Psychological evaluations are a crucial part of many immigration applications. They help immigration attorneys and adjudicators evaluate the mental and emotional impact of removal, abuse, or trauma on individuals and their family members.
Telehealth or telemedicine is video conferences for medical cases. Video conferences for medical cases are secured and they are different from FaceTime and Zoom. The telehealth or video conference used by psychologists must be medical grade.
Additionally, telehealth or telemedicine (video conference) can only be done when the psychologist is licensed in the State where the client is located at the time of the interview. Immigration Psychology is licensed in 42 states, which permits us to use telehealth or telemedicine (video conference) throughout the United States.
As telehealth becomes more widely used, many clients ask whether remote evaluations are as effective as in-person assessments. The good news is that in most cases, they are. When conducted properly, a telehealth psychological evaluation meets the same legal and clinical standards while improving access and efficiency.
At Immigration Psychology, we offer independent psychological evaluations through both in-person and secure telemedicine formats. Our reports are objective, clinically sound, and aligned with the evidentiary standards required in immigration proceedings.
The Role of Telehealth in Immigration Evaluations
Telehealth evaluations are also known as telemedicine video conferences. Clients meet with a licensed clinician who conducts interviews, reviews documentation, and administers screening tools. The evaluator may also assess background information, treatment history, and academic or medical records.
This format is accepted in evaluations for hardship waivers, asylum, cancellation of removal, VAWA, T visa, and U visa cases. The quality of a telehealth evaluation depends on the methodology used, not whether the meeting occurred virtually or in person. We apply the same structured tools, clinical interviews, and documentation review to every evaluation, regardless of format.
Why Immigration Attorneys Accept Telehealth Evaluations
Many attorneys and legal representatives embrace telehealth (Telemedicine video conference) evaluations because they can reduce delays while still meeting evidentiary needs. These evaluations may be used in declarations, briefs, or direct testimony to describe hardship or trauma. We ensure each report addresses the relevant standards while maintaining neutrality and without overstepping the evaluator’s clinical role.
To explore our experience with these types of cases, view our page on immigration evaluations.
Benefits of Telehealth for Immigration Clients
Improved Accessibility for Underserved Clients
Telehealth is the same as telemedicine video conference. Telehealth allows clients in rural areas, small towns, or transportation-limited settings to access evaluations without travel. This is especially important for families with young children, elderly relatives, or medical conditions that make travel difficult.
Shorter Wait Times and Flexible Scheduling
Because telehealth appointments reduce logistical barriers, clients are often able to schedule evaluations sooner. This can make a difference in cases with court or filing deadlines. Telemedicine video conference has expedited the evaluation process without compromising quality.
Enhanced Comfort During Clinical Interviews
Some clients find it easier to speak about traumatic experiences when they are in a familiar environment. Telehealth can reduce the anxiety that may occur in office settings, particularly in sensitive cases involving domestic violence or past abuse. Telemedicine video conferences promote convenience and comfort for the client.
Clinical Validity and Legal Acceptance
A common concern is whether remote evaluations (video conference) hold the same weight as in-person ones. As long as the evaluation uses valid and reliable tools, is administered by a qualified clinician, and includes proper documentation, immigration courts and agencies should accept telehealth evaluations without issue.
Each report includes:
- Objective findings based on interviews and screening tools
- Diagnosed mental health conditions, if applicable
- Functional impairments tied to emotional or psychological symptoms
- Clinical explanation of how these impairments meet legal criteria
All evaluations are completed by licensed professionals trained in trauma, anxiety, depression, and other immigration-relevant issues. To learn more, visit our provider page.
Limitations and Situations Requiring In-Person Care
There are circumstances where telehealth may not be ideal. If a client lacks privacy at home or struggles with technology, in-person evaluations may be more appropriate. Specific cognitive assessments may also require in-person administration for accuracy.
In such cases, we work with clients to determine the most appropriate evaluation format. Regardless of method, our goal is always to deliver a report that is independent, detailed, valid, reliable and clinically appropriate.
Preparing for a Telehealth Immigration Evaluation
To get the most out of a telehealth evaluation (video conference), clients should:
- Choose a private, quiet space with minimal interruptions
- Use a device with a stable internet connection and working camera
- Have necessary documentation available at the time of the interview
- Set aside time to complete the entire session without distractions
We provide clear technical instructions in advance and are available to troubleshoot issues before the session begins.
How Telehealth Aligns with Legal Standards
In immigration cases, clinical findings must be relevant, objective, valid, reliable and clearly tied to the legal elements of the case. Our telehealth evaluations (video conference) meet these expectations by:
- Following the same evidence-based methodology as in-person sessions
- Using assessment tools appropriate for remote administration
- Maintaining strict confidentiality and HIPAA compliance
- Avoiding advocacy or subjective recommendations in the report
Our evaluations are used in cases involving hardship waivers, cancellation of removal, asylum, T Visa, U Visa and humanitarian relief. For more information about the types of e
valuations we offer, see our page on hardship waivers.
Reliable Support in a Flexible Format
Telehealth (video conference) has made psychological evaluations more accessible without reducing their value. Immigration Psychology remains committed to offering professional evaluations that meet both clinical and legal expectations. Whether in person or online, each report is built on structure, accuracy, and methods that are valid and reliable.
To begin the intake process or request more information, visit our contact page.