Veronika Stutz

When your future—or the future of your family—is uncertain, it can feel overwhelming. You may be carrying fear, anxiety, grief, or the emotional weight of experiences that are difficult to talk about. An immigration psychological evaluation provides an opportunity for your story to be heard and professionally documented in support of your immigration case. While your attorney provides legal guidance, I provide an independent, objective clinical evaluation that may support your case. Every evaluation is completed in collaboration with your immigration attorney to ensure the report addresses the specific immigration petition being filed. WHAT IS AN IMMIGRATION EVALUATION? An immigration psychological evaluation is a comprehensive clinical assessment completed by a licensed psychologist or mental health professional to document the psychological and emotional impact of experiences that are relevant to your immigration case. These evaluations are commonly requested by immigration attorneys to support specific immigration petitions. The evaluation may include: *A detailed clinical interview *Psychological testing, when clinically appropriate *Review of relevant records or supporting documentation *Collaboration with your immigration attorney, with your written consent *A comprehensive written psychological evaluation report *Each report is prepared objectively and professionally while addressing the clinical issues relevant to your immigration case. IMMIGRATION EVALUATIONS OFFERED *I-601 Hardship Waivers Psychological evaluations documenting the emotional and psychological hardship that would result from separation or deportation. *I-601A Provisional Waivers Clinical assessments supporting extreme hardship claims for family members in the United States. *VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) Evaluations documenting abuse, trauma, and psychological impact for self-petitioning survivors. *U - Visa Evaluations Psychological assessments for victims of qualifying crimes who have suffered substantial abuse. *T - Visa Evaluations Clinical evaluations for victims of human trafficking documenting trauma and psychological impact. *Asylum & Removal Defense Comprehensive psychological evaluations supporting asylum claims and removal defense cases. ABOUT ME Choosing the right clinician for your immigration psychological evaluation is an important decision. These evaluations often become an essential part of your immigration case, and you deserve someone who will take the time to understand your story while providing a thorough, objective clinical assessment. QUALIFICATIONS I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Washington State with specialized training in both the treatment of trauma and in immigration evaluations. As a member of EMDRIA (EMDR International Association), I specialize in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and the treatment of PTSD, C-PTSD, and other trauma-related disorders. Many individuals seeking immigration evaluations have experienced significant adversity, loss, violence, persecution, family separation, or other traumatic experiences. My background allows me to approach these conversations with sensitivity and clinical expertise. I am qualified to recognize, diagnose, and document trauma. BACKGROUND As an immigrant myself, I understand that immigration is more than paperwork—it is about family, safety, opportunity, and the future. While every person's experience is unique, I recognize what is at stake and strive to create a space where you feel respected, heard, and treated with dignity throughout the evaluation process. APPROACH I approach every evaluation with compassion, respect, and professionalism while maintaining the objectivity required of an independent psychological assessment. My goal is to accurately document your experiences and psychological functioning in a comprehensive report that reflects sound clinical judgment. SPECIALIZED TRAINING I have received specialized training in immigration psychological evaluations and remain committed to providing high-quality evaluations that meet professional standards. I participate in ongoing professional consultation and continuing education to deepen my knowledge and stay current with best practices in immigration evaluations. COLLABORATIVE CARE With your written permission, I work collaboratively with your immigration attorney throughout the evaluation process to ensure the report addresses the clinical issues relevant to your immigration petition while maintaining my independent role as a mental health professional. Whether you are seeking an evaluation for an I-601 or I-601A Hardship Waiver, VAWA petition, U- Visa, T- Visa, SIJS, or another immigration matter, my goal is to provide a compassionate evaluation experience and a comprehensive report that supports your attorney's work on your behalf. ✔ Collaboration with your immigration attorney throughout the process (with your written permission) ✔ Secure telehealth appointments through HIPAA-compliant SimplePractice platform ✔ Trauma-informed, culturally sensitive care in English and German ✔ Thorough, professionally written reports prepared with attention to detail ✔ Compassionate, respectful, and supportive evaluation experience THE EVALUATION PROCESS 1) Schedule Your Evaluation Complete the contact form to request an appointment. Indicate which type of immigration evaluation you need (I-601, I-601A, VAWA, U- Visa, T- Visa, or Asylum). 2) Initial Consultation We'll discuss your case, the evaluation process, and what to expect. This helps me understand your situation and determine the best approach for your evaluation. 3) Comprehensive Assessment Complete the evaluation appointment(s), which typically include clinical interviews, psychological testing, and review of relevant documents. Most evaluations require 2–3 hours total. 4) Receive Your Report You'll receive a comprehensive, court-ready psychological evaluation report within 2–3 weeks. The report is provided directly to you and your immigration attorney. FEES & BILLING Immigration Psychological Evaluation $1,250 (One Individual) Your evaluation fee includes: *Approximately 2–4 hours of interview and assessment *1-2 evaluation appointments, depending on the complexity of your case *Psychological testing, Biopsychosocial Assessment *Review of supporting documentation, when necessary *Collaboration with your immigration attorney, with your written permission *Preparation of a comprehensive draft report *Revisions *Delivery of the finalized psychological evaluation report to both you and your attorney ADDITIONAL SERVICES *Psychological evaluations for additional family members TBD *Expert testimony for court or legal proceedings $600 per day *Other services outside the scope of the standard evaluation If additional services are needed, they will always be discussed with you in advance. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Do I need an immigration attorney? Yes. Immigration psychological evaluations are completed in conjunction with your immigration attorney. Your attorney determines the legal strategy for your case, while I provide an independent clinical evaluation that supports your petition. Are appointments held virtually? Yes. Evaluations are conducted through SimplePractice's secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform. How long does the evaluation take? Most evaluations are completed over one or two appointments totaling approximately 2–3 hours, depending on the complexity of your case. Will you provide legal advice? No. I do not provide legal advice or determine eligibility for immigration benefits. Those questions should be directed to your immigration attorney. Is my information confidential? Yes. Your privacy is protected in accordance with professional ethical standards and HIPAA regulations. If you and your immigration attorney are ready to move forward with a psychological evaluation, I'd be honored to help. CONTACT ME Email me at: vivi@phoenixrisescounseling.org Or request an appointment through Simple Practice. Click "Request Appointment". Veronika Stutz, LMHC Phoenix Rises Counseling LLC License #61526615. Email: vivi@phoenixrisescounseling.org https://phoenixrisescounseling.org 100 N. Howard St. Ste W Spokane, WA 99201 INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/veronika.vivi.stutz/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573968523843 LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronika-vivi-stutz-785a7b59/ YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@TheTraumaTherapyLiferaft