Our Team
Beyond the Credential Meet:
Kathryn Alabi,
LPCMH, LCPC, CFMHE, NCC, CATTS, CCTP-I & II, CIVPS
Board-Certified Forensic Mental Health | Forensic | Immigration Evaluator
Kathryn U. Alabi is a Nigerian-American licensed clinical professional counselor and board-certified forensic mental health evaluator, specializing in objective, trauma-focused psychological evaluations for complex immigration and legal proceedings. As the founder of Vital Pathway Strategies Evaluation (VPSE), Kathryn is recognized for her clinical rigor, legal insight, cultural competence, and commitment to ethical, unbiased assessment.
Professional Credentials and Specialized Expertise
- Licensure & Experience: Kathryn is licensed in Delaware and Maryland, with over 25 years of focused experience in clinical, forensic, substance abuse, and immigration evaluations.
- Relevant Certifications: She holds advanced credentials, including Certified Forensic Mental Health Evaluator (CFMHE), Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Level II (CCTP-II), Certified Attachment Trauma Treatment Specialist, and is a doctoral student in Marriage & Family Therapy Studies.
- Specialized Knowledge: Kathryn has an in-depth understanding of legal standards for asylum, hardship waivers, VAWA, U- and T-visas, and other immigration relief, ensuring evaluations address the precise legal criteria required.
- Trauma-Focused & High-Risk Expertise: Kathryn’s practice is centered on trauma, attachment, and somatic assessment—serving clients with histories of complex trauma, high-risk scenarios, and those from marginalized or underserved backgrounds.
Strong Documentation and Report Writing
- Objective, Legally Relevant Reports: Kathryn’s reports are transparent, evidence-based, and directly responsive to legal questions. They are free of advocacy, accessible to attorneys and courts, and known for diagnostic clarity and contextual insight.
- Expert Testimony: Kathryn is available to provide clear, professional testimony when required, translating complex psychological concepts for the court.
Interpersonal and Communication Skills
- Cultural Competence: Drawing on her Nigerian-American heritage and fluency in Ibo, Kathryn brings authentic cultural sensitivity to every evaluation. She has extensive experience working with clients from diverse nationalities, languages, religions, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Attachment-Somatic & Trauma-Informed Approach: Kathryn’s methodology is rooted in trauma science and attachment theory, prioritizing safety, trust, and preventing re-traumatization throughout the evaluative process.
- Collaborative Communication: Attorneys and agencies rely on Kathryn’s prompt, clear communication and her willingness to collaborate, ensuring evaluations align with the specific legal questions and needs of each case.
Objectivity and Reliability
- Unbiased, Ethical Practice: Kathryn maintains the highest standards of objectivity and ethics, providing independent, fact-based assessments that stand up to legal scrutiny.
- Credibility: Her expertise, professional reputation, and track record of reliability make her a sought-after expert for legal proceedings and court testimony.
Populations Served
Kathryn has evaluated a wide range of clients, including:
- Immigrants and refugees from diverse and marginalized backgrounds
- Survivors of complex trauma, violence, or displacement
- Students and employees seeking accommodations in educational or occupational settings
- Individuals and families in high-risk and court-mandated scenarios
Why Attorneys Choose VPSE
Attorneys turn to Kathryn and VPSE for incisive, trauma-informed, and culturally attuned evaluations that meet the highest standards of objectivity and legal relevance. Her expertise in high-risk and marginalized populations, combined with her commitment to thorough, ethical, and clearly communicated assessments, ensures every client’s psychological reality is accurately represented and understood within the legal system.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
§ Academy of Professional Family Mediators (APFM)
§ American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
§ American Counseling Association (ACA)
§ Association of Clinicians for the Underserved (ACU)
§ Delaware Psychological Association (DPA)
§ International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT)
§ International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS)
§ National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC)
§ National Board of Forensic Evaluators (NBFE)
