Immigration Evaluations in TN & FL
- Bonny O'Neill, LPC-MHSP
- Oct 22
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 22
What Is an Immigration Evaluation?

An immigration evaluation is a specialized psychological assessment that provides the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and immigration cou
rts with a clear, credible understanding of an individual’s emotional and psychological experiences.
These evaluations are often used to support cases such as:
Extreme hardship waivers
VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) petitions
U visas for crime victims
T visas for human trafficking survivors
Asylum or cancellation of removal cases
At River Rocks Counseling, our goal is to help clients tell their story in a way that honors both their truth and the legal standards required. We approach each evaluation with empathy, cultural sensitivity, and clinical precision — ensuring that every voice is heard with dignity and care.
Why Immigration Evaluations Matter
For many individuals and families, the immigration process is not just a legal journey — it’s an emotional one. People often come to us after years of fear, trauma, or uncertainty, unsure how to communicate what they’ve been through.
An evaluation serves as a bridge between the personal and the procedural. It translates human experiences into a structured, professional document that helps attorneys and judges understand the emotional impact of deportation, separation, or past trauma.
When done thoughtfully, a psychological evaluation can:
Strengthen the credibility of a case by documenting emotional and mental health effects
Illuminate how life experiences meet USCIS criteria for hardship or trauma
Offer clients validation, relief, and clarity about their own story
We recognize how deeply personal this process is. Each report is written with compassion and respect — never just as “evidence,” but as a reflection of a person’s resilience.
How Immigration Evaluations Are Conducted
Our immigration evaluations in Tennessee follow a trauma-informed, culturally aware process that balances accuracy with empathy.

Step 1: Initial Consultation
Clients or their attorneys contact our office to discuss which type of evaluation is needed. We review timelines, documentation requirements, and what to expect.
Step 2: Clinical Interviews
During one or more sessions, we explore relevant background information — including personal history, medical and mental health history, family relationships, and any trauma or stress connected to the immigration process.
We create a calm, supportive space where clients can share at their own pace.
Step 3: Psychological Assessment
We use standardized clinical tools to measure emotional symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress. These tools help ensure the evaluation meets the professional standards expected in immigration court.
Step 4: Written Report
The final report includes a clear clinical summary, relevant diagnoses (if applicable), and professional recommendations — written in accessible, compassionate language while maintaining full legal credibility.
Every report is customized to the client’s unique story and reviewed for accuracy and clarity before submission.
For Attorneys and Referral Partners

We understand how important timely, thorough, and credible evaluations are to your clients’ cases. Our reports are written to align with USCIS standards and designed to complement your legal arguments.
We:
Provide detailed, clinically sound reports that meet court and agency expectations
Maintain clear communication and confidentiality throughout the process
Offer quick turnaround options for time-sensitive cases
Collaborate closely when additional documentation or clarification is needed
Our evaluations are trusted by attorneys throughout Tennessee and surrounding states, and we’re always open to discussing how our assessments can best support your clients.
Compassion Meets Clinical Expertise
Many people seeking immigration evaluations have endured significant hardship — including loss, abuse, separation, or persecution. That’s why every step of our process is guided by compassion, cultural respect, and trauma-informed care.
We take time to ensure clients feel heard and understood. Our aim is not only to produce a strong report, but also to help clients find a sense of healing in telling their story.
At River Rocks Counseling, we believe that every evaluation is a chance to affirm a person’s courage and to contribute to a fair, humane outcome.
Taking the Next Step
If you are an attorney seeking a trusted evaluator or an individual navigating the immigration process, we’re here to help.
Our immigration evaluations are available both in person and through secure telehealth, depending on your location and needs. We work with clients across Tennessee and beyond.
🌿 You don’t have to go through this alone.We’ll help you bring your story to life with care, clarity, and clinical integrity.
➡️ Book an Immigration Evaluation or contact River Rocks Counseling to learn how we can support your case.




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