapy licensure restrictions
- Many states explicitly allow or do not restrict forensic evaluations across borders
Why telehealth works for nationwide cases:
- Secure, HIPAA-compliant platforms
- Trauma-informed sessions from the comfort of home
- Reports written to withstand legal and court scrutiny
Can Immigration Evaluations Be Done Internationally?
Yes. Immigration psychological evaluations can also be done for clients living abroad.
Why this is legal and effective for USCIS:
- The evaluation is for a U.S. immigration case, not healthcare under another country’s system
- Since the purpose is to provide evidence in U.S. proceedings, our clinicians can work with clients outside the U.S. via telehealth
This is critical for:
- Families separated across borders preparing hardship waivers
- Asylum seekers gathering evidence before entry
- Victims of trafficking or crime filing for U-Visas or T-Visas from abroad
Resource: American Psychological Association – Immigrant Mental Health
What Makes a Strong Immigration Psychological Evaluation
To be effective in immigration court, an evaluation must be:
- Trauma-Informed: Sensitive to clients’ lived experiences, minimizing retraumatization
- Evidence-Based: Use validated instruments when appropriate
- Legally Relevant: Directly address hardship, trauma, or risk of harm
- Clear and Professional: Written in language judges and USCIS officers can understand
- Ethically Conducted: Confidential, informed consent, objective
Further Reading: Ferdowsian et al., Asylum Medicine: Standard and Best Practices – National Library of Medicine
How COIT Helps Clients and Attorneys
At the Human Rights, Immigration and Psychological Program at Center of Inner Transformations (COIT), we partner with clients and immigration lawyers nationwide and internationally to deliver evaluations that make a difference.
What we offer and why it matters:
- Licensed clinicians with forensic expertise: Specialized in trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, hardship, and cultural factors
- Member of Weill Cornell Center for Human Rights, Physicians for Human Rights, and The Forensic Social Work Alliance
- Nationwide and international telehealth: Secure online sessions accessible worldwide
- Court-ready reports: Comprehensive, evidence-based, legally aligned with USCIS and court standards
- Attorney collaboration: We align evaluations with legal strategy and case deadlines
- Compassionate care: Safe and supportive environment for clients to share their stories
Trusted Studies and Resources
Physicians for Human Rights – Immigration Relief Outcomes Study
Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law – Optimizing Trauma Narratives in Immigration Proceedings
AMA Journal of Ethics – Best Practices in Child Asylum Evaluations
Contact COIT for Nationwide and International Immigration Evaluations
Immigration cases are won on strong evidence. A psychological evaluation provides the clinical credibility that strengthens your story and supports your attorney’s arguments.
Whether you are in New Jersey, across the U.S., or abroad, the Human Rights, Immigration and Psychological Program at Center of Inner Transformations (COIT) is here to help.
Visit our contact page to schedule your immigration psychological evaluation and build the strongest case possible.
Phone: 732-508-0052
Email: Info@coithealth.com
The Human Rights, Immigration and Psychological Program at Center of Inner Transformations was founded by Sonia Singh, The Happy Therapist™
