FAQ
🧠 Clinical Mental Health Evaluation
1. What is a clinical mental health evaluation?
A clinical evaluation provides a professional assessment of your mental and emotional functioning using standardized tools, clinical interviews, and DSM-5 criteria. It can support workplace accommodations, disability requests, or therapy recommendations.
2. How long does a clinical evaluation take?
Most evaluations involve two sessions of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours each, including the initial consultation and follow-up session.
3. What types of clinical evaluations do you offer?
- Comprehensive mental health evaluations
- School or workplace accommodation assessments
- Disability verification evaluations
- Substance use assessments
4. Do you provide psychological testing?
Yes. When clinically appropriate, standardized testing is included to provide diagnostic clarity.
5. Can I use my insurance?
No. VPSE evaluations are private pay. However, payment plans and cash discounts are available.
6. Will my report include a diagnosis?
If clinically indicated, yes. Diagnoses are determined based on DSM-5 criteria and clinical presentation.
7. How will my report be used?
Reports can be used for documentation with employers, schools, attorneys, or personal healthcare providers.
⚖️ Forensic Mental Health Evaluation
1. What is a forensic mental health evaluation?
A forensic evaluation examines the intersection of mental health and legal questions—such as competency, responsibility, or risk—and provides evidence-based clinical information to assist the court.
2. What types of forensic evaluations do you provide?
- Competency to Stand Trial
- Criminal Responsibility / Insanity Defense
- Risk Assessments
- Parental Fitness or Custody-Related Evaluations
- Substance Abuse / Court-Mandated Assessments
3. How many sessions are required?
Typically, two to three sessions are needed, depending on case complexity. Sessions are approximately 2 hours each.
4. How long does it take to complete a forensic evaluation?
Reports are typically completed within 3–4 weeks after the final session. Expedited evaluations can be completed within 7–10 days for an additional fee.
5. Do you testify in court?
Yes. Court testimony can be arranged upon request and is billed separately.
6. Are evaluations confidential?
Forensic evaluations have limited confidentiality. Information gathered may be disclosed to the court or attorney as part of the legal process, which will be explained during informed consent.
7. What is required before beginning a forensic evaluation?
t is required before beginning a forensic evaluation?
- A signed referral or attorney agreement
- Case documentation and relevant records
- Full payment or retainer before the first session
🌍 Immigration Evaluation
1. What is an immigration evaluation?
An immigration evaluation provides a detailed psychological report to support immigration cases such as hardship waivers, asylum, VAWA, U-Visa, T-Visa, or cancellation of removal.
The report documents trauma, emotional hardship, and psychological impact to strengthen a client’s legal petition.
2. What types of immigration evaluations do you offer?
- Extreme Hardship
- Asylum
- Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)
- U-Visa (Crime Victims)
- T-Visa (Human Trafficking)
- Cancellation of Removal
- Naturalization (N-648)
3. How long does the process take?
Most immigration evaluations include two clinical interview sessions (1.5–2 hours each) and a final report completed within 3–4 weeks.
Expedited service (7–10 days) is available upon request.
4. What happens during the evaluation?
You will meet with a licensed mental health evaluator to discuss your history, family background, and experiences related to your case. The process is trauma-informed and conducted with compassion and cultural sensitivity.
5. What documents should I bring?
Please provide:
- Legal documents or case forms (I-601, I-360, etc.)
- Country or hardship documentation (if applicable)
- Medical or prior mental health records (if available)
- Attorney contact information
6. Do you work with interpreters?
Yes. Interpreter services are available in multiple languages, including African languages (e.g., Igbo).
7. Can you guarantee approval of my case?
No. The evaluation supports your application but cannot guarantee a specific outcome. All reports are objective and clinically based.
8. How are evaluations paid for?
Payment is required before services begin. VPSE offers payment plans and cash discounts.
9. Will I receive a copy of my report?
Yes. Clients receive a copy of the completed report once it is finalized and reviewed.
🕊️ General Notes
- All evaluations are by appointment only.
- Virtual and in-person sessions are available.
- Expedited turnaround options are offered (additional fee).
- Payment plans and cash discounts are available.
Reports are court-ready, trauma-informed, and culturally grounded.
