Expert Clinical Immigration Evaluations for VAWA, Asylum, & Hardship Cases

Strengthening your immigration case with trauma-informed, bilingual psychosocial reports. Stefany Pedroza, LISW-CP, provides the rigorous clinical evidence attorneys trust for USCIS filings in North and South Carolina.

Schedule Your Evaluation Interview

  • English & Spanish

  • Licensed in NC & SC

  • Focused 1-2 session assessment

  • Secure Telehealth or In-Person

A wooden desk with a modern table lamp, a small vase with purple flowers, a closed laptop, a notebook, and a pen, with a beige wall in the background.

I specialize in conducting detailed psychological evaluations for the following case types in both North and South Carolina:

  • Asylum Cases: Documenting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other psychological sequelae resulting from persecution or torture.

  • Extreme Hardship Waivers (I-601/I-601A): Clinically documenting the extreme and unusual hardship that would be inflicted upon a qualifying relative if the applicant were deported or denied entry.

  • VAWA Petitions (Violence Against Women Act): Documenting the mental and emotional abuse experienced by self-petitioners.

  • U-Visa / T-Visa Applications: Documenting the psychological impact of being a victim of crime (U-Visa) or human trafficking (T-Visa).

The Evaluation Process: Client-Centered & Flexible

I am committed to making the evaluation process accessible and supportive.

  • Format: Clients can be seen via telehealth (secure video) throughout North and South Carolina or in person. The comprehensive clinical interview, typically conducted over one to two extended sessions, is included in the evaluation price to ensure a rapid, focused assessment for timely report submission.

  • Location: In office and Virtual

  • Language: Evaluations are conducted bilingually in Spanish or English.

Fees & Payment Structure

I prioritize transparency and flexibility to ensure clients can access the critical services they need.

Evaluation Fee

The standard comprehensive fee for a psychological evaluation and finalized report is $1300.

Securing the Appointment

A non-refundable deposit of $300 is required to formally schedule and confirm the client's first evaluation appointment. This deposit is applied directly to the total $1300 fee.

Remaining Payment Options

Once the $300 deposit is paid, the remaining balance of $1000 can be handled in one of two ways:

  1. Remaining Full Payment Upfront:

    • The remaining balance of $1000 is paid at the time of the first scheduled session.

  2. Two-Part Payment Plan:

    • 50% Upfront: A payment of $500 is due at the time of the first scheduled session (this, combined with the $200 deposit, makes up 50% of the total fee).

    • Remaining 50% Upon Completion: The final balance of $500 is due once the evaluation interviews and report drafting are complete.

Important Notes

  • Report Release Policy: The final psychological evaluation report is released to the referring attorney or client only after the full $1300 fee has been received.

  • Payment Methods: Major credit cards and flexible payment arrangements are available.

  • Legal Recommendation: It is strongly recommended that clients consult legal counsel to ensure this psychological evaluation meets the specific needs and criteria of their case before initiating the evaluation process.

What Clients Can Expect

Our process is designed to be smooth, supportive, and culturally sensitive. It begins with simple intake paperwork to gather your history, followed by three brief, standardized clinical assessments—specifically the PCL-5 to evaluate PTSD and the GAD-7 to measure anxiety. Next, we will complete a comfortable, one-hour clinical interview, which can be conducted bilingually if needed to ensure you feel fully understood. Once the evaluation is complete, a full copy of the final report will be provided to you for your records.

What Attorneys Can Expect

You can expect a highly collaborative partnership tailored to support your legal strategy. I provide efficient, reliable service, ensuring a finalized, signed, and court-ready PDF report is emailed securely to your office within one week of the interview. The resulting document is a rigorous, objective psychological evaluation designed to meet the high standards of immigration proceedings.

Your Questions, Answered

  • An immigration psychological evaluation is a professional clinical report that documents the mental health impact of your circumstances. For cases like VAWA, Asylum, or U-Visas, these reports provide USCIS with essential evidence regarding trauma, domestic violence, or the extreme hardship a family would face if separated.

  • At VIVA Mind Therapy, the standard fee for a comprehensive psychological evaluation and finalized report is $1300. This includes the clinical interview, specialized trauma assessment, and the drafting of a detailed report for your legal team. A $300 deposit is required to secure your appointment, with flexible payment plans available for the balance.

  • Yes. Stefany Pedroza is a licensed clinical provider authorized to conduct evaluations via secure, HIPAA-compliant Telehealth throughout North Carolina and South Carolina. This ensures that clients in rural areas or those with transportation challenges can access expert clinical reporting without traveling to an office.

  • We prioritize a rapid, focused assessment to meet tight legal deadlines. The clinical interview is typically completed in one to two extended sessions. Once the interviews are finished and the full fee is received, the finalized psychological report is released directly to you or your referring attorney for submission.

  • Yes. As a bilingual, first-generation immigrant specialist, Stefany Pedroza provides expert evaluations for a range of USCIS cases, including U-Visas (victims of crimes), T-Visas (victims of human trafficking), and Asylum. Her reports are culturally nuanced and specifically designed to address the clinical-legal criteria required for these categories.

A Transparent, Supportive Evaluation Process

Navigating an immigration case is stressful. We make the clinical side of your case as clear as possible.

Bilingual Clarity:

All interviews are conducted in your choice of English or Spanish to ensure your story is captured with 100% accuracy and cultural nuance.

Flexible Payment:

We offer a two-part payment plan. After your $300 deposit, you may pay the balance upfront or split it into two installments of $500—one at the first session and one upon report completion.

Attorney Collaboration:

We strongly recommend consulting with your legal counsel before we begin. We work closely with your attorney to ensure the final report meets the specific clinical criteria for your unique case.