NYC Immigration Evaluations

Dr. Ramos’ psych evaluations consist of a one-on-one interview with the applicant, which includes a number of “psychometric tests.” These tests reveal the applicant’s psychological symptoms, which are used to support their hardship case. Dr. Ramos combines the results of the interview and psychometric tests and writes a report that can credibly support a hardship petition. Additional testing may be performed, depending on the applicant’s particular immigration situation and Visa need.

Prior to the pandemic, the interview was done in the comfort of the applicant’s home (unless they preferred another location within their community). But currently, as a result of the pandemic, Dr. Ramos conducts evaluations through video-conferencing.

Dr. Ramos uses evidence practices to explore the applicant’s mental health and hardships. His interviews go at the pace that the applicant is comfortable with, as Dr. Ramos seeks to capture as much information as possible to support the applicant’s case. Dr. Ramos will then work closely with the attorney to articulate the applicant’s immigration challenges.

The report normally takes between 2 to 3 weeks from the time of the interview until Dr. Ramos has a completed draft. Note: Expedited draft evaluations are possible for an additional charge with a 1 week turnaround.

Prior to the pandemic, Dr. Ramos offered home-based evaluations due to the challenging nature of clients getting to a therapist’s office due to a multiplicity of issues. Currently, Dr. Ramos conducts immigration evaluations through video-conferencing for NYC & Westchester residents with bilingual immigration evaluation services available in Spanish.

The mental health evaluations conducted by Dr. Ramos consist of a review of pertinent documents, including medical and psychiatric records where indicated, a review of personal and family history, mental status evaluation, the clinical interview, and psychometric testing. Dr. Ramos uses tools to objectively assess for signs of mental and psychological distress, which lend greater credibility to the evaluation.

Dr. Ramos will assess applicants for symptoms of a mental disorder (if applicable) using the DSM-5 Manual and include a detailed description of these symptoms in his evaluation. Note: a diagnosis of a mental disorder is not needed or required by immigration court judges and USCIS officials in order to approve the immigration hardship waiver.

Dr. Ramos also focuses on the personal narrative of the family member or person who is being assessed, and describes in detail the severity of the hardship and the psychological distress endured by the person and their loved ones. In all, Dr. Ramos’ evaluations are able to clearly identify and articulate the symptoms of a mental disorder, while creating compelling narratives through a clinical lens.

It’s important applicants select a trained and experienced professional in the area of immigration proceedings because immigration applications are often denied due to a lack of a mental health/psychological assessment and because the assessments submitted lack sufficient details and are unpersuasive. With this in mind, Dr. Ramos understands and can convey the true impact of trauma, loss, emotional and physical abuse, articulating in his reports the short and long-term effects they can cause.

Spanish-speaking applicants in need of bilingual immigration evaluations should contact Dr. Ramos for an assessment.