A VAWA mental health evaluation is a clinical assessment by a licensed mental health professional that documents the emotional and functional impact of abuse on a person applying for immigration relief under the Violence Against Women Act. Amrinderjit Singh, LCSW conducts these evaluations by secure telehealth for clients in NY, NJ, CA, WA, MI, WI, IN, PA, and VA, in English, Punjabi, or Hindi.
Who a VAWA evaluation is for
The Violence Against Women Act lets certain abused family members of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents seek immigration status without the abuser's knowledge or participation. Despite the name, VAWA protections apply to people of any gender. Attorneys typically request a mental health evaluation for:
- VAWA self-petitions (Form I-360) by abused spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens, and abused spouses and children of permanent residents.
- Battered spouse waivers for conditional residents filing Form I-751 who cannot file jointly because of abuse.
- VAWA cancellation of removal in immigration court, where hardship and the effects of abuse are both at issue.
What the evaluation documents
USCIS considers "any credible evidence" in VAWA cases, and a clinical evaluation from a licensed professional is one of the clearest ways to show how abuse has affected the applicant. Each report addresses:
- The applicant's account of the relationship and the abuse, gathered through a structured, trauma-informed clinical interview.
- Current symptoms — for example, trauma-related, depressive, and anxiety symptoms — measured with validated screening instruments.
- How extreme cruelty (threats, isolation, control of finances or documents, emotional abuse, coercive control) affected the applicant even where there was no physical violence.
- Functional impact on work, parenting, sleep, relationships, and daily life.
- Clinical context that helps explain delayed disclosure, staying in the relationship, or difficulty recounting events.
- DSM-5-TR diagnoses where clinically supported, and treatment recommendations.
How the process works
- Referral. The attorney calls, texts, or emails with the client's name, language, and filing timeline. Every attorney inquiry receives a same-business-day response.
- Safe scheduling. The session is booked for a time when the client can speak privately — especially important when the client still lives with or near the abuser.
- Clinical interview. A 60–90 minute one-on-one interview over HIPAA-compliant video, conducted directly in English, Punjabi, or Hindi. Urdu and Spanish are available through a qualified interpreter.
- Report delivery. The written report goes only to the referring attorney, typically within 10–15 business days (7-day expedited service available).
Why attorneys refer VAWA cases here
Every evaluation is conducted and written personally by Amrinderjit Singh, LCSW — no associates or ghostwriters. For South Asian clients, being able to describe abuse in Punjabi or Hindi, without an interpreter or family member in the room, often changes what the client is able to disclose. See Punjabi and Hindi evaluations.
Available in 9 states
Evaluations are conducted by secure telehealth for clients physically located in any of these states at the time of the session:
Frequently asked questions
Does the abuse have to be physical for a VAWA evaluation?
No. VAWA covers battery or extreme cruelty. Extreme cruelty includes non-physical abuse such as threats, intimidation, isolation, controlling money or immigration documents, and sustained emotional abuse. The evaluation documents how that conduct affected the applicant's mental health and functioning.
Is a VAWA evaluation confidential?
Yes. Reports are delivered only to the referring attorney. VAWA filings are also covered by federal confidentiality protections (8 U.S.C. § 1367) that restrict disclosure of information to the abuser.
Can the client be evaluated if they still live with the abuser?
Yes. Because evaluations happen over secure video, the session is scheduled for a time and place where the client can speak privately and safely. Clients can join from a trusted friend's home, a car, or their attorney's office.
How long does a VAWA evaluation take?
The clinical interview usually runs 60 to 90 minutes. The written report is typically delivered 10 to 15 business days after the session, with 7-business-day expedited service available for an additional fee.
Written by Amrinderjit Singh, LCSW · Last updated September 2026. This page describes clinical services and is not legal advice; eligibility questions should be directed to an immigration attorney.