Immigration psychological evaluations for legal matters
Objective, evidence-based psychological evaluations for immigration-related legal proceedings.
Overview
What Immigration Psychological Evaluations Accomplish
Immigration psychological evaluations are clinical assessments that examine an individual’s psychological history, trauma exposure, symptoms, functioning, and relevant life circumstances as they relate to an immigration matter.
These evaluations provide objective, evidence-based documentation of psychological factors relevant to visa petitions, asylum claims, hardship waivers, and removal defense cases.
For attorneys
Evaluations provide clinically grounded documentation to help attorneys and adjudicators understand the psychological and functional issues relevant to a case.
For Clients and Families
Evaluations offer a structured clinical assessment of emotional, psychological, and functional concerns connected to the immigration matter.
Six Evaluation Types
Each immigration matter requires a careful, case-specific psychological evaluation.
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VAWA Evaluations
Assessment of psychological harm related to abuse, coercive control, and intimate partner or family violence.
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U Visa Evaluations
Assessment of psychological impact related to qualifying criminal victimization.
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T Visa Evaluations
Documentation of trafficking-related trauma, coercion, and psychological consequences.
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Asylum Evaluations
Assessment of persecution, displacement, trauma, and fear of return.
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I-601 / I-601A Hardship Evaluations
Evaluation of emotional and psychological hardship affecting qualifying relatives.
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Cancellation of Removal Evaluations
Assessment of hardship, family impact, and psychological factors relevant to removal proceedings.
How evaluations are conducted
The evaluation process is structured, clinically informed, and designed to produce clear documentation for immigration-related legal proceedings.
Step One: Consultation & Intake
Initial discussion of referral questions, case background, timelines, and available documentation.
Step Two: Clinical Interview
A comprehensive clinical interview exploring relevant history, symptoms, trauma exposure, current functioning, and case-specific concerns.
Step Three: Assessment & Records Review
Supporting records are reviewed, and psychological measures may be used when clinically appropriate.
Step Four: Written Report
A professionally organized report is completed, typically within 1–2 weeks after the clinical interview and receipt of relevant documents.
Why attorneys choose this practice
Objective, evidence-based evaluations informed by trauma-sensitive interviewing, culturally responsive assessment, and over 20 years of clinical assessment experience.
Reports are clearly organized, professionally written, and designed to help attorneys and adjudicators understand the psychological and functional issues relevant to each case.
Key points:
Objective clinical findings
Trauma-informed assessment
Culturally responsive interviewing
Clear reports for legal proceedings
Responsive communication
1–2 week turnaround
Background
Clinical Expertise Grounded in Assessment Experience
Dr. Anthony D. DiNardo III, Psy.D is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years of experience in psychological assessment, diagnostic interviewing, and clinical documentation. His advanced clinical training includes UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute and Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. His current practice focuses on immigration-related psychological evaluations and clear, evidence-based reporting for legal proceedings.
Bullets:
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
UCLA and Harbor-UCLA trained
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about immigration psychological evaluations
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Most evaluations are completed within one to two weeks of the clinical interview. Turnaround time depends on records availability and report complexity. Expedited timelines are available for urgent cases.
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Yes. Clinical interviews can be conducted via secure telehealth platform for clients unable to meet in person. The assessment maintains full clinical rigor and legal admissibility regardless of format.
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Six primary evaluation types are available: VAWA, U visa, T visa, asylum, I-601/I-601A hardship, and cancellation of removal. Each addresses specific immigration proceedings and legal requirements.
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Yes. Dr. DiNardo works directly with immigration attorneys throughout the evaluation process. Attorneys receive detailed consultation, organized reports, and responsive communication to support case preparation.
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Relevant medical, psychiatric, and legal documentation strengthens evaluation quality. Dr. DiNardo will specify needed records during consultation. Evaluations proceed with available materials if complete records cannot be obtained.