Immigration Evaluations Services

Spousal Abuse

Psychological Evaluations of Victims of Spousal Abuse are focused on the extreme cruelty and emotional and physical abuse experienced in the marital relationship, as well as the resulting psychological damage.

Undocumented immigrants can find themselves subjected to spousal abuse due to power inequities, threats of deportation, and other physically and emotionally damaging practices. Men, as well as women, can be victims of Domestic Abuse. These individuals often suffer Depression, Post-Traumatic Stress, and other debilitating psychological symptoms as a result of these abusive relationships. Dr. Appelbaum works with clients in a therapeutic, supportive manner, documenting in detail the specific abuses suffered, the resulting psychological harm, and recommendations for further follow-up.

U - Visa

Evaluations of individuals applying for a U visa, based on being the victim of a crime, focus on the nature and circumstances of the crime itself, efforts to assist authorities, and the psychological trauma of being a crime victim, which often includes intense fear, depression, as well as emotional and physical trauma. As in other evaluations, Dr. Appelbaum’s multiple meetings with the client, psychological testing, and the use of DSM diagnoses offer compelling evidence in these cases.

Medical Certification For Disability

Exceptions to the Citizenship Examination. This evaluation requires completion of the N-648 form by a Licensed Psychologist or another medical professional. An initial detailed clinical history will be taken as well as administration of psychological tests of intelligence, memory and/or concentration. Based on an initial screening, feedback is provided as to whether the client meets the guidelines for completion of the form.

Dr. Appelbaum has performed and supervised numerous N-648 evaluations and has extensive experience in the detailed completion of this form in a manner acceptable to Immigration, typically resulting in an exception being granted.

Asylum

Individuals seeking Asylum in the United States have suffered threats to their safety and life in their country of origin, including political persecution, violence, torture, female genital mutilation, and numerous other forms of abuse. Many victims suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and other debilitating psychological conditions. Dr. Appelbaum has worked extensively in this area, helping clients articulate and process the traumas they have endured.

Psychological evaluations in Asylum cases focus on providing evidence of the abuses, their resulting impact and the danger, both psychological and physical, in the individual returning to their country of origin. Where applicable, evaluations also focus on documenting mitigating factors in a delay in filing an Asylum application within the one year required time period.

Other Immigration Evaluations

Court Testimony
Dr. Appelbaum is experienced in testifying as an expert witness in immigration proceedings.

We are also available for the following circumstances related to Immigration cases:

• Individuals in detention facilities
• Clients outside of the United States
• In-home evaluations
• Spanish Language evaluations (with translator)