An immigration evaluation can sound intimidating, especially when you are already worried about your family or your case. You do not need a polished story, a particular diagnosis, or rehearsed answers to ask about an appointment.
Vida Serena is accepting clients for mental health immigration evaluations in English and Spanish. In-person visits are in Sandy, Utah; virtual appointments are available throughout Utah for people physically located in the state during the evaluation. This guide helps you understand the process and prepare useful questions.
What is the evaluation for?
The evaluator considers relevant experiences, emotional health, and everyday functioning, then prepares an independent clinical report. An evaluation is different from ongoing therapy and from an immigration medical examination. It does not decide whether you qualify for immigration relief.
The person who needs to be evaluated depends on the case. In some hardship-waiver matters, the focus is a qualifying family member rather than the person applying for the waiver. Other referrals may concern the psychological effects of reported persecution, abuse, criminal victimization, or trafficking. A legal representative identifies the legal questions; the clinician determines an appropriate clinical scope.
See our immigration evaluation services for the full range of case types and service limits.
You may also encounter the terms “hardship evaluation” or “immigration psychological evaluation.” The label alone does not explain the clinician’s qualifications or the kind of assessment offered. Ask what the evaluation includes and whether it addresses the question in your case.
Can I ask for an evaluation without an attorney?
Yes. Vida Serena accepts inquiries from people with or without an attorney. Before accepting an evaluation, the evaluator needs to understand its purpose and whether a suitable clinical assessment can be provided. Vida Serena does not choose immigration applications, advise on eligibility, or develop legal strategy.
If you do not have legal guidance, our resources page includes official places to look for authorized legal help. You do not have to retain an attorney simply to make an initial inquiry.
What might we discuss?
Depending on the referral, the conversation may cover important relationships, relevant experiences, health history, treatment, current concerns, and the support you rely on. Questions about daily life can be as important as questions about symptoms: What has changed at work? How are caregiving, sleep, concentration, or ordinary responsibilities affected?
The assessment may also involve relevant records, appropriate assessment measures, and authorized information from others. Not every evaluation uses the same interviews or documents. A diagnosis may be included when supported; neither a diagnosis nor a favorable report is decided in advance.
How to prepare without rehearsing a story
- Clarify the purpose. If represented, ask your legal team who needs the evaluation and what questions it should address. If unrepresented, explain what you are seeking so the purpose can be discussed.
- Confirm practical details. Ask about language, location, fees, what the work includes, and any requested report date. An appointment date and a completed-report date are different.
- Ask which records are useful. Keep documents organized, but wait for instructions about what is needed and how to send it. Do not purchase tests or request extensive records solely because this guide mentions them.
- Write down your own questions. You can ask why a topic is relevant, how breaks are handled, or what happens if you do not remember a date. Describe uncertainty honestly rather than guessing.
- Prepare for a virtual appointment. Confirm that you will be physically in Utah. Arrange a private place and ask about the technology and who may be present.
Can the interview take place in Spanish?
Interviews are available directly in English and Spanish. Tell us which language feels most comfortable. The interview language, report language, written translation, and any additional communication needs should be discussed separately before booking. Do not assume that every document or translation is included.
Who receives the report?
Before the evaluation, clarify intended recipients, authorizations, and confidentiality limits. Paying for the evaluation does not automatically give someone access to the report. If you have an attorney, ask how authorized coordination will work. For adolescents, consent and information-sharing arrangements need individual clarification before the work proceeds.
The report documents clinical findings and their basis, including important limitations. It may or may not support the result someone hopes for. Immigration decisions belong to the responsible agency or court.
Request an appointment in Sandy or virtually in Utah
You can start simply: “I would like information about an immigration evaluation in Spanish,” or “My attorney suggested an evaluation. What is the next step?” You do not need to include a detailed personal history in your first message.
Contact Vida Serena or call 385-434-3536. Appointments are available; individual referrals are reviewed for purpose and suitability. Keep the public form, ordinary texts, and initial email general. Ask about an appropriate channel before sending records or sensitive case information.
Related guides
- Hardship evaluations: separation, relocation, and daily life
- Referral planning for attorneys and authorized representatives
This is general information about the clinical process, not legal advice or a prediction about your case.