Health of Ohana
Migration Evaluation services
What is the cost of my evaluation & will insurance pay for it?
FAQs
You Ask - I Answer
Questions
Choosing an effective Psychologist is essential to any therapeutic and evaluative process - connection and trust are an essential combination in a successful working relationship. My aim is to act as a safety net for my clients, and strive to make their experience as productive as possible. Below you will find some answers to the most frequently asked questions related to our services. Please bring any additional questions you may have to our consultation appointment so that I may better support you in determining if this is the right place for you and your ohana.
Questions About Evaluations
What is an immigration evaluation?
An immigration evaluation consists of a trauma-informed clinical interview and appropriate additional measures to understand the impact of trauma and migration in their lives and provides a report that serves as compelling evidence for a person’s need to stay in the US.
What is a gender affirming surgery evaluation?
A gender affirming surgery evaluation consists of exploring one’s gender narrative and psychological wellbeing in order to provide an attestation letter from a licensed mental health clinician supporting a person’s journey in seeking gender affirming care.
What is the full evaluation process & how long will it take?
Broadly, you can expect a pre-interview consultation, review of pertinent records, clinical interview, provision of assessments, and report writing. The appointment will consist of discussing your story and journey, assessing your mental health, completing assessments, and taking breaks as needed. The appointment times vary per evaluation, some as short as 2 to 3 hours, such as for the Diagnostic Evaluation, Gender Affirming Surgery evaluation, or N648 Citizenship Exam Exemption, and some as long as 4-6 hours, such as the Extreme Hardship or Asylum evaluation.
Will you present in court as an expert witness if called upon?
Although rare, there are some instances where the evaluating psychologist is called into court to serve as an expert witness. I am available to serve in this capacity though this is not comprised within the evaluation package as currently outlined and would come at an additional cost.
When should I expect the report to be complete?
You should expect the report within 10-15 business days. In some instances there are systemic pressures that might require an expedited process. Please discuss the time frame of your legal case with me so that we can ensure best timing of delivery of the report.
Will you provide an amended report if my case is delayed?
Absolutely. Sometimes a case (or a surgery) is delayed and thus an amendment to the report is requested. A short-format reevaluation is required in those instances to write an addition to the extant report. There will be an additional cost associated with this amendment determined by the time required to complete the reevaluation.
"America is a nation of immigrants, and we must always be a welcoming society."
- Barack Obama
Questions About Therapy & Telehealth
What is therapy?
Therapy is a place where you can address the problems you face in life, grow as a person, or heal from something painful. More importantly, it’s a relationship defined by trust, honesty, empathy, and care. It's hard work and some days it feels crummy. But you should feel like we're in it together all the way through and that your life is improving.
Does this mean I'm crazy? Broken? A failure?
Absolutely not. You are human and this life is hard. To feel and be affected by things inherently means that you are connected to the world. Good therapy is about improving that connection. I was raised on the idea that it takes a village to raise a child. Maybe that shouldn’t stop in our lives just because we grow into adults.
Can you provide these services by telehealth?
All therapy and evaluation services are available via a telehealth model and have been shown to be equally as effective as in-person. In our consultation I will review the parameters that must be met to ensure that a telehealth model can be successfully implemented. This usually involves a good internet connection, audio and video capability, and a private space.
What do I need to get started with telehealth?
You will need an electronic device with audio and visual capabilities and a good internet connection. You will also need to e-sign or print and sign necessary documents. I recommend using headphones as a possible step towards maintaining privacy. I use Doxy as a HIPAA compliant platform for telehealth sessions. When we schedule an appointment, you will receive a link to a private and secure virtual room, where we will be able to see and hear each other. I am happy to walk you through using the virtual platform and troubleshoot your device set-up during our first session.
Are all services available in New York, Hawaii & Colorado?
I can! I am licensed in each of these states so can provide services for clients who reside in these locales. I can only provide in person services in New York at this time, while I can provide telehealth services in all states.
What is the cancellation policy?
I request a 24 hour cancellation or rescheduling notice. Should there be a no-show visit without notice for an evaluation then $100 will be added to the overall cost of the evaluation. There is not a reimbursement option at this time should an evaluation be abandoned part way through the process. A no-show or cancellation under 24-hours will result in the cost of that session.