Updated October 5th, 2026
If you or a loved one is navigating an immigration case, you may have been asked to get an immigration psychological evaluation. But what exactly is one, why might you need one, and what should you expect?
If you’re looking for answers or an immigration psychological evaluation in Chicago or Illinois, you’re in the right place. Keep reading to learn what these evaluations are, how they are used in certain immigration cases, and how to get started.
An immigration psychological evaluation, sometimes called an immigration evaluation, is a mental health assessment conducted for use in certain immigration cases. The purpose and focus of the evaluation depend on the type of immigration case (Asylum, VAWA, U Visa, Extreme or Exceptional Hardship).
During the evaluation, a licensed mental health professional assesses factors such as a person’s mental health, history of trauma, current symptoms, and how those experiences affect their daily life. Depending on the case, the clinician may also evaluate the potential psychological impact of a particular immigration outcome.
The findings are documented in a psychological evaluation report that may be submitted as supporting evidence in immigration proceedings. For example, an evaluation may help document trauma, mental health symptoms, difficulties in daily life, or psychological hardship relevant to the case.
Immigration cases can involve difficult experiences, such as trauma, abuse, separation from family, or fear of returning to another country. A psychological evaluation can help explain how these experiences have affected a person’s mental health and daily life.
During the evaluation, a licensed mental health professional listens to the person’s experiences and looks for signs of emotional or psychological distress. For example, they may document symptoms of anxiety, depression, or trauma.
This information can help the people reviewing the immigration case better understand the person behind the paperwork. Depending on the type of case, an evaluation may also explain how a certain immigration decision could affect the person’s mental health or the mental health of their family. This gives decision-makers more information about the possible real-life and emotional impact of the decision.
A psychological evaluation may also help explain why someone has trouble remembering certain details, becomes overwhelmed when talking about difficult events, or has a hard time discussing what happened.
The clinician puts their findings into a written report that may be used as supporting evidence in the immigration case. The clinician does not decide whether someone qualifies for an immigration benefit. Their role is to provide an independent professional evaluation of the person’s mental health.
Psychological evaluations may be used in several types of immigration cases. The purpose of the evaluation can be different depending on the type of case. Here are some common examples:
Every immigration case is different. An immigration attorney can help you understand which immigration option may apply to your situation and whether a psychological evaluation could be helpful. A mental health professional provides the psychological evaluation but does not provide legal advice or therapy.
At Clarity Clinic, an immigration psychological evaluation is completed for use in an immigration legal case. It is different from therapy or ongoing mental health treatment. The goal is to understand your mental health and experiences and provide a written report that may be used as part of your immigration case.
The evaluation process includes:
Your immigration attorney and the evaluator have different roles. Your attorney handles the legal parts of your case, while the evaluator provides an independent psychological evaluation.
Next, we’ll explain what happens during the evaluation itself and what you can expect from your appointments.
Before beginning the immigration evaluation process, you will have a short 15–20 minute consultation call with a Clarity Clinic intake coordinator. During this call, we will explain the process, cost, and answer your questions.
If you decide to move forward, your immigration psychological evaluation will usually include four 60-minute appointments with your evaluator. The full process typically takes about 4 to 6 weeks.
1. Initial Evaluation
During your first appointment, your evaluator will learn more about you and your background. They may ask about your family, health, mental health, work, education, and other important parts of your life.
You will also complete questionnaires that help your evaluator better understand how you are feeling. These may include:
These questionnaires are only one part of the evaluation. Your evaluator will also use your conversations, history, and other information to understand your mental health.
2. First Follow-Up Appointment
During your second appointment, your evaluator will ask more about the experiences connected to your immigration case. Some of these experiences may be difficult or emotional to talk about. Your evaluator will guide the conversation in a respectful and trauma-informed way.
3. Second Follow-Up Appointment
During your third appointment, you will have time to discuss any remaining details. Your evaluator will also ask about your current mental health symptoms and how they affect your everyday life, such as your relationships, work, school, sleep, or other daily activities.
4. Your Evaluator Writes the Report
After your appointments are completed, your evaluator will review the information gathered during your evaluation and prepare a detailed psychological report. Report writing usually takes the evaluator three to four hours, but you do not need to attend an appointment during this time.
5. Feedback Appointment
During your final appointment, your evaluator will go over the report with you. You can ask questions and correct any factual information that is incorrect.
Most immigration psychological evaluations at Clarity Clinic take about 4 to 6 weeks from your first appointment to your completed report.
After your first appointment, the remaining evaluation appointments must be completed within 30 days. Once the evaluation is complete, your evaluator will prepare your psychological report.
In some cases, expedited services may be available for an additional $250, depending on evaluator availability. If you have an immigration filing deadline or court date, let our team know during your first consultation call. This can help us determine whether your evaluation can be completed within the time you need.
At Clarity Clinic, an immigration psychological evaluation costs $1,200 total. This service is self-pay and is not billed to insurance. The full $1,200 payment is required when you schedule your evaluation.
The $1,200 fee covers the full evaluation process, including sessions with your evaluator, psychological testing, preparation of your detailed written report, and a feedback session to review the evaluation.
Because immigration psychological evaluations are completed for a legal matter rather than for mental health treatment, Clarity Clinic does not bill insurance for this service.
If you or a loved one needs an immigration psychological evaluation, Clarity Clinic is here to help. Our licensed evaluators provide respectful, trauma-informed evaluations for certain immigration cases, including asylum, VAWA, U Visa, and hardship cases.
Immigration psychological evaluations are available in person in the Chicago area and virtually throughout Illinois. Spanish-speaking evaluators are available, and interpretation services for other languages are provided at no additional cost. For virtual appointments, you must be physically located in Illinois at the time of each appointment.
Contact Clarity Clinic today to learn more about immigration psychological evaluations, or fill out the form below to schedule a consultation.
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