Immigration Psychological Hardship Evaluations — Bilingual, Clinically Grounded, Legally Fluent

Led by a licensed attorney-turned-therapist and a licensed clinical psychologist, our team delivers trauma-informed evaluations that meet USCIS hardship waiver standards.

   

about the group

About the Group

We specialize in comprehensive immigration psychological hardship evaluations for I-601 and I-601A waiver cases. Led by an attorney-turned-therapist, our team understands both clinical standards and USCIS requirements.

Our reports meet USCIS hardship criteria with detailed clinical findings, DSM-5 diagnoses, and culturally responsive assessments that stand up to legal scrutiny.

Immigration Hardship Evaluation Services

I-601 Hardship Evaluations

Psychological assessments for waiver cases involving removal or inadmissibility of a family member

I-601A Provisional Waiver Evaluations

Evaluations addressing hardship from family separation during consular processing abroad

Telehealth Interviews (HIPAA-Compliant)

Evaluations addressing hardship from family separation during consular processing abroad

Rush Case Options Available

Expedited scheduling and turnaround for urgent filings and court deadlines

What makes us different

Attorney–Clinician Collaboration

Led by a dual-licensed professional (LPC and licensed attorney) ensuring USCIS-compliant evaluations

Bilingual & Bicultural

Full fluency in English and Spanish – culturally responsive interviews in either language

USCIS-Aligned Structure

Reports structured to match USCIS criteria for extreme hardship cases

On-Time, Every Time — Committed to Your Deadlines

We understand that immigration deadlines are non-negotiable. Our standard turnaround is 7 business days, with expedited delivery in as little as 72 hours for urgent filings. Attorneys trust us when timing is critical.

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Meet the Team

Behind every great evaluation is a bilingual, trauma-informed team with deep clinical and legal fluency


Joel Velazquez profile picture

Joel Velázquez
JD, LPC

Licensed Attorney & Professional Counselor

As both an attorney and Licensed Professional Counselor, Joel brings unique dual expertise to immigration hardship evaluations. His legal background ensures every report aligns with USCIS evidentiary standards, while his clinical training provides the trauma-informed assessment depth attorneys rely on. With extensive experience in high-pressure crisis settings, Joel bridges the gap between legal precision and clinical insight, offering attorneys and their clients evaluations that are both defensible and compassionate.

Dennis Santana-profile picture

Dennis Santana-Velázquez, Ph.D

Clinical Partner — Licensed Psychologist

Dr. Santana provides clinical oversight with specialized expertise in cross-cultural psychological assessment. Fluent in Spanish, he ensures culturally attuned, clinically rigorous evaluations for Latin American clients. His background includes guiding clients through trauma recovery and high-stress environments with a focus on accuracy, empathy, and cultural sensitivity. Dennis’s role emphasizes psychological depth, diagnostic precision, and oversight of evaluation quality.

Our process

Step 1
Submit Referral Icon

Submit Referral

Quick online form to provide case details — no PHI needed

Step 2
Schedule Interview Icon

Schedule Interview

Our team handles all coordination and scheduling via secure telehealth

Step 3
Evaluation Report Icon

Evaluation Report

Clinical findings aligned with USCIS hardship criteria

Step 4
Secure Delivery Icon

Secure Delivery

Securely delivered, attorney-reviewed, and ready to file with USCIS

Languages

Conducted entirely in English or Spanish — no interpreter barriers. Additional languages available through certified interpreters upon request.

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Pricing

We offer two service tiers based on urgency and availability

Standard Evaluation Icon

Standard Evaluation

$1300

  • CheckmarkComprehensive clinical interview via secure telehealth
  • CheckmarkTrauma-informed psychological assessment with DSM-5 diagnoses
  • CheckmarkUSCIS-aligned hardship evaluation report
  • CheckmarkDirect bilingual communication (English/Spanish)
  • Checkmark7 business days turnaround from interview completion
Expedited Evaluation Icon

Expedited Evaluation

$1800

  • CheckmarkAll Standard Evaluation features
  • CheckmarkPriority scheduling for urgent cases
  • Checkmark3 business days turnaround from interview completion
  • CheckmarkSuitable for court deadlines and urgent filings
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Service Details

Interview Process: Secure HIPAA-compliant telehealth sessions conducted by licensed clinicians

Report Structure: Comprehensive evaluations structured to meet USCIS extreme hardship criteria under INA §212(a) 9

Cultural Competency: Full bilingual and bicultural assessment capability

Professional Standards: All evaluations led by an attorney-trained clinician.


Evaluations are clinical assessments structured to meet USCIS hardship guidelines. No legal advice is provided, and immigration outcomes are not guaranteed

Contact us

Rush services available    |    Serving Texas, DC, Maryland    |   (via Telehealth)

   

Phone: 1-240-855-8951

Email: [email protected]

Licensed In: TX, DC, MD

Legal Disclaimer


We provide psychological evaluations for immigration hardship waiver cases. We do not provide legal advice or legal representation.

The Hardship Evaluation Group is a division of Clarove LLC, a Maryland limited liability company.


Copyright 2025, The Hardship Evaluation Group