Comprehensive
Mental Health Evaluations
for Immigration
Stephanie Spjuth, LCSW Offers Thorough Mental Health Evaluations for the Following Cases
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Trauma-informed assessments designed for individuals who have experienced domestic abuse, battery, or extreme cruelty by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse, parent, or adult child. Reports thoroughly document the psychological, emotional, and physical impact of the abuse to meet legal evidentiary standards.
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Comprehensive evaluations documenting the psychological impact of persecution, severe trauma, and torture experienced in an applicant’s home country. Assessments provide objective clinical evidence of PTSD, anxiety, and depression to establish credibility and support claims of feared harm upon return.
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Specialized evaluations for victims of qualifying crimes (U Visa) or human trafficking (T Visa). These assessments document the substantial physical or mental abuse suffered as a result of the crime, as well as the ongoing psychological barriers to recovery and full functioning.
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Definitive clinical evaluations for individuals in deportation proceedings. Assessments focus on establishing the "exceptional and extremely unusual hardship" that a removal would cause to the applicant's qualifying U.S. citizen or permanent resident family members.
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In-depth psychological evaluations documenting the severe, extraordinary emotional and mental health impacts a qualifying relative (U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse or parent) would suffer if the applicant is deported or if the relative must relocate abroad.
Why Work With Me?
Bridging the Gap Between Clinical Care and Legal Procedure
A successful legal petition relies on forensic documentation that stands up to strict USCIS scrutiny. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a background in justice administration and high-stakes emergency diagnostics, I deliver objective, court-ready mental health evaluations built to meet complex legal standards, without delaying your case.
This type of report is often searched as an immigration psychological evaluation. It is a clinical mental health evaluation completed by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, used in VAWA, asylum, U visa and extreme hardship cases.
Key Advantages for Attorneys & Clients
Legal System Expertise: With a degree in Law Enforcement & Justice Administration and early experience writing probation reports, I understand evidentiary thresholds. I don't just record symptoms; I write objective, defensible reports explicitly tailored to immigration law criteria (e.g., Extreme Hardship, VAWA, Asylum, U-Visas).
Unbiased, Targeted Documentation: Every report is rooted in standardized clinical diagnostics and collateral evidence. I provide balanced, objective analysis written for review by immigration officers, judges, and USCIS evaluators.
Clear Turnaround: Court deadlines and RFEs matter. Standard reports are typically returned to your attorney within one to two weeks, depending on scheduling. Rush delivery is available for an additional $300.
Multilingual & Interpretation Services: Language barriers should never compromise a legal claim. Full interpretation services are integrated seamlessly into the intake and evaluation process to ensure accurate, culturally sensitive client reporting.
Crisis & High-Stakes Diagnostic Mastery: Having spent years conducting crisis evaluations in hospital emergency psychiatric settings, I specialize in assessing severe psychological distress, PTSD, and complex trauma under pressure.
Trauma-Informed Approach: As a Certified EMDR Therapist and Complex Trauma Specialist (CCTP), I gather critical evidentiary details without re-traumatizing clients during the intake process.
Credentials & Licensing
Professional Designations: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Certified EMDR Therapist, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), Trained Clinical Supervisor.
Education: M.S.W. (Aurora University), B.S. in Law Enforcement & Justice Administration.
Multi-State Service Coverage: Telehealth evaluations licensed across AR, AZ, CO, FL, IL, NV, and TX.
Meet our Intake Coordinator
Laura Gaitán, Psychologist
Laura Gaitán is a bilingual clinical psychologist specializing in psychological assessments, trauma-informed care, and psychosocial support for individuals navigating complex life circumstances. She has extensive experience working with immigrant populations, conducting comprehensive clinical interviews, and evaluating the emotional and psychological impact of trauma, familial conflict, and major life transitions. Additionally, Laura facilitates the evaluation process by providing professional Spanish-language interpretation and cultural translation for monolingate Spanish-speaking clients. She is committed to delivering compassionate, culturally competent, and objective clinical evaluations that ensure clients are accurately understood and supported throughout the forensic and diagnostic process.
Our Process
We keep the process simple for you and your legal team. Here are the six steps, from referral to report delivery.
1. Law Firm Referral
We connect directly with your immigration attorney or paralegal to review case specifics, deadlines, and required legal standards.
2. Initial Intake
Laura Gaitán will assist in conducting an in-depth clinical interview to gather your full personal background, medical history, and current psychological presentation in a supportive environment.
3. Evidence-Based Assessment
Using validated clinical diagnostic tools, we systematically measure and document symptoms related to trauma, hardship, or emotional distress.
4. Holistic Clinical Evaluation
We synthesize your personal history, clinical findings, and collateral evidence to build a cohesive narrative tailored to your legal case.
5. Tailored Forensic Report
We write a detailed mental health evaluation report that links your diagnosis to the relevant legal criteria (e.g., Extreme Hardship, VAWA, Asylum).
6. Report Delivery
Your completed report is typically delivered to your attorney within one to two weeks, depending on scheduling. Rush delivery is available for an additional $300.
Fee
$1,000 per evaluation, including interpretation. Payment plans are available through Affirm and Klarna.
Ready to Get Started?
Use this form to request an evaluation for your case. Once submitted, our team will review schedule availability and connect with your legal team to confirm case specifics before scheduling your intake.
Immigration Evaluation Referral Form for Clients
Immigration Evaluation Referral Form for Professionals
Use this form to initiate an evaluation request for your client. Once submitted, our team will verify intake availability, contact your office to confirm case specifics, and reach out to the client to schedule.