For Immigration Attorneys
Immigration Hardship Evaluations
Culturally responsive, trauma-informed mental health evaluations to support immigration matters involving extreme hardship.
Clinical Documentation
Thoughtful Evaluations for Legal Matters
Alternative Therapy provides comprehensive psychosocial evaluations for immigration attorneys and their clients. Our approach is compassionate, confidential, and attentive to the lived experiences that may be relevant to an extreme-hardship case.
Evaluations may explore emotional, psychological, family, medical, financial, educational, cultural, and country-conditions factors as clinically appropriate. We work respectfully with clients from diverse backgrounds and strive to make the evaluation process understandable and supportive.
Evaluation Process
Clear, Collaborative, and Culturally Responsive
We coordinate with referring counsel while maintaining appropriate clinical boundaries and client confidentiality.
Attorney Referral
Attorneys may contact us to discuss the matter, timeline, language needs, and available records before a client is scheduled.
Clinical Interview
The clinician meets with the client to gather a detailed psychosocial history and assess relevant emotional and functional impacts.
Records Review
When provided, relevant records and collateral information may be reviewed as part of the clinical evaluation.
Written Report
A clinically grounded report is prepared for the attorney’s use, with timing and scope discussed at referral.
Professional Boundaries
Clinical Role, Not Legal Advice
Our role is to provide an independent clinical evaluation and report. We do not provide legal advice, determine legal eligibility, predict case outcomes, or make decisions for USCIS or the immigration court.
The referring attorney remains responsible for legal strategy, legal advice, filing requirements, and use of the report. Clients should direct legal questions to their attorney. Participation in an evaluation does not guarantee any immigration benefit or outcome.
Clinical findings are offered to assist counsel and the adjudicating authority; they are not a substitute for legal representation or a legal determination.
Important Clinical and Legal Notice
For general context, attorneys and clients may review the USCIS Policy Manual: Extreme Hardship Considerations and Factors. This reference is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Language Access
Care in Your Language
We welcome referrals for clients who prefer to communicate in English, Spanish, Portuguese, or Turkish.
Language preference and cultural context matter. Please share language needs at the time of referral so we can discuss the best way to support the client.
We are committed to respectful, affirming care for people of all backgrounds, identities, and family structures.