when your future depends on being heard
immigration evaluations
compassionate, comprehensive, clinical
assessments to support your immigration case
Virtual Immigration Evaluations in Washington State
FOR CLIENTS
You don’t have to tell your story perfectly.
Trauma can make it difficult to remember events clearly or explain painful experiences in chronological order. You may worry that you’ll become emotional, forget important details, or struggle to find the right words.
You don't have to perform your trauma for me to take you seriously.
I understand how trauma can affect memory, emotional expression, and the way you tell your story. Together, we can put your experiences into words. I’ll explain the process along the way, help you organize what feels difficult to organize, and take the time you need.
You deserve to feel safe, hopeful, and less alone.
FOR IMMIGRATION ATTORNEYS
When your client’s history involves trauma, abuse, persecution, or significant psychological hardship, a carefully conducted clinical evaluation can provide important context for their case.
I provide independent, trauma-informed immigration evaluations tailored to the specific needs of each case. I collaborate with attorneys to understand the legal questions the evaluation needs to address while maintaining clinical objectivity and professional independence.
My specialized training in trauma assessment and treatment includes PTSD, complex PTSD, childhood trauma, and war trauma.
I work with individuals and families from diverse backgrounds and provide culturally sensitive care. Evaluations are available in English and German.
What Is an Immigration Psychological Evaluation?
An immigration psychological evaluation is a comprehensive clinical assessment completed by a licensed psychologist or mental health professional to document the psychological and emotional impact of experiences that are relevant to your immigration case.
These evaluations are commonly requested by immigration attorneys to support specific immigration petitions.
The evaluation may include:
A detailed clinical interview
Psychological testing, when clinically appropriate
Review of relevant records or supporting documentation
Collaboration with your immigration attorney, with your written consent
A comprehensive written psychological evaluation report
Each report is prepared objectively and professionally while addressing the clinical issues relevant to your immigration case.
Immigration Evaluations Offered
I-601 Hardship Waivers
Mental health evaluations documenting the emotional and psychological hardship that would result from separation or deportation.
I-601A Provisional Waivers
Mental health assessments supporting extreme hardship claims for family members in the United States.
VAWA (Violence Against Women Act)
Evaluations documenting abuse, trauma, and psychological impact for self-petitioning survivors.
U Visa Evaluations
Mental health assessments for victims of qualifying crimes who have suffered substantial abuse.
T Visa Evaluations
Mental health evaluations for victims of human trafficking documenting trauma and psychological impact.
Asylum & Removal Defense
Mental health evaluations supporting asylum claims and removal defense cases.
together, we tell your story.
My name is Veronika Stutz, LMHC.
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington State and an EMDRIA-Certified EMDR Therapist, and I specialize in the treatment of trauma and trauma-related disorders. I have received specialized training in immigration psychological evaluations at the Shibley Academy for Immigration Evaluations, and I participate in monthly professional consultations and continuing education to stay current with best practices in immigration evaluations. I am passionate about writing.
I am also an immigrant myself. I am where I am today because I had the opportunity to live in the United States and build a life here.
I understand that an immigration case is never simply paperwork. Your family, your safety, and your future may be at stake. I understand what it means to carry the weight of your story while navigating a process that can feel overwhelming.
At the same time, I understand the importance of clinical accuracy. My specialized training and experience in trauma allow me to approach complex histories with both clinical rigor and compassion.
Collaborative Care
With your written permission, I work collaboratively with your immigration attorney throughout the evaluation process to ensure the report addresses the clinical issues relevant to your immigration petition while maintaining my independent role as a mental health professional.
Whether you are seeking an evaluation for an I-601 or I-601A Hardship Waiver, VAWA petition, U Visa, T Visa, SIJS, or another immigration matter, my goal is to provide a compassionate evaluation experience and a comprehensive report that supports your attorney's work on your behalf.
✔ Collaboration with your immigration attorney throughout the process (with your written permission)
✔ Secure telehealth appointments through HIPAA-compliant SimplePractice
✔ Trauma-informed, culturally sensitive care
✔ Thorough, professionally written reports prepared with attention to detail
✔ Compassionate, respectful, and supportive evaluation experience
The Evaluation Process
1) Initial Consultation
We’ll discuss your case, the evaluation process, the schedule, and what to expect by email, phone call, or video conference. This helps me understand your situation and determine the best approach for your evaluation. If you speak a language other than English or German, we may need to hire an interpreter.
2) Schedule Your Evaluation
Contact me by email at vivi@phoenixrisescounseling.org, or complete the contact form below to schedule your evaluation. Indicate which type of immigration evaluation you need (I-601, I-601A, VAWA, U Visa, T Visa, or Asylum). Allow for 2-3 hours of uninterrupted time. Fill out all relevant forms I sent you via Simple Practice, my Hipaa-compliant client portal prior to our meeting. The fee will be charged at the time of your evaluation.
3) Comprehensive Assessment
We will complete a clinical interview, psychological testing, and a review of relevant documents. Most evaluations require 2–3 hours total. We may meet 1-2x, depending on the complexity of your case.
4) Receive Your Report
You'll receive a comprehensive draft report within 2–3 weeks. The report is provided directly to you and your immigration attorney. I will provide revisions as requested by you or your attorney.
Fees & Payment
Standart Evaluation (One Individual, non-refundable): $1250
Your evaluation fee includes:
Approximately 2–3 hours of interview and assessment
One or two evaluation appointments, depending on the complexity of your case
Psychological testing with standardized testing instruments
Review of supporting documentation, when necessary
Collaboration with your immigration attorney
Preparation of a comprehensive draft report
Revisions, if needed
Delivery of the finalized evaluation report to both you and your attorney
Additional Services
Rush order (delivery within 7 days or less): $1750
Expert testimony for court or legal proceedings: $800 per day
Interpreter services (languages other than English or German): added interpreter service fee TBD
Additional Family Members: TBD
If additional services are needed, they will always be discussed with you in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an immigration attorney?
Yes. Immigration psychological evaluations are completed in conjunction with your immigration attorney. Your attorney determines the legal strategy for your case, while I provide an independent clinical evaluation that supports your petition.
Are appointments held virtually?
Yes. Evaluations are conducted through SimplePractice's secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform.
How long does the evaluation take?
Most evaluations are completed over one or two appointments totaling approximately 2–3 hours, depending on the complexity of your case.
Will you provide legal advice?
No. I do not provide legal advice or determine eligibility for immigration benefits. Those questions should be directed to your immigration attorney.
DO YOU GUARANTEE A FAVORABLE OUTCOME OF MY CASE?
No, I can’t guarantee an outcome. I am a mental health professional and I provide mental health assessments only. I can’t advise you or affect legal decisions that are not within my scope of practice.
Is my information confidential?
Yes. Your privacy is protected in accordance with professional ethical standards and HIPAA regulations.
DO YOU GIVE REFUNDS WHEN MY CASE WASN’T SUCCESSFUL?
No, I don’t give refunds for immigration evaluations. You compensate me for my time and expertise, and you’ll receive a finalized report.
CAN I RESCHEDULE THE EVALUATION appointment?
Yes, you can reschedule the evaluation at no charge if you contact me within 48 hours of your appointment, or less if you can prove a life-threatening emergency or factors not within your control. Appointment times for immigration evaluations are limited, and report delivery may take longer than anticipated if you must reschedule. If you deliberately cancel your evaluation less than 48 hours in advance, you will be charged a fee of $300 for a missed appointment plus interpreter fees if applicable. We need to work together to make this happen seamlessly.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
You don't have to navigate this process alone, and the assessment process doesn’t need to be intimidating.
If you and your immigration attorney are ready to move forward with a mental health evaluation, I'd be honored to help.
Contact me for a consultation by emailing me at vivi@phoenixrisescounseling.org, or use the contact form below. Indicate the type of evaluation you need, and I'll be in touch to schedule your appointment.
CONTACT ME
Please email me at:
vivi@phoenixrisescounseling.org
or
request an appointment by using the red button ”Request Appointment”
A Good Faith Estimate is available upon request.
LMHC #61526615.
CONTACT ME
Email me at: vivi@phoenixrisescounseling.org
You can also request an appointment directly in my Simple Practice schedule by using the red button ”Request Appointment”.
LMHC #61526615.