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Immigration Psychological Evaluations in Denver, Colorado

Comprehensive, trauma-informed immigration psychological evaluations.

Conducted virtually for individuals and families across Colorado & PSYPACT-eligible states.

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I have extensive experience providing confidential, in-depth psychological evaluations to support USCIS and immigration court applications.

My focus is on:

  • Delivering careful, objective, and clinically sound evaluations 

  • Clear reports that meet the legal standards required for each case

  • Working closely with immigration lawyers throughout the process

  • Providing expert testimony

  • Thorough, well-written reports with attention to detail and timely turnaround

  • Working with professional interpreters when needed, so clients can speak in the language that feels most natural and accurate for them

I have completed hundreds of immigration evaluations and have provided impactful testimony in Federal Immigration Court. As an immigrant myself, I also understand the personal and systemic realities of navigating the U.S. immigration system.

  • Immigration psychological evaluations provide clinical documentation of the emotional, psychological, and trauma-related impact relevant to an individual’s immigration petition. In many cases—such as asylum, hardship waivers, U-visas, or VAWA applications—mental health evidence can strengthen a case by clearly outlining the psychological consequences involved.

    A well-prepared evaluation and report by a licensed psychologist translates lived experience into clinically supported findings that attorneys can submit as part of a comprehensive legal strategy.

  • The evaluation includes a comprehensive clinical interview, standardized psychological assessments, and a review of relevant medical, mental health, or legal records. The information gathered is synthesized into a detailed written report tailored to the specific immigration petition. When a client prefers to speak in a language other than English, I work closely with professional interpreters to ensure clarity, accuracy, and cultural sensitivity throughout the evaluation process.

    Reports are prepared for submission to USCIS or immigration court and are shared directly with the client’s attorney. I work in close collaboration with your immigration lawyer on every case to ensure the evaluation is tailored to your petition’s legal requirements. When helpful, I may also consult with relevant collateral sources to provide comprehensive documentation.

Who I Work With

IMMIGRATION LAWYERS

I work closely with immigration attorneys across Colorado and in other states to provide evaluations that meet the evidentiary standards required for immigration petitions. I am experienced in consulting on case strategy, clarifying report content, and serving as an expert witness when needed.

IMMIGRATION CLIENTS

Many clients are referred by their lawyer and are navigating stressful, uncertain circumstances. I provide a structured, supportive process that helps clients feel heard while ensuring the information gathered is specific and relevant to their case. Evaluations are conveniently conducted virtually.

INTERPRETERS

I regularly work with professional interpreters when clients prefer to speak in a language other than English. This provides a path for clients to share their experiences more accurately and freely in their own language, while making sure the evaluation process stays clear, thorough, and respectful.

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WHAT I DO:

Extreme Hardship Waivers (I-601 / I-601A)

These evaluations document the psychological and emotional impact on a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident if a qualifying family member was denied status or removed. The reports focus on demonstrating the clinical evidence of hardship as defined by immigration standards.

Cancellation of Removal

Assessments of this kind evaluate the psychological consequences of potential removal on qualifying family members and document the emotional and mental health impact relevant to court proceedings.

Asylum

Evaluations for individuals seeking protection due to persecution or fear of return to their country of origin. These reports speak to trauma exposure, psychological symptoms, and the mental health impact of past experiences.

Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

Evaluations supporting petitions involving domestic violence or abuse by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse or family member. Reports focus on documenting patterns of abuse and their psychological impact.

Spousal Abuse Evaluations

Comprehensive assessments documenting the emotional, psychological, and trauma-related effects of abuse within intimate relationships. These evaluations are often used to support immigration petitions requiring clear clinical documentation of harm.

U Visa

Assessments for individuals who have experienced qualifying criminal victimization and are seeking legal immigration documentation. The reports detail psychological effects connected to both the crime and its aftermath.

T Visa

These evaluations are for individuals who have experienced human trafficking. These assessments address trauma history and the impact of human trafficking on a survivor. 

  • I have had the pleasure of working with Dr. Merchant on numerous mental health evaluations in immigration matters, and I have consistently been impressed by the quality of her work. She is exceptionally easy to communicate with: approachable, responsive, and truly collaborative throughout the process. Dr. Merchant has a strong understanding of the legal framework in which her evaluations are used and is intentional about connecting her clinical findings to the relevant immigration standards. Her reports are thorough, well-organized, and thoughtfully detailed, reflecting both accuracy and genuine care for her patients. She also delivers her evaluations promptly, which is critical in time-sensitive immigration cases. Dr. Merchant interacts with clients and attorneys alike in a kind, respectful, and professional manner, helping individuals feel at ease during what can often be a vulnerable experience. I highly recommend Dr. Merchant as a skilled, professional, and compassionate mental health evaluator.

    — Anya Lear, Owner and Managing Attorney, Lear Immigration Law

  • Dr. Merchant has provided psychological evaluations for many of my clients that have been key to successful immigration petitions, waivers, and hearings in immigration court.  She efficiently and effectively learns and analyzes complicated trauma and relationship histories and includes those in her reports in a way that supports compelling conclusions about my clients’ mental state and functioning.  The reports are reasonable, unbiased, and professional evaluations. She works with the attorney to be sure to address critical pieces of information and address the concerns of the adjudicator.  Moreover, my clients report feeling comfortable working with Dr. Merchant, who uses a culturally sensitive approach that is effective for evaluating and diagnosing diverse individuals.  I strongly recommend Dr. Merchant for these high stakes immigration evaluations.

    — Kristin Knudson, Esq., Managing Partner & Senior Attorney, Smith Knudson Law

  • As an immigration attorney,  I know how much weight a psychological evaluation carries for my clients. Dr. Merchant is someone I trust completely in that work. Her reports are thorough and clinically rigorous, as well as legally relevant. When necessary, she has taken the time to walk me through her findings in ways that are clear and accessible, so I can help my clients present the most relevant and compelling testimony possible.

    — Andrea Cevallos, Esq.

THE PROCESS —

1. Schedule an Evaluation

Once scheduled, you will receive detailed instructions and any required forms or assessments via secure email.


2. Complete the Clinical Interview

The virtual evaluation takes approximately 2–3 hours. During this time, we discuss your personal history, relevant experiences, and any mental health symptoms connected to your case.


3. Report Preparation & Attorney Collaboration

I compile the information gathered from the interview, assessments, and relevant records into an objective, comprehensive psychological report tailored to your specific immigration petition. The report is sent directly to your attorney, and I remain available for clarification or consultation as needed.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQS

  • The clinical interview typically lasts 2–3 hours. Report preparation generally takes a few weeks, depending on case complexity. Expedited timelines can be accommodated when necessary.

  • If your attorney has recommended a psychological evaluation, it is likely because mental health documentation may strengthen your case. I work collaboratively with your attorney to ensure the independent evaluation meets case requirements.

  • No evaluation can guarantee the outcome of a legal case. However, a thorough and well-documented report by a licensed clinical psychologist can provide important supporting evidence.

  • I have almost 15 years of experience conducting immigration evaluations and have completed hundreds of cases. I work closely and regularly with immigration attorneys across Colorado and beyond, and I have provided expert testimony in Federal Immigration Court. In addition to my clinical training and expertise, I also have lived experience navigating the U.S. immigration system myself.

  • Yes. I regularly conduct evaluations with professional interpreters when clients prefer to communicate in a language other than English. I am experienced in interviewing through interpretation and understand the importance of preserving nuance, accuracy, and cultural context throughout the evaluation process.