What to Expect During Your Appointment

Before the appointment

• Your attorney sends us the referral question and any relevant legal documents.
• We confirm the appointment date, time, and format (virtual telehealth only).
• You complete intake paperwork and consent forms.
• We ask you to gather any records you already have — medical, therapy, or legal.

The clinical interview

The heart of the evaluation is a private, unhurried conversation. Depending on the type, it typically lasts two to four hours across one or two visits. We ask about:

• Your background, family, education, and work history.
• Your immigration story in your own words.
• Any traumatic events and how you have been affected.
• Current mental health symptoms and daily functioning.
• Your medical history and current care.
• The specific circumstances relevant to the legal question.

We work at your pace. If you need breaks, water, or a moment to breathe, take it.

Interpreter and language

If English is not your strongest language, we can conduct the evaluation with a qualified interpreter. Please tell us in advance so we can arrange it.

Screening tools

We may use brief, validated questionnaires — for depression, anxiety, PTSD, or trauma exposure. These are conversational, not intimidating. Your answers help ground the report in evidence.

After the interview

We write a detailed report addressing the specific legal question, including background, history, findings, and clinical recommendations. Most reports are completed within one to two weeks. The final report is sent to your attorney (or, with consent, directly to you).

Confidentiality

The report is shared only with the parties you authorize. We do not share information with immigration authorities without your written consent — the report itself, once released to your attorney, becomes part of their case file.

What to bring

• Government-issued photo ID or passport.
• Any relevant medical, mental health, or immigration paperwork.
• Your attorney's contact information.
• Water, tissues, a jacket — anything that helps you feel comfortable.