Evaluations
Psychological Evaluations in Northern California
Psychological evaluations provide a comprehensive and objective understanding of an individual’s emotional, cognitive, and behavioral functioning. The goal is to offer clarity — to illuminate patterns, answer specific referral questions, and support informed decision-making. In general, psychological evaluations consist of a structured interview, administration of a test battery, scoring, interpretation, feedback on test results, and report writing.
Select the evaluation you require
Forensic evaluation
The aim of a forensic evaluation differs fundamentally from that of a traditional clinical assessment. While therapeutic assessments are designed to support diagnosis and treatment planning, forensic evaluations are conducted to address a specific legal question. These assessments are guided by specialized training, ethical standards, and practice guidelines unique to forensic psychology. The role of the forensic evaluator is to provide objective, evidence-based opinions that assist legal decision-makers in understanding psychologically relevant facts within a legal context.
Who Might Need a Forensic Evaluation?
Forensic evaluations are generally requested within a legal context and are typically initiated by the court, attorneys, or other legal entities. Unlike therapeutic assessments, they are not always voluntarily pursued by the individual being evaluated and are subject to different limits of confidentiality. Even so, the evaluation process is conducted with care, professionalism, and respect for the individual, while upholding objectivity, ethical standards, and the integrity of the assessment.
I specialize in evaluations for:
● Psychological injury
● Mitigation for sentencing
● Competency to stand trial
● Diversion
● Fitness for duty
Immigration evaluations
Immigration law places the burden on the applicant or beneficiary to demonstrate psychological hardship, a process that is often supported through a comprehensive psychological evaluation or expert opinion from a licensed mental health professional.
Why Might I Need a Psychological Evaluation?
In certain immigration matters, a psychological evaluation may be helpful—or required—to support the legal process and clarify the presence and impact of psychological hardship.
These evaluations must address specific legal criteria and be presented in a clear, well-documented, and clinically grounded manner. As such, it is essential that they are conducted by a mental health professional with specialized experience in immigration-related assessments and an understanding of how psychological findings are integrated into legal proceedings.
If your attorney has recommended a psychological evaluation, you are in the right place to receive a thoughtful, comprehensive, and professionally prepared assessment.
I specialize in evaluations for all types of immigration proceedings, such as:
●Hardship (Waivers, Provisional Waivers, and Cancellation of Removal)
● Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)
● U Visas
● T Visas
● Competency
● Asylum/Convention Against Torture (CAT)
● Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)
● Adam Walsh Act Waiver
● Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions (N-648)
I work collaboratively with immigration attorneys to best serve their clients’ needs.
Typically, an evaluation includes two to three sessions of one-on-one clinical interview followed by the administration of standardized psychological instruments designed to assess current symptoms and functioning. These instruments consist of structured questionnaires completed in a paper-and-pencil format. The results are then carefully scored, interpreted, and integrated with the clinical information gathered during the interview. A comprehensive written report is prepared and shared confidentially with you or, when authorized, with the attorney handling your case.
I understand that immigration proceedings can be financially demanding and that many individuals experience significant hardship during this process. For this reason, a flat rate is offered for immigration-related psychological evaluations. Fees typically range from $800.00 to $1,500, depending on the type and complexity of the report required.