Violence Against Women Act Psychological Evaluations by a Licensed Therapist in Washington DC
VAWA Psychological Evaluation DC
Im also licensed to practice in Maryland
You deserve protection. You deserve to be believed. And you deserve immigration relief that recognizes what you've survived.
If you're a woman experienced abuse from a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, parent, or child, a VAWA psychological evaluation documents the emotional and psychological impact of that abuse. This comprehensive report becomes vital evidence for your VAWA self-petition, validating your experience with the clinical detail immigration officials need to see.
At Life Migration Therapy, I provide trauma-informed VAWA psychological evaluations for survivors throughout Washington, DC. As a licensed mental health professional who understands the intersection of abuse, power, and survival, I create detailed reports that honor your truth while meeting the strict requirements of your immigration case.
Your evaluation is confidential, culturally affirming, and designed to strengthen your path toward safety and legal status in the United States.
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A VAWA psychological evaluation is a comprehensive clinical assessment that documents how abuse has affected your mental health, emotional well-being, and daily functioning. This evaluation provides the objective evidence your immigration attorney needs to demonstrate that you qualify for protection under the Violence Against Women Act.
Despite its name, VAWA protections extend to all survivors of abuse, regardless of gender. Whether you're a woman, man, or nonbinary individual who has endured domestic violence, battery, or extreme cruelty from a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family member, this evaluation documents your experience in a way that immigration officials recognize and respect.
The psychological evaluation serves multiple purposes in your VAWA case. It establishes the severity and pattern of abuse you experienced. It documents the psychological impact that abuse has had on your mental health, from symptoms of trauma to changes in how you function in relationships, at work, or in your community. And it provides clinical findings that support your legal right to self-petition for immigration status without your abuser's involvement or knowledge.
This isn't just paperwork. A VAWA psychological evaluation becomes part of the evidence that helps immigration authorities understand what you've survived and why you deserve protection. The report I prepare offers detailed documentation that strengthens your case, giving your immigration attorney the clinical support needed to advocate for your safety and your future in the United States.
What is a VAWA Psychological Evaluation?
Understanding VAWA Immigration Evaluations
A VAWA psychological evaluation is more than just paperwork—it's critical evidence that supports your immigration case. As a licensed mental health professional with extensive experience conducting immigration evaluations, I provide comprehensive psychological assessments that document the mental health impact of abuse you've endured. These written reports strengthen your case by detailing the psychological and emotional effects of domestic violence, extreme cruelty, or human trafficking.
Immigration evaluations for VAWA cases require both clinical expertise and an understanding of legal requirements. The evaluation process includes an in-depth clinical interview where we assess symptoms, past trauma, and how abuse has affected your daily functioning. Each comprehensive report I prepare meets USCIS guidelines and provides immigration authorities with the detailed documentation they need to support immigration proceedings. Whether you're applying for a T visa, seeking protection under the Violence Against Women Act, or need evidence for other immigration cases, this professional psychological evaluation provides the thorough report your immigration attorney and legal team require.
VAWA psychological evaluations support survivors who have experienced abuse from a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, parent, or other family members. Despite the name "Violence Against Women Act," these immigration evaluations are available to all survivors regardless of gender—women, men, and nonbinary individuals who have endured domestic violence, physical abuse, psychological abuse, or extreme cruelty.
Immigration lawyers and immigration attorneys often request these evaluations to strengthen their clients' cases. A comprehensive psychological assessment documents not just the abuse itself, but the psychological impact and emotional distress that resulted. This becomes essential evidence when immigration officials review your VAWA application. The final report I provide includes clinical findings that detail the mental health challenges you face, the emotional and psychological trauma you carry, and how the abuse has affected your ability to function in relationships, work, and daily life.
Who Qualifies for a VAWA Psychological Evaluation
Clear Rates & Easy Reimbursement—No Guesswork, No Surprises
Below you’ll find transparent session fees for Charika’s private-pay services, plus at-a-glance details on reduced fee spots, out-of-network reimbursement, and how your superbill works with insurers in Maryland and Washington DC.
Use this guide to choose the plan that fits your budget—then book with confidence, knowing every cost is spelled out before therapy starts.
| Service | Standard Fee (55 min unless noted) |
Reduced Fee Availability |
Superbill & Reimbursement |
Notes / Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Psychotherapy Session | $230 | Limited spots | Superbill provided; most PPO plans reimburse 50 – 80 % |
Telehealth • 55–60 min |
| Follow-Up Psychotherapy | $200 | Yes | Same as above | Telehealth • 50–55 min |
| ADHD Evaluation (adult) | $600 | Not offered | Not offered | Includes testing, report + feedback session |
| Immigration Evaluation (Hardship, Asylum, VAWA, U/T Visa) |
$1,000 (Expedited + $500) |
Not offered | Not offered | Clinical evaluation + report |
| Consulting / Speaking Engagements | Quote-based | N/A | N/A | Workshops, trainings, retreats, keynotes |
The Immigration Evaluation Process
When you schedule your VAWA evaluation, the process includes several structured steps designed to provide compassionate, trauma-informed care while gathering the information needed for your immigration case. During our initial session, I conduct a thorough clinical interview that explores your personal history, the abuse you experienced, and the mental health impact on your life. I work closely with you to assess symptoms of trauma, anxiety, depression, and other psychological effects that resulted from the violence.
The evaluation process also involves reviewing any medical records or documentation you provide, as well as using assessment tools and questionnaires to understand the depth of your experience. I provide services in a confidential setting, whether in person or through secure telehealth sessions. Most cases require only one comprehensive session, though some situations may need additional time depending on the complexity of your immigration case. Once complete, I prepare a detailed report with clear language that your legal representation can use to support your case with immigration authorities and strengthen your path toward legal status.
What Makes Our Immigration Evaluations Different
Life Migration Therapy specializes in trauma-informed immigration evaluations that center the human impact of abuse. As trauma survivors themselves, many of our clients have faced overwhelming circumstances, physical violence, emotional manipulation, and the fear that comes from living under someone's control. I provide compassionate care that honors your lived experience while meeting the legal standards required by the immigration system.
My clinical expertise includes working with survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and extreme hardship. I understand the cultural sensitivity needed when conducting immigration evaluations for Black, Brown, immigrant, and LGBTQ+ communities. Each written report I prepare provides thorough documentation of the psychological and emotional effects of abuse, using clinical findings that immigration officials recognize. I work closely with immigration lawyers to ensure every comprehensive report aligns with what your legal team needs to advocate effectively for your safety and future. Whether you need expedited evaluations due to urgent immigration proceedings or standard processing, I'm committed to providing the highest level of professionalism and empathy throughout the process.
Frequently Asked Questions About VAWA Evaluations
How long does the VAWA evaluation process take?
Most cases require one comprehensive session lasting approximately 2-3 hours, conducted either in person or via secure telehealth. After our session, I prepare your detailed report within 2-3 weeks for standard processing. Expedited evaluations are completed faster to meet urgent immigration deadlines.
What should I bring to my evaluation?
Bring any documentation that supports your case—medical records, police reports, protection orders, or other evidence of abuse. You're also welcome to bring written consent for me to speak with your immigration attorney or legal team. Even if you don't have extensive documentation, the clinical interview and psychological assessment provide the foundation for your comprehensive report.
Will my evaluation be confidential?
Yes. Everything discussed during your evaluation remains confidential and is protected by mental health professional ethics and legal requirements. The written report I prepare will only be shared with your immigration attorney, legal representation, and immigration authorities as directed by you with your written consent. I'm committed to providing trauma-informed care in a safe, confidential space.
Can you conduct evaluations in Spanish or other languages?
I conduct evaluations in English. However, I work with qualified interpreters for clients who are more comfortable speaking in Spanish or other languages. Using interpreters ensures you can fully express your experience, emotions, and the impact of trauma in the language that feels most natural. This is essential for providing accurate, culturally responsive care.
What makes your immigration evaluations different from other clinicians?
I specialize in working with trauma survivors from Black, Brown, immigrant, and LGBTQ+ communities who often face barriers accessing culturally affirming care. My extensive experience conducting immigration evaluations means I understand both the clinical expertise needed and the legal requirements that immigration lawyers expect. Every comprehensive psychological assessment I prepare documents the psychological impact of abuse with the depth, accuracy, and cultural sensitivity that strengthens immigration cases and supports your path toward safety and legal status.
Does the evaluation guarantee my VAWA application will be approved?
No evaluation can guarantee outcomes in immigration proceedings—those decisions rest with USCIS and immigration authorities. However, a well-prepared, comprehensive report provides critical evidence that helps immigration officials understand what you've survived and why you qualify for protection. I work closely with immigration attorneys to ensure every psychological evaluation meets legal standards and provides the detailed documentation your legal team needs to advocate effectively for your case.
Services and Rates
-
Psychotherapy Sessions
Initial Appointment (55-60 mins)
$230
Follow-Up Sessions (50 mins)
$200
Includes support for anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, cultural identity, LGBTQIA+ topics, and more. -
ADHD Evaluations
Comprehensive ADHD Evaluation
$600
Includes clinical interviews, behavioral screening, and culturally informed diagnostics. -
Immigration Evaluations
Standard Immigration Evaluation
$1,000
Covers Extreme Hardship Waiver, Asylum, VAWA, U & T Visa Evaluations
Expedited Processing (optional) — +$500
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Consulting & Speaking Engagements
Consulting, Workshops, & Training Events
Price upon request
Tailored to organizations, schools, and community initiatives. Please contact us for a quote.
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