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Your Mental Health Matters: Immigration Psychological Evaluations for Legal Success
The Human Rights, Immigration and Psychological Program at COIT
Since its founding in 2017, The Human Rights, Immigration, and Psychological Program at COIT has served hundreds of immigrants and their families to fulfill their immigration goals and help them avoid deportation. We are a private boutique clinic that supports the community by offering alternative mental health solutions. We regularly work with attorneys, immigration liaisons, and various other immigration professionals, and have achieved consistent success in helping our clients with successful outcomes that improve their wellbeing.
Our state board-licensed clinical therapists have received advanced clinical training from the Physicians for Human Rights Organization, where we have learned the best and latest practices for evaluation and intervention while providing frontline support for immigrants who need our help. We also are certified forensic evaluators with advanced skills, training and education in conducting comprehensive psychological or addiction-related evaluations, and then developing comprehensive clinical reports based on our findings. Our evaluations are commonly used for legal cases.
Our Founder and Executive Clinical Director, Ms. Sonia Singh, is a first-generation American-Punjabi woman who was raised by two Punjabi Indian immigrants. She understands the importance of helping other immigrant families achieve “The American Dream” through avoiding deportation and improving their well-being. One of her passion’s is helping immigrants live a happier and healthier life in America. Her motto is, “Healing and Help Starts Here.”
We have helped immigrant natives from all over the world, including India, Pakistan, Mexico, The Middle East, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, West Africa, Ivory Coast, Mali, Burkina Faso, Peru, Columbia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Central and South America, Venezuala, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Equador, Brazil, the Phillipines, Brazil, China, former Soviet Union, and many more countries around the Caribbean, Europe, Oceania, Asia, Africa, Central America, and Southern America
Services
Asylum Psychological Evaluations
📌 Purpose
Supports asylum applications by documenting psychological trauma or persecution.
🧑⚖️ Who It Helps
Individuals fleeing violence, persecution, war, or severe threats in their home countries.
📋 Evaluation Focus
- Assess PTSD, depression, and anxiety due to persecution.
- Detailed personal history to corroborate asylum claims.
🔍 Process
- Initial Consultation: Review of past trauma & asylum claim.
- Psychological Assessment: PTSD and trauma evaluation.
- Legal Report: A comprehensive document supporting the asylum application.
📝 Qualification Criteria for Asylum
To qualify for asylum in the United States, an individual must demonstrate:
- Well-Founded Fear of Persecution: The applicant must have a genuine fear of persecution in their home country.
- Protected Grounds: The persecution must be based on at least one of the following reasons:
- Race: Discrimination or harm due to racial identity.
- Religion: Persecution because of religious beliefs or practices.
- Nationality: Targeted harm based on national origin.
- Membership in a Particular Social Group: This can include characteristics like gender, sexual orientation, or clan affiliation.
- Political Opinion: Persecution due to actual or imputed political beliefs.
- Inability to Obtain Protection: The individual cannot find protection within their home country or relocate safely to another part of the country.
It’s important to note that general conditions such as economic hardship or generalized violence do not typically qualify for asylum unless linked to one of the protected grounds.
🔗 Resources:
Extreme Hardship Waivers (I-601 & I-601A)
📌 Purpose
To prove that deportation would cause severe hardship to a U.S. citizen/resident family member.
🧑⚖️ Who It Helps
Spouses, children, or parents of immigrants facing deportation.
📋 Evaluation Focus
- Emotional, financial, & medical hardships caused by deportation.
- Mental health impact on family members.
🔍 Process
- Family Interviews: Assess emotional bonds & hardships.
- Impact Analysis: Evaluate mental, medical & financial stress.
- Comprehensive Report: A detailed hardship evaluation for USCIS.
📝 Qualification Criteria for Extreme Hardship Waivers
To qualify for an extreme hardship waiver, the applicant must demonstrate that their U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR) spouse, parent, or child would suffer extreme hardship if the applicant were removed from the United States. Factors considered include:
- Health: Significant health conditions requiring specialized treatment.
- Financial Considerations: Loss of income, employment opportunities, or financial support.
- Educational Impact: Interruption of education or loss of educational opportunities.
- Personal Considerations: Separation from close family members or community ties.
- Country Conditions: Adverse conditions in the applicant’s home country, such as violence or lack of medical facilities.
The hardship must go beyond the typical consequences of family separation and be more severe than that typically expected.
🔗 Resources:
U-Visa Psychological Evaluations (Victims of Crime)
📌 Purpose
Supports U-Visa applications for victims of specific crimes who have suffered substantial mental or physical abuse and are assisting law enforcement.
🧑⚖️ Who It Helps
Immigrants who have been victims of qualifying criminal activities such as domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, or other serious crimes.
📋 Evaluation Focus
- Assessment of psychological trauma resulting from the crime.
- Documentation of mental health conditions like PTSD, depression, or anxiety.
- Evaluation of the impact on daily functioning and overall well-being.
🔍 Process
- Initial Consultation: Discuss the crime incident and its psychological impact.
- Comprehensive Mental Health Assessment: Identify symptoms related to trauma and abuse.
- Legal Report Preparation: Provide a detailed psychological evaluation to support the U-Visa application.
📝 Qualification Criteria for U-Visa
To qualify for a U-Visa, an individual must demonstrate:
- Victim of Qualifying Criminal Activity: The applicant must have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of being a victim of certain criminal activities, including but not limited to:
- Abduction
- Abusive sexual contact
- Blackmail
- Domestic violence
- Extortion
- False imprisonment
- Female genital mutilation
- Felonious assault
- Fraud in foreign labor contracting
- Hostage
- Incest
- Involuntary servitude
- Kidnapping
- Manslaughter
- Murder
- Obstruction of justice
- Peonage
- Perjury
- Prostitution
- Rape
- Sexual assault
- Sexual exploitation
- Slave trade
- Stalking
- Torture
- Trafficking
- Witness tamperingl
- Unlawful criminal restraint
- Other related crimes, including attempt, conspiracy, or solicitation to commit any of the above, or similar activities where the elements of the crime are substantially similar.
- Suffered Substantial Physical or Mental Abuse: The victim must have experienced significant abuse due to the criminal activity.
- Possesses Information Concerning the Criminal Activity: The applicant must have knowledge about the criminal activity.
- Helpful in the Investigation or Prosecution: The victim must be, have been, or is likely to be helpful to law enforcement in investigating or prosecuting the crime.
- Crime Occurred in the U.S. or Violated U.S. Laws: The criminal activity must have taken place in the United States or violated U.S. laws.
The U-Visa provides legal status to victims who assist law enforcement, offering protection and the possibility of permanent residency.
VAWA Self-Petition Psychological Evaluations (Victims of Domestic Violence)
📌 Purpose
Supports self-petitions under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) for victims of domestic violence, allowing them to seek legal status independently from their abuser.
🧑⚖️ Who It Helps
Spouses, children, or parents of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents who have suffered battery or extreme cruelty.
📋 Evaluation Focus
- Assessment of psychological effects of domestic violence.
- Documentation of abuse-related mental health conditions.
- Evaluation of the impact on daily life and functioning.
🔍 Process
- Initial Consultation: Discuss the history of abuse and its psychological impact.
- Comprehensive Mental Health Assessment: Identify symptoms related to domestic violence, such as PTSD or depression.
- Legal Report Preparation: Provide a detailed psychological evaluation to support the VAWA self-petition.
📝 Qualification Criteria for VAWA Self-Petition
To qualify for a VAWA self-petition, an individual must demonstrate:
- Qualifying Relationship: The petitioner must be:
- A spouse who is or was married to an abusive U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR).
- A child (under 21 and unmarried) who has been abused by a U.S. citizen or parent.
- A parent who has been abused by a U.S. citizen son or daughter who is 21 years of age or older.
- Battery or Extreme Cruelty: The petitioner must have been subjected to battery or extreme cruelty by the U.S. citizen or LPR during the qualifying relationship.
- Residence: The petitioner must have resided with the abusive U.S. citizen or LPR.
- Good Moral Character: The petitioner must demonstrate good moral character.
- Good Faith Marriage (for spouses): If petitioning as a spouse, the marriage must have been entered into in good faith and not solely for immigration benefits.
These criteria ensure that victims of domestic violence can seek legal protection and independence from their abusers.
🔗 Resources:
T-Visa Psychological Evaluations (Victims of Human Trafficking)
📌 Purpose
Supports T-Visa applications for victims of severe forms of human trafficking, allowing them to remain in the United States and assist in the investigation or prosecution of trafficking crimes.uscis.gov
🧑⚖️ Who It Helps
Individuals who have been subjected to sex trafficking or labor trafficking involving force, fraud, or coercion.uscis.gov
📋 Evaluation Focus
- Assessment of psychological trauma resulting from trafficking experiences.
- Documentation of mental health conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression.
- Evaluation of the impact on daily functioning and overall well-being.
🔍 Process
- Initial Consultation: Discuss the trafficking experience and its psychological impact.
- Comprehensive Mental Health Assessment: Identify symptoms related to trauma and exploitation.
- Legal Report Preparation: Provide a detailed psychological evaluation to support the T-Visa application.
📝 Qualification Criteria for T-Visa
To qualify for a T-Visa, an individual must demonstrate:
- Victim of Severe Form of Trafficking: The applicant must have been a victim of a severe form of trafficking in persons, which includes:
- Sex Trafficking: Recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for the purpose of a commercial sex act induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or if the person induced to perform such an act is under 18 years old.
- Labor Trafficking: Recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for labor or services through the use of force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of subjection to involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery.
- Physical Presence: The applicant must be physically present in the United States, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or at a port of entry, on account of trafficking.
- Compliance with Law Enforcement: The applicant must have complied with any reasonable request from a law enforcement agency for assistance in the investigation or prosecution of human trafficking, unless they are under 18 years of age or unable to cooperate due to physical or psychological trauma.
- Extreme Hardship: The applicant must demonstrate that they would suffer extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm if removed from the United States.
These criteria provide protection to trafficking victims and encourage their cooperation with law enforcement in combating human trafficking.
⚖️ Expert Witness Testimony
At The Human Rights, Immigration, and Psychological Program at COITHEALTH, we provide expert witness testimony in court hearings, asylum interviews, and other legal proceedings. Our testimony is based on our psychological evaluations, clinical assessments, and psycho-metric testing.
📌 Expert Witness Testimony Services
✔ Court Testimony for Immigration Psychological Evaluations
✔ Depositions for Attorneys and Legal Representatives
✔ Asylum Hearings & Immigration Court Proceedings
✔ Expert Clarification on Psychological Diagnoses and Findings
✔ Mental Health Impact Testimony for Asylum, U-Visas, T-Visas, VAWA, and Hardship Waivers
💡 Our expert testimony offers powerful, credible evidence that can support individuals seeking legal protection under U.S. immigration laws.
💰 Expert Witness Testimony Fees
✔ Court Testimony Fee: $500 per hour
✔ Minimum Required Commitment: Three hours
✔ Includes: Court preparation, report review, and testimony time
✔ Additional Time Beyond Three Hours: Billed at $500 per hour
📌 A retainer fee covering the minimum three-hour charge ($1,500) is required when scheduling expert testimony.
📌 All testimony fees must be paid in advance, and no refunds will be provided for unused time.
📍 How to Request Expert Witness Testimony
✔ Step 1: The client’s attorney or legal representative must submit a formal request for expert testimony at least two weeks before the court date.
✔ Step 2: A pre-testimony consultation will be scheduled to review key case details and ensure preparedness.
✔ Step 3: A formal invoice for the required retainer fee ($1,500) will be issued.
✔ Step 4: Your licensed mental health professional will be available for the scheduled court hearing, deposition, or interview as required.
📌 To request expert witness services, clients and attorneys should contact our office at (732) 508-0052 or email us at info@coithealth.com.
📞 Contact Us for Expert Witness Services
If you require court testimony, depositions, or expert mental health opinions, contact The Human Rights, Immigration, and Psychological Program at COITHEALTH today:
📞 Call or Text: (732) 508-0052
Educational Resources & Support
Your Mental Health Matters – Let Us Help You. Contacting Us is Easy. "This is Where Help and Healing Begins"
📞 Call Us: 732-508-0052
📧 Email: INFO@COITHEALTH.COM
📍 In-Person & Virtual Appointments Available
Watch this explainer video to learn how our psychological evaluations support immigration cases.
At The Human Rights, Immigration, and Psychological Program at COIT, we understand the trauma and emotional distress that immigrants face. Our evaluations are designed to provide the strongest possible support for your case. We are experts with extensive experience in conducting immigration psychological evaluations.
What Does the Evaluation Include?
✔ A comprehensive forensic 3-4 hour psychological interview and evaluation & bio-psycho-social assessment
✔ Standardized psycho-metric tests to diagnose and assess acute mental health conditions
✔ A detailed written report (18-30 pages),and coordination with collaborating attorney, immigration liason and other healthcare professionals.
How Long Does the Process Take?
✔ Evaluation: 3-4 hour virtual or in-person interview session.
✔ Report Delivery: 2-3 weeks (expedited options available, for 3-day, 7-day, and 10-day delivery)
✔✔ Report Delivery by Email and First Class Priority Mail to Client and Collaborating Professionals (Attorney or Immigration Liasons)
Fees and Payment Options
✔ Full Immigration Psychological Evaluation + Report: $1,500
⏳ Expedited Processing (If Needed Sooner Than 2-3 Weeks):
✔ 10-Day Report: +$200
✔ 7-Day Report: +$300
✔ 3-Day Report: +$600
📌 In-Person Appointments are available for an additional $50 per hour.
📌 Interpreter Services (If Needed): Hindi, Punjabi and Spanish language interpretation are offered at $50 and hour. If another language is required, clients must arrange for an interpreter or request assistance in securing one. You may bring your own language interpreter. We recommend asking a family member, friend or trusted person to assist you.
💳 Payment Methods Accepted:
✔ Credit/Debit Cards (4% processing fee applies)
✔ Fee-Free Options: Zelle, Cash App, Venmo
✔ Cash & Money Orders (For in-person evaluations only)
📌 Full payment is required at the time of service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Immigration Psychological Evaluations
At The Human Rights, Immigration and Mental Health Program, we understand that navigating the immigration process can be complex. Our goal is to provide comprehensive, trauma-informed psychological evaluations to support your case. Below, we’ve compiled answers to commonly asked questions about immigration psychological evaluations to help you better understand the process.
🛂 What is an Immigration Psychological Evaluation?
An immigration psychological evaluation is a professional mental health assessment conducted by a licensed mental health professional to provide evidence of psychological distress, trauma, or hardship relevant to your immigration case.
These evaluations are often used to support:
✔ Asylum cases – Proving past persecution or fear of returning to the home country.
✔ Extreme hardship waivers (I-601, I-601A) – Demonstrating emotional and psychological hardship for family members.
✔ U-Visa & T-Visa applications – Documenting the mental health impact of being a crime victim or survivor of human trafficking.
✔ VAWA petitions – Assessing the emotional impact of domestic violence.
📌 A well-prepared psychological evaluation can significantly strengthen your immigration case. Our evaluations are comprehensive, averaging between 18-30 pages. We have written hundreds of psychological reports for immigration purposes, making us experts in our specialty.
⏳ How Long is the Evaluation Process?
✔ The evaluation session lasts between 3-4 hours.
✔ The final report is delivered in 2-3 weeks, unless an expedited request is made for 3-day, 7-day or 10-day delivery.
✔ The evaluation includes a clinical interview, psychological testing, and a comprehensive written report (18-30 pages).
💰 Fees & Payment Options
✔ Full Immigration Psychological Evaluation + Report: $1,500
⏳ Expedited Processing (If Needed Sooner Than 2-3 Weeks):
✔ 10-Day Report: +$200
✔ 7-Day Report: +$300
✔ 3-Day Report: +$600
📌 In-Person Appointments are available for an additional $50 per hour.
📌 Interpreter Services (If Needed): Hindi, Punjabi and Spanish language interpretation are offered at $50 and hour. If another language is required, clients must arrange for an interpreter or request assistance in securing one. You may bring your own language interpreter. We recommend asking a family member, friend or trusted person to assist you.
💳 Payment Methods Accepted:
✔ Credit/Debit Cards (4% processing fee applies)
✔ Fee-Free Options: Zelle, Cash App, Venmo
✔ Cash & Money Orders (For in-person evaluations only)
📌 Full payment is required at the time of service.
📜 What Happens After the Evaluation?
✔ After your interview and testing, our team will compile a detailed 18-30 page psychological evaluation report.
✔ Your final report will be sent directly to you, your attorney, or your advocate within 2-3 weeks (or sooner if expedited service is requested).
📍 What Documents Should I Bring?
If available, please provide:
✔ A copy of your legal declaration (ask your attorney for this).
✔ Any medical records, police reports, or witness statements that may support your case.
✔ Basic dates related to your immigration history (when you arrived in the U.S., major events, etc.).
✔ A valid photo ID (passport, driver’s license, or other government-issued identification).
📌 Don’t worry if you don’t have all of these! They are helpful but not required.
💻 Can the Evaluation Be Done Online?
✔ Yes! We offer telehealth (online) evaluations via a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform that allows you to complete the evaluation from the comfort of your home.
✔ If you require an in-person evaluation, we offer limited in-person sessions at our New Jersey office.
📌 All online services maintain the same level of professionalism, confidentiality, and legal credibility as in-person evaluations.
📅 How Do I Schedule an Appointment?
✔ Call or text us at (732) 508-0052 to schedule your appointment.
✔ Visit our website [Insert Booking Link] to book online.
✔ We will provide you with access to a secure client portal where you can complete intake forms before your appointment
🔐 Will My Information Be Kept Confidential?
✔ Yes! All information you share is 100% confidential and protected under HIPAA privacy laws.
✔ Your evaluation will never be shared with immigration officials or any third party without your explicit consent.
📑 Can You Work With My Attorney?
✔ Absolutely. We work directly with immigration attorneys to ensure that your evaluation report meets USCIS and immigration court standards.
✔ We are happy to communicate with your attorney to provide necessary updates.
⚖️ Can You Provide Expert Testimony in Court If Needed?
✔ Yes. If required, we can provide expert witness testimony on any evaluation at an additional fee.
📅 What Is Your Cancellation & No-Show Policy?
✔ We require 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment.
✔ If you miss your appointment or cancel with less than 24 hours’ notice, a no-show fee of up to 50% of the evaluation cost may apply.
📌 To avoid penalties, please notify us as early as possible if you need to make changes to your appointment.
❓ Additional FAQs
What is the difference between a forensic and clinical psychological evaluation?
✔ A forensic psychological evaluation is conducted for legal purposes (such as immigration cases).
✔ A clinical psychological evaluation is primarily used for diagnosis and treatment planning.
How does an immigration psychological evaluation help my case?
✔ A mental health evaluation provides clinical evidence of the emotional, psychological, or traumatic experiences relevant to your immigration case.
✔ Research has shown that cases supported by psychological evaluations have higher approval rates.
✔ Immigration attorneys often recommend these evaluations to strengthen their client’s case and provide expert testimony in legal proceedings.
📌 If you need assistance determining if an evaluation is necessary for your case, please consult with your immigration attorney.
🌍 Multilingual Services – We Speak Your Language!
We understand the importance of clear communication when discussing sensitive personal histories and mental health evaluations. That’s why we offer psychological evaluations and therapy services in multiple languages to accommodate our diverse clients.
✅ Languages Offered:
✔ English
✔ Hindi
✔ Punjabi
✔ Spanish
🔹How Does It Work?
- Clients can request their evaluation to be conducted in Hindi, Punjabi or Spanish at an additional cost.
- If a language interpreter is needed for another language, we can assist in coordinating professional interpretation services (fees may apply).
💡 If you or your loved one requires services in Hindi, Punjabi and Spanish, please inform us when booking your appointment!
📞 Contact Us Today
We are here to support you every step of the way. If you have additional questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please reach out to us:
🚀 The Happy Therapist® – Where Hope and Healing Begin.
The Happy Therapist™
is Here to Help.
"This is Where Hope
and Healing Begins"
The founder, Sonia Singh, The Happy Therapist™ understands that the immigration journey is more than just paperwork and conversations, -it’s about resilience, survival, and the pursuit of a better life. Many immigrants have endured trauma, intense fears and excessive worrying, loss, and uncertainty, and mental health support is essential in navigating these challenges.
🌍 As a compassionate, trauma-informed first-generation American professional, she provides psychological evaluations, therapy, and support for immigrants facing complex legal and emotional battles. Whether you are seeking asylum, an extreme hardship waiver, a U-Visa, T-Visa, or relief under VAWA, I am here to help you tell your story, heal from trauma, and regain your sense of self.
💙 As a therapist and first-generation American, I believe in HOPE. I believe in HEALING. And most importantly, I believe in YOU.
📞 Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation.
🌎 Schedule an appointment now
🚀 Where hope and healing begin—The Happy Therapist™ is here for you
