Immigration Evaluations in California
Trauma-informed immigration evaluations in California. Available in English and Spanish for VAWA, U Visas, T Visas, and Hardship Waivers.
Serving clients across California
In-person appointments available in Chula Vista. Online evaluations available statewide.
CALIFORNIA IMMIGRATION EVALUATIONS
We know how complicated the immigration process can be, which is why our team is dedicated to offering compassionate, timely evaluations to support clients through this challenging process.
At Nueva Vida Therapy, we provide thorough, trauma-informed immigration evaluations that document mental health symptoms, functional impact, and relevant clinical history in a clear, organized report for legal submission. Our goal is to approach every evaluation with structure, compassion, and respect, while also supporting attorneys with reliable timelines and communication.
Comprehensive immigration evaluations to support your immigration process
IMMIGRATION EVALUATION THERAPIST IN CALIFORNIA
Serving California clients and attorneys across the state
We provide immigration mental health evaluations for clients located throughout California. If you are near Chula Vista or San Diego, we offer in-person appointments at our office. For clients anywhere else in the state, we offer secure telehealth evaluations. California is home to one of the largest immigrant populations in the U.S., and we regularly support clients and attorneys across the state.
Common areas we serve
San Diego area: 92067, 92130, 92014, 92145
Los Angeles area: 90274, 91011, 90077, 90272
Bay Area: 94027 (and surrounding Peninsula communities)
Not located in one of these zip codes? We still serve clients statewide.
VAWA, U VISAS, T VISAS, AND HARDSHIP WAIVERS
We provide mental health evaluations that serve as critical evidence and offer meaningful support for your immigration claim
Our experienced therapists provide compassionate, evidence-informed evaluations that highlight the emotional and functional impact of trauma, hardship, and life experiences for VAWA, U visa, T visa, hardship waiver, and cancellation of removal cases. We aim to make the process feel clear and grounded, while producing a report that supports legal decision-making.
Professional, Trauma-informed Assessment
We complete a structured clinical evaluation designed to document symptoms and real-world impact in a respectful, client-centered way.
Dedicated Evaluation Appointment
Most evaluations are completed in one extended appointment. When clinically appropriate, we schedule a second appointment to ensure we proceed carefully and thoroughly.
Written Report for Legal Submission
We provide a clear, organized written report that attorneys can use as part of an immigration filing, with standard and expedited timeline options.
How to Prepare for Your Immigration Evaluation
✓Bring a simple timeline of key events
✓Prepare any documents your attorney wants you to share
✓Plan for privacy during the appointment (especially for telehealth)
✓Water, tissues, and breaks are always welcome
My Immigration Evaluation Process
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We begin with a brief phone consultation to understand what you are looking for and whether an immigration evaluation is a good fit. We will ask a few questions about your situation, the type of evaluation you need, and whether you are working with an attorney. We will also explain the evaluation process, timelines, and next steps so you know what to expect before scheduling.
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Once we confirm an evaluation is appropriate, we schedule an evaluation appointment that is typically 2 to 3 hours. For California clients, this appointment can be completed in person in Chula Vista or through a secure online appointment anywhere in the state. If additional time is clinically appropriate, we may schedule a second appointment to ensure the evaluation is thorough.
During the appointment, we will review relevant background information, discuss your experiences, and document the emotional and functional impact of hardship, trauma, or other qualifying circumstances. Our role is to listen with care, ask clarifying questions, and support you in sharing information in a way that feels as steady and manageable as possible.
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After the evaluation appointment, we carefully review the information you shared and prepare a comprehensive written report. Standard report completion is typically about two weeks.
Reports commonly range from 10 to 25 pages and may include an overview of the evaluation process, a detailed clinical summary, and documentation of mental health symptoms and functional impact. When relevant, the report may also address the impact on others involved in the case and include additional clinically relevant details needed for immigration filings.
FOR ATTORNEYS
Immigration mental health evaluations that support your case and protect the client experience
Nueva Vida Therapy provides organized, trauma-informed immigration evaluations for clients located in California, with reliable timelines and reports prepared for legal submission. With a signed Release of Information, we coordinate directly with counsel to support a smooth referral process.
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We provide evaluations for:
VAWA
U Visa
T Visa
Extreme Hardship Waivers
Cancellation of Removal
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Reports commonly range from 10 to 25 pages, depending on the case
Standard report delivery is typically about two weeks after the evaluation appointment
Expedited timelines may be available (7-day and 5-day options, based on availability).
Most evaluations are completed in one 2–3 hour appointment. A second appointment may be scheduled if clinically indicated.
Immigration evaluations available in English and Spanish.
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We require a signed Release of Information before communicating with counsel.
Once we receive the referral and confirm fit/availability, we coordinate directly with the client to schedule.
If you have declarations, prior evaluations, relevant medical/mental health records, or a case timeline, we can review what’s provided and clinically relevant.
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Leslie Farías Sánchez personally provides immigration evaluation services in California, under her Marriage and Family Therapist licensure (#121273).
Appointments are available in-person in Chula Vista, and via secure telehealth throughout the state.
Immigration evaluations for clients located in other states are provided through Nueva Vida Therapy’s network of vetted, independently licensed contractor clinicians who are authorized to practice in the client’s state at the time of service.
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To streamline intake, please include:
Client name + best contact info
Case type and any filing deadlines
Preferred language (English/Spanish)
Any key documents you’d like considered (declaration, timeline, prior evaluations, supporting records)
Any specific questions you want the evaluation to address (as clinically appropriate)
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Our fee for a full evaluation is:
U Visa, T Visa, and VAWA: $1000
Hardship Evaluation: $1050
This includes a structured clinical interview (typically 2 to 3 hours) and a written report (commonly 10 to 25 pages) prepared for legal submission.
If you need a faster turnaround, expedited delivery may be available for an additional fee, based on provider availability:
Rush delivery in 7 days: +$200
Rush delivery in 5 days: +$350
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We are not able to provide legal advice or confirm eligibility. Your attorney will determine the best legal pathway.
That said, we can use the initial consultation to confirm whether an evaluation appears clinically appropriate for your situation. If an evaluation is not a fit, we will tell you so you can avoid unnecessary steps and expenses.
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We do not provide ongoing therapy to clients we have evaluated for immigration purposes. Keeping the roles separate helps protect the neutrality of the evaluation and the integrity of the report.
If you would like therapy referrals, we are happy to share options that match your needs and preferences.
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We understand how difficult it can be to talk about painful experiences. Our role is to build trust and guide the process at a pace that feels manageable while still gathering the clinical information needed for the evaluation.
You are always in control of what you share. We will explain why certain details may matter clinically, offer breaks as needed, and approach your story with care and respect.
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Yes. Your evaluation is confidential. The written report is shared only with the people you authorize.
If you want us to coordinate with your attorney, we will ask you to sign a Release of Information. We do not communicate with anyone else about your evaluation without your written permission.
Frequently Asked Questions About Immigration Evaluations
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VAWA is a federal law that can allow certain non-citizens who have experienced abuse by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, parent, or adult child to seek immigration relief.
In many cases, an evaluation helps document the emotional and psychological impact of abuse and how it affects day-to-day functioning.
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A U Visa is for people who have experienced a qualifying crime in the United States and have been helpful, are being helpful, or are likely to be helpful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution.
A mental health evaluation can help describe the psychological effects of the crime, including symptoms and functional impact.
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A T Visa is for individuals who have experienced severe forms of human trafficking and meet additional eligibility requirements related to cooperation and safety.
An evaluation can help document trauma-related symptoms, emotional impact, and the ways trafficking has affected a person’s life and well-being.
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Hardship waivers may apply when someone must show that a qualifying U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family member would face extreme hardship if immigration status is denied.
A mental health evaluation can support the clinical portion of hardship by describing emotional and psychological impact and how it affects functioning.
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Cancellation of Removal may be considered in certain cases where a person is in removal proceedings and is seeking permission to remain in the United States. When appropriate, a mental health evaluation can help capture the emotional and psychological impact of life experiences, hardship, and family circumstances, along with how those challenges affect daily functioning. Your attorney will confirm whether this category applies and what documentation is most helpful.
Understanding VAWA, U Visas, T Visas & Hardship Waivers
Not sure which applies? Your attorney will confirm your legal path. We focus on the clinical evaluation.
