Asylum evaluation: trauma, PTSD and what the report should have
A psychological evaluation for asylum is a clinical interview in Spanish, with validated instruments, that documents the emotional impact of what you experienced in your country: trauma, PTSD symptoms, anxiety or depression. The result is a written report that your immigration attorney can present as evidence. At Therapy Works it costs from $775, with the report in 7 to 10 days.
If your lawyer asked you for an evaluation for your asylum case, it is normal to feel nervous: you are going to talk about very difficult experiences. In this guide we explain what is evaluated, what the interview is like and what a good report should include. If you already want to schedule, all the information is on our page psychological evaluations for immigration.
What is a psychological evaluation for asylum?
It is a clinical evaluation for legal purposes, not a therapy session. A licensed therapist talks to you, administers psychological tests, and writes a report about your current emotional state and how it relates to what you experienced.
Asylum protects people who have suffered persecution, or fear suffering persecution, due to their race, religion, nationality, membership in a social group or political opinions, depending on USCIS. The legal requirements of your case are reviewed by your lawyer. Our part is clinical: rigorously documenting how those experiences affect you today.
Why do lawyers request a psychological evaluation in asylum cases?
Because trauma leaves traces that are not always seen in documents. A clinical report helps the person reviewing the case understand the emotional impact of the persecution in professional language.
It can also help explain things that frequently happen after a trauma:
- It may be difficult to remember dates or the exact order of events.
- That the person speaks without emotion, or that they become blocked when telling what they experienced.
- Avoid certain topics, places or people.
- Have nightmares, scares or problems sleeping.
The report does not decide your case or guarantee approval: that decision is up to the authority. Its value lies in providing an honest and well-documented clinical view.
What is PTSD and why does it appear so much in asylum evaluations?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a response that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing something very threatening. It doesn't happen to everyone, and it's not a sign of weakness.
Among its most common symptoms are memories that arrive involuntarily, nightmares, avoidance, always feeling alert, and changes in mood or the way you see the world. If you want to understand it better, read our article Understanding PTSD: Beyond Stereotypes.
In an asylum evaluation, the therapist checks for symptoms of PTSD, but also anxiety, depression or other reactions to trauma. Any diagnosis comes from the complete evaluation, never from an online questionnaire.
What should a good psychological report for asylum have?
A solid report is clear, orderly, and relies on reviewable methods. In general it includes these parts:
| Report section | What it contains |
|---|---|
| Data and reason for the evaluation | Who requests the evaluation (your lawyer) and for what |
| Methods | Clinical interview, applied instruments and other reviewed sources |
| Personal history | Your life before the events, family, work, health |
| Reported experiences | What you experienced, told with your words |
| Clinical observations | How you presented yourself in the interview: spirit, memory, attention |
| Test results | Scores of validated instruments |
| Clinical impression | Symptoms found and, if applicable, diagnosis |
| Conclusions | How the symptoms are related to what has been experienced |
| Credentials | Therapist's name, license and signature |
At Therapy Works, the report is written in the format your attorney needs and provided to you and your attorney. There is no hourly charge or separate charge for the report.
What is the interview for an asylum evaluation like?
The interview is a conversation in Spanish with a licensed, bilingual therapist. You can do it in person at our Dallas–Fort Worth offices or by video, which has the same legal validity as in person.
step by step
- You call us or write to us. We contact you the same day and explain the process.
- Let's schedule your interview. We try to make it that same week, from Monday to Sunday.
- Interview and tests. You talk to the therapist and answer validated psychological instruments that your case requires.
- You receive your report. It is delivered to you and your lawyer within the period you chose.
What are they going to ask you?
The therapist will ask you about your history, what you experienced, how you feel now and how you sleep, eat, work and relate. You don't have to have every answer perfect or remember every date.
You can ask for a break when you need it. A good evaluator goes at your pace and makes sure that talking about the trauma does not overwhelm you.
How to prepare for your evaluation?
You don't need to study or rehearse. The evaluation seeks to know your real experience, told in your own words.
- Ask your lawyer what documents should be shared with the evaluator.
- If you take medication or have been to therapy, have it handy to mention.
- If it is by video, look for a private, quiet place with a good connection.
- Get a good night's sleep the night before and plan something quiet for afterward.
- If you don't remember something, say it calmly: it is also useful information.
Talking about what you experienced can stir emotions for several days. It's an expected reaction, not a sign that something has gone wrong.
How much does the report cost and how long does it take?
The price is the same for any type of evaluation; only the speed of delivery changes. The deadline begins when the evaluation is complete.
| Option | report due | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 7–10 days | $775 |
| Express | Up to 5 days | $875 |
| The next day | 24 hours | $975 |
Express and next day options depend on therapist availability; We confirm it when scheduling. The evaluation is not covered by health insurance and payment is made on the day of the evaluation. Here we explain in more detail how much does an immigration psychological assessment cost and what does it include.
Who can do the evaluation with Therapy Works?
To carry out the evaluation you need to have an immigration lawyer, because he is the one who presents the report in your case. We do not give legal advice nor recommend law firms.
We serve in person in Dallas, Bedford, Garland and Frisco, and by video in 44 states and territories. At this time we do not serve Alaska, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Mexico, New York or Oregon. We have carried out more than 8,000 evaluations and more than 200 immigration offices trust us.
We also do evaluations for other processes, such as Sorry for extreme difficulty y VAWA.
What if after the evaluation I need emotional support?
Evaluation is not therapy, even if it is done by a therapist. If you feel that the trauma continues to weigh on your daily life, Individual therapy in Spanish can help you process it calmly and confidentially.
If at any time you feel like you can't take it anymore or think about hurting yourself, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Prevention Line 988, available 24 hours a day and in Spanish.
Frequently asked questions about psychological evaluation for asylum
(“FAQ by Rank Math” block)
Does the psychological evaluation guarantee that my asylum will be approved? No. No evaluation can guarantee it: the decision rests with the authority. The report provides professional clinical documentation that your lawyer can use as evidence.
Do I need to have PTSD for the evaluation to be useful? No. The assessment documents your emotional state as it is today, whether PTSD, anxiety, depression, or other reactions. An honest report is more valuable than one that exaggerates.
Can I do the asylum evaluation by video? Yes. The video assessment has the same validity as the in-person assessment and is available in 44 states and territories. You can also come to Dallas, Bedford, Garland or Frisco.
Is my information confidential? Yes. Your file is not shared with anyone without your written authorization, and that includes your attorney.
Does health insurance cover asylum evaluation? No. Immigration psychological evaluations are private pay. The standard price is $775 and is the same for any type of evaluation.
Make the first move.
If your lawyer asked you for a psychological evaluation for asylum, write to us and we will explain how the process works. Call us at (972) 695-3421, visit our page contact and offices or write to us on WhatsApp.
