Immigration Evaluations in Irvine, CA | CASA Therapy
At CASA Therapy, I know that immigration cases carry more than paperwork; they carry stories of resilience, trauma, and hope. A professional mental health evaluation can make a significant difference in your legal process, providing evidence that speaks to your lived experience. For immigrants and their families, this step can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to face it alone. I offer trauma-informed, culturally attuned immigration evaluations in Irvine, CA that honor your story while meeting the strict requirements of the legal system.
What is an immigration evaluation?
An immigration evaluation is a psychological assessment conducted by a licensed mental health professional to support specific immigration cases. The review documents your mental health history, symptoms, and personal story in a professional report designed to assist attorneys and judges in understanding your circumstances. At CASA Therapy, these evaluations are approached with both clinical expertise and deep compassion, acknowledging the courage it takes to share your journey.
Most common immigration cases requiring evaluations
- Asylum cases: documenting trauma, persecution, or fear of return
- U-visa cases: for victims of crimes experiencing ongoing psychological impact
- VAWA petitions: documenting emotional, psychological, or physical abuse
- T-visa cases: supporting survivors of human trafficking
- Hardship waivers: highlighting the emotional and psychological impact of family separation
- Cancellation of removal: showing the impact of deportation on mental health and family well-being
How do I know if I need an immigration evaluation?
Ask yourself:
- Has your attorney recommended a psychological evaluation to support your case?
- Do you have a history of trauma, abuse, or persecution connected to your immigration process?
- Would a professional documenting your story help strengthen your legal position?
- Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, or emotional hardship related to your case?
- Do you need a trauma-informed professional who understands cultural and family dynamics?
How do I approach immigration evaluations at CASA Therapy in Irvine, CA?
My approach combines trauma-informed care, cultural awareness, and professional precision. When you work with me, you can expect:
- A safe, nonjudgmental space to share your story in your own words
- Culturally rooted understanding of how identity, language, and family shape your experience
- Thorough assessments that meet legal standards and deadlines
- A collaborative process with your attorney to ensure the evaluation addresses case-specific needs
- Compassionate care that recognizes both your pain and your resilience
What topics can we cover in an immigration evaluation?
- Accurate assessment: A precise, unbiased evaluation within the immigration context.
- Relevance to your case: Insights directly tailored to your immigration circumstances, highlighting the psychological factors that matter most legally.
- Confidence in decisions: A clear, comprehensive report with the information needed to make fair, informed decisions.
- Supporting evidence: Documentation of the psychological impact of trauma, persecution, abuse, or hardship to strengthen your case.
Steps to work with me
Hi, I'm Dama
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Grief Educator, and founder of CASA Therapy.
I'm trained in Emotion Focused Therapy for both couples and individuals. I firmly believe that love can be healing when both people are willing to do the work.
Step 1
A thorough intake session where we explore your relationship history, cultural backgrounds, and current struggles so we can understand the deeper patterns behind the disconnection.
Step 2
Emotionally focused sessions to help you with clarity, begin repairing trust, and rebuild emotional safety.
Step 3
Ongoing, guided sessions with personalized homework, where we break unhelpful cycles, strengthen connection, and practice healthier ways of relating so your relationship feels more like a true partnership.
I'm Dama Perez, founder of CASA Therapy. I specialize in providing professional, trauma-informed mental health evaluations for immigration cases. As a culturally responsive therapist, I understand the unique pressures immigrants face and the importance of presenting your story with both clarity and compassion. Whether your case involves asylum, VAWA, U-visa, hardship, or another immigration process, I work with you and your attorney to ensure your evaluation is both supportive and legally sound.
Tips & resources for preparing for an immigration evaluation
- Bring any relevant documents or records that may support your story
- Be open and honest about your experiences, even if they're difficult to share
- Write down key events or symptoms beforehand to help organize your thoughts
- Ask your attorney to clarify the type of evaluation you need (asylum, VAWA, hardship, etc.)
- Remember: this process is not about judgment, it's about making your truth visible and understood
Payment plans
$200 per 50-minute session, Couples
Each session includes:
- One 50-minute in person or virtual therapy session
- Occasional reflection prompts or homework assignments based on your goals as a way to deepen connection and continue the work between sessions when helpful.
You deserve support that feels steady and intentional.
FAQ
How long is an immigration evaluation?
Most evaluations take between 2 and 4 hours, depending on the complexity of your case and the amount of information required.
How much does an immigration evaluation cost?
Fees vary depending on the type of case and the length of the report. At CASA Therapy, I offer transparent pricing and timelines before beginning the evaluation, so you know exactly what to expect.
Who can conduct an immigration psychological evaluation?
Only licensed mental health professionals, such as psychologists, licensed professional counselors, or clinical social workers, are qualified to conduct immigration evaluations.
Do I need an attorney before scheduling an immigration evaluation?
While it's possible to get an evaluation without an attorney, most people benefit from working with one. Attorneys can guide you on the type of evaluation required and how the report will support your case.
Are immigration evaluations confidential?
Yes. Everything you share in your evaluation is confidential and protected by HIPAA. The only people who see your report are you, your attorney, and the court if it’s submitted for your case. At CASA Therapy, your story is treated with the highest level of privacy and respect.
Good Faith Estimate (No Surprises Act)
This Good Faith Estimate shows the costs of services that are reasonably expected for the expected services to address your mental health care needs. The estimate is based on the information known to us when we did the estimate.
The Good Faith Estimate does not include any unknown or unexpected costs that may arise during treatment. You could be charged more if complications or special circumstances occur. If this happens, federal law allows you to dispute (appeal) the bill.
If you are billed for more than this Good Faith Estimate, you have the right to dispute the bill.
You may contact the contact listed above if billed charges are higher than the Good Faith Estimate. You can request an update to the bill to match the Good Faith Estimate, ask to negotiate the bill, or ask if there is financial assistance available.
You may also start a dispute resolution process with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). If you choose to use the dispute resolution process, you must start the dispute process within 120 calendar days (about 4 months) of the date on the original bill.
There is a $25 fee to use the dispute process. If the agency reviewing your dispute agrees with you, you will have to pay the price on this Good Faith Estimate. If the agency disagrees with you and agrees with the health care provider or facility, you will have to pay the higher amount.
To learn more and get a form to start the process, go to:
www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call CMS at 1-800-985-3059.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate or the dispute process, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call CMS at 1-800-985-3059 .
This Good Faith Estimate is not a contract. It does not obligate you to accept the services listed above.
