Assessments and Evaluations

 An Immigration Evaluation is a psychological assessment used to help immigration courts determine whether an individual will be able to remain lawfully in the United States.  

 Extreme Hardship Waivers are given to immigrants who have remained in the United States without permission. The application is submitted by a family member that is a legal U.S. Citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the United States that would experience extreme hardship if they were separated from or forced to relocate with the non-citizen immigrant.  

 The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) provides non-citizen immigrants, regardless of gender, with a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident spouse, children, or parent to file a petition to remain in the United States without the abuser’s knowledge. The non-citizen immigrant must provide evidence that proves the suffering of the violence and domestic abuse.  

 A U-Visa is a non-immigrant visa given to victims of a crime (and their immediate family members) while in the United States. The T-Visa is specifically for victims of human trafficking crimes. The undocumented individual is also willing to work together with law enforcement and the government with the investigation process of the criminal activity that caused them physical or mental suffering. U.S. authorities protect the victim during this process. 

 Asylum is a process that must be completed with your lawyer within one year of arriving to the U.S. if you seek protection for yourself (including your spouse and children) due to suffering or thinking you might suffer persecution in your country of origin. The types of persecution suffered could be related to race, religion, nationality, being a member of a social group, and/or due to having a certain political opinion. 

1.  If you are a client or an attorney/paralegal, please reach out and inform us of the nature of your case. We are happy to provide a free consultation to determine if we are the best fit for your needs. (Please consult with an attorney regarding the type of evaluation that is recommended for your case and whether one is required for your case)
2. If you decide to move forward, we will send you some documentation to complete and discuss fees with you.
3. Once your paperwork has been completed and your deposit has been paid, you will be scheduled for two 60-90 minute interviews within two weeks of one another. (should additional interviews be require there will be an additional cost)  If needed, we will follow up with a phone call to substantiate any missing information from the interview.
4. Next, we will consult with your attorney/paralegal to gather any additional collateral or additional information as necessary.
5. The written draft will then be sent to your attorney/paralegal to cross-reference and confirm information (e.g., dates and names).
6. Finally, a copy of the finalized evaluation will be mailed to your attorney/paralegal and another copy will be sent to you. (when payment is made in full)

Please Note: Written consent to communicate with the attorney/paralegal on the case is required to complete the evaluation.  Rescheduling/canceling appointments may delay the turnaround time for the evaluation. Timeframe around 3 or 4 weeks (If within 2 weeks, rush fee $300+)

Notes about Fees:

Nonrefundable deposit: Nonrefundable deposit $300 (due prior to first interview for all clients - applied to total cost of evaluation).

Immigration Evaluation Fee: $1,500
Rush Fee (Delivery within Two Week): additional $300
Additional Interviewee Fee: $100 per person up to $500

Can the evaluations be completed online? 

Evaluations can be completed in person or via telehealth

What state does Fortitude Wellbeing offer evaluations?

Do to licensing rules we currently only offer evaluations for clients residing in the state of Florida.

Can the evaluation be completed if I don’t speak English?

Currently we are able to conduct assessments only in the English language.  However we will be happy to work with an interpreter and encourage clients to secure their own interpreters to bring to sessions or we will be happy to recommend services.  

Can a family member be an interpreter for me?

Due to the sensitive nature of these evaluations, it is best for interpretation to be conducted by a professional interpreter.