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Immigration Hardship Evaluations in Austin

At Just Mind Counseling, one of the things we do is help those struggling with immigration issues through providing psychological evaluations and counseling services. Going through the process of filing for US resident status or defending oneself against deportation can be a very anxiety provoking time in many individuals’ lives. However, finding a good counselor can be a very important step in one’s immigration case.

 

Individuals often seek Immigration Evaluation services to document the following difficulties:
  • Extreme Hardship: Evaluations are often performed for non-citizens or for non-citizen’s spouse and children. This evaluation would identify the ways in which a non-citizen or non-citizen’s family would suffer if the non-citizen was deported or not allowed to enter the country. Common concerns include psychological stressors, emotional hardship (i.e. depression, anxiety, worry, fear for the future), health concerns, financial considerations, and educational opportunities.
  • Psychological Stressors: Some individuals may fail to file for political asylum within one year of entering the country, as required by law. A psychological evaluation would document the presence of psychological stressors that may have prevented a person from filling for political asylum within one year.
  • Domestic/Spousal Abuse Waiver: This evaluation seeks to establish the presence of domestic abuse in order to file for legal status (separately from their U.S. citizen spouse). The psychotherapist is tasked with assessing the presence of abuse and the psychological and practical impacts of the abuse. Sometimes the abuse is obvious, but at other times it is more subtle. Documented indicators of abuse is cited as physical, verbal or psychological assault.

Clinically reviewed by William Schroeder, LPC, NCC, co-founder of Just Mind. Last reviewed October 25, 2026.

SERVICES PROVIDED BY

Eva Escobedo, LPC-S

Eva Escobedo, LPC-S

Counselor: Couples, Adults, Parenting, Families

Eva started her career as a therapist more than 20 years ago in New York City working with a population challenged by chronic mental illness. She completed a master’s degree in Rational Emotive Therapy at the Albert Ellis Institute, and a master’s degree in Humanistic and Existential Psychotherapy at CIEEXH. In 1994, she started a private practice in Mexico City where she gained invaluable experience.

Costs

Evaluation and report cost

$1,500 flat rate (evaluations take 4-6 hours, reports take several hours and are 6-7 pages, and we will connect with your attorney for feedback)

Court cost

If the counselor is required to be in court, time preparing and in court will also cost $150 per hour. If a counselor is required in court, there is a mandatory deposit of 4 hours of time ($600) that will be taken 7 days in advance of going to court. This is non-refundable. If your court case day is moved, please let them know with as much notice as possible so they can attempt to accommodate your request.

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Please keep in mind that communications via email over the internet and text are not secure, may not be HIPAA compliant, and we may not be able to respond or discuss protected health information. Although it is unlikely, there is a possibility that information you include in an email or text can be intercepted and read by other parties besides the person to whom it is addressed. Please be mindful of this when communicating to us. If and when you determine to use our services, a HIPAA-secure portal will be available for your communication needs. --
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IMMIGRATION HARDSHIP FAQs

Immigration Hardship evaluations

A report is written by a mental health professional in relationship to a pending immigration case. The process of evaluation aims to predict the hardship or psychological distress that would be experienced by a US citizen as a result of the removal of the non-permanent resident relative from the US.

You can call to schedule an appointment with one of the designated therapists who does the evaluation. The entire process is typically completed with 1 to 2 weeks.

A hardship evaluation is a formal assessment with a written report for your immigration attorney, not ongoing treatment. The clinician interviews you and often your family, reviews records, and documents the psychological impact of a possible separation or relocation.

A licensed mental health clinician trained in forensic and hardship assessments. The report carries their license and credentials, which is what attorneys and immigration judges expect to see.

Usually one to three meetings, including a clinical interview with the qualifying relative and sometimes the applicant. Your attorney may ask for specific points to be addressed, and we build the interview around those.

Yes. Interviews can take place by secure video for clients anywhere in Texas. Some attorneys prefer at least one in-person meeting, so check with yours.

No. These evaluations are legal documents rather than medical treatment, so they are private pay. We can give you a written estimate before you book.

Yes. With your written permission we coordinate with your attorney on timing, the questions the report needs to answer, and delivery of the final document.

Looking for something other than an immigration evaluation? Explore our other services.