At Polaris Psychology, we provide thorough psychological evaluations for individuals seeking asylum in the U.S. through the I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal. These evaluations can play a critical role in helping to establish a well-founded fear of persecution, which is required to support your application for asylum. Whether you are experiencing trauma, PTSD, or other psychological impacts due to the threats you faced in your home country, our evaluation can provide objective evidence to support your asylum case.
What Is an Asylum Psychological Evaluation?
An asylum psychological evaluation is a detailed assessment that documents the emotional, psychological, and mental health effects of persecution, trauma, or fear of returning to one’s home country. For asylum seekers applying through the I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, this evaluation can be an essential part of demonstrating the need for protection and legal status in the United States.
Our psychologists have extensive experience in performing these evaluations, ensuring they are thorough, compassionate, and tailored to the unique circumstances of each individual. This evaluation results in a comprehensive report that can be used as supporting evidence in your asylum application, strengthening your case. For more information on the I-589 application process, visit the USCIS official page.
Why Is a Psychological Evaluation Important for Asylum?
The U.S. asylum process requires that applicants provide evidence of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution based on one of five protected grounds: race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. A psychological evaluation can help you document the emotional and psychological effects of persecution, trauma, and fear, and present that information in a way that supports your I-589 application.
Here’s how our evaluations can help:
- Expert Documentation of Trauma: Many asylum seekers have experienced severe trauma, including physical, emotional, or psychological harm. Our evaluation documents these experiences and their mental health effects.
- Support Your Story: An objective, professional assessment provides credibility to your claims of persecution, as it offers an unbiased view of your experiences and how they have impacted your mental health.
- Highlight Mental Health Needs: We assess conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and depression that often arise from persecution and document their ongoing effects to further strengthen your asylum claim.
For more information on the asylum process, visit the official USCIS page on I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal.
Why Choose Polaris Psychology for Your Asylum Psychological Evaluation?
Choosing the right provider for your I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal psychological evaluation is critical. At Polaris Psychology, we offer:
By choosing Polaris Psychology, you are opting for a provider with unparalleled expertise, flexibility, and a commitment to understanding your unique story. We are here to support you through every step of the evaluation process, helping you build a strong foundation for your asylum application.
What to Expect During Your Asylum Psychological Evaluation
At Polaris Psychology, we prioritize creating a compassionate environment where you can share your story. Here’s what the evaluation process typically involves:
Intake Paperwork: To initiate the evaluation, you’ll complete the necessary paperwork to provide us with background information.
Initial Intake Session (1-2 Hours via Video Telehealth): During the first session, you will meet with a licensed clinical psychologist. We conduct an in-depth clinical interview to understand your history, relationships, mental health, and the stressors related to your immigration status. We may administer standardized questionnaires or tests to further assess your mental health.
Supplemental Clinical Interviews (As Needed, 0 to 2 Meetings via Video Telehealth): Additional meetings may be scheduled based on the complexity of your case to gather further information or clarify any issues.
Draft Report Delivery: Within three weeks of the final interview, we deliver a draft of the evaluation report for review. In complex cases, this may take longer.
Report Finalization: After incorporating any necessary edits, we finalize the report within 1 to 3 business days and send it to you and your attorney.
Pricing and Payment
At Polaris Psychology, we accept all major credit cards, debit cards, and FSA/HSA accounts for payment. While we do not accept insurance, we can provide a “superbill” for you to submit to your insurance provider for potential reimbursement.
Evaluation Fee
$1,528
Due in full at the first intake session. We accept credit cards, debit cards, FSA/HSA, and, in some cases, cash or cashier's checks.
Expedited Evaluation
+ $508
For a faster turnaround (within two weeks), an additional $508 expedited fee applies
Addenda
$250/hour
Should you need an update to your initial report, we can provide this for an additional fee of $250 per hour.
Please contact us if you have any questions about payment options. We are committed to making the process as smooth and transparent as possible, so you can focus on your application.
Confidentiality and Communication
Your evaluation is confidential and protected by doctor-patient confidentiality. If you wish for us to communicate with your attorney, you will need to sign a release of information form, which will allow us to share your evaluation report once it’s completed.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve compiled answers to some common questions about our asylum psychological evaluations. If you need more information or have specific concerns, feel free to reach out to us directly.
Q: Why do I need a psychological evaluation for my I-589 application?
A: A psychological evaluation provides professional documentation of the emotional and mental health impact of persecution or trauma. This evidence can strengthen your I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal by objectively supporting your experiences and demonstrating the need for protection.
Q: What happens during the asylum psychological evaluation?
A: During the evaluation, you will meet with a licensed psychologist who will conduct an in-depth interview to understand your history and experiences. We use evidence-based assessment tools to evaluate your mental health and provide a detailed report for your application.
Q: How much does the psychological evaluation cost?
A: The evaluation fee is $1,528, due in full at the first intake session. If you need an expedited evaluation which needs to be completed within two weeks, an additional $508 fee applies, totaling $2,036.
Q: Is the psychological evaluation confidential?
A: Yes, your evaluation is completely confidential. The information you share with us will be used solely for preparing your report, which you can choose to include in your I-589 application.
Q: Do I need to work with an immigration attorney?
Yes, a psychological evaluation is an important part of your asylum (I-589) application, but it is not a replacement for legal advice. You should consult with an immigration attorney to guide you through the legal process and ensure that all aspects of your case are properly addressed.
Q: What if I don't speak English?
If English is not an option, we work with professional medical interpreters during the interview portion of the evaluation. This ensures that you can comfortably communicate in your native language. While the final evaluation report is provided in English, translators are available to assist with the interview. We work with interpreters in over 70 languages, including: Amharic, Arabic, Assamese, Bengali, Chinese, Dari, Farsi, Gujarati, Hindi, Korean, Urdu, Hausa, Mandarin, Punjabi, Pashto, Tamil, Tagalog, Thai, Vietnamese, Spanish, Swahili, and many more.
You Don’t Have to Face This Alone
Seeking asylum is an incredibly challenging process, but you don’t have to go through it alone. At Polaris Psychology, we are here to support you by providing a thorough psychological evaluation that accurately reflects your experiences and mental health needs. We’re committed to offering you the care and support you need during this difficult time.
