Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer in person or telehealth options?
What is your cancellation policy?
Yes, I offer both in person and telehealth options. For mental health services: I offer in person appointments on Monday and Tuesday and telehealth appointments Monday-Thursday. For Immigration Evaluations: I offer in person appointments in Missouri only Wednesday-Friday. I offer telehealth immigration evaluations throughout the week, primarily on Thursdays and Fridays.
Cancellations made within 24 hours of the scheduled appointment time will result in a $45 charge, unless we are able to reschedule within the same week (which I try to make a priority!). No shows will be charged $45 regardless of rescheduling capabilities.
What does Licensed Across Multiple States MEan?

I hold an LCSW license in Missouri, Kansas, Kentucky, and Oregon. This means that while I only provide in-person sessions in Missouri, I am able to provide therapy sessions as a telehealth therapist in Kansas, Kentucky, and Oregon. Recognizing the importance of continuity in individual therapy, I started acquiring multiple licenses when the high schoolers I treated started going off to college outside of Missouri so they could continue with the same services as they had during high school.

General Questions

Hardship evaluations

What qualifies as Extreme Hardship?
Health Conditions and Care: severe medical conditions of the qualifying relative requiring ongoing care that is unavailable in the applicant's home country or would be unavailable if the applicant were denied admission or deported. Financial Impact: Significant loss of income, heavy business or property lsos, or an inability to maintain two households. Family Ties: The presence of other family members in the U.S. and the heavy impact the separation will have on young children or aging parents. Education and Career: Disruption of the qualifying relative's education or loss of a specialized career if they are forced to relocate. Country Conditions: Severe economic instability, civil unrest, or human rights concerns in the applicant's home country. *This is not an exhaustive list
https://www.ilrc.org/sites/default/files/resources/understanding_extreme_hardship_waivers-ab-20180131.pdf
Does USCIS accept evaluations from an lcsw?



Yes. USCIS accepts psychological evaluations from licensed mental health professionals, including Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), licensed psychologists, and licensed professional counselors.
The evaluations is for the qualifying relative, or the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family member, who would remain in (or be required to relocate from) the United States. The applicant seekings the waiver is typically not the one evaluated. The qualifying relative will suffer extreme hardship if the applicant is denied admission or deported.
Who qualifies for an extreme hardship?
From initial contact to completed report, most evaluations are completed within one to two weeks, depending on scheduling availability. I also offer an expedited process that guarantees a written report within one week, or less, depending on your need. This is subject to availability and determined during the initial consult.
How long does the process take?

How much does a psychological/mental health evaluation cost?


Fee information is provided during the initial consultation. I am happy o discuss costs and payment options with you or your attorney directly.

General Immigration psychological evaluation questions

Violence against Women Act (VAWA) evaluations

Who is evaluated- the petitioner or the qualifying relative

In a VAWA self-petition, the petitioner is the survivor, the person who experienced the abuse. The evaluation focuses on their psychological experience, trauma history, and the impact of the abuse. This differs from extreme hardship evaluations, where the qualifying relative is assessed.
Is the evaluation confidential?

Yes. Clinically, all session content is held in strict professional confidence. Legally, federal VAWA confidentiality protections prohibit USCIS and other agencies from disclosing petition information to the abuser or their family members.