Immigration Psychological Evaluations

Immigration Psychological Evaluations

About Taran McGowen, MA, LPC-S, NCC

Taran McGowen, LPC-S is a doctoral candidate (PhD) in Counselor Education & Supervision whose research and clinical work focus on trauma, relational functioning, and intergenerational patterns of distress within families and communities.

Her clinical and academic work includes:

  • Ongoing doctoral research on trauma and relational functioning

  • Scholarly writing on intergenerational trauma and culturally responsive mental health care

  • Extensive experience conducting clinical assessments and diagnostic evaluations

  • Clinical leadership and supervision within a multi-clinician counseling practice

  • Years of practice serving low-socioeconomic and underserved communities

  • Clinical work with diverse cultural populations across the Dallas–Fort Worth area

  • Current clinical practice in Irving, Texas

This background informs evaluations that are careful, culturally informed, and clinically precise while maintaining professional objectivity.

Immigration psychological evaluations are clinical assessments prepared as supporting documentation in legal immigration proceedings. These reports objectively document psychological symptoms, trauma impact, and hardship factors to assist attorneys and adjudicators in understanding the psychological functioning of the individual involved in the case.

I provide comprehensive, evidence-based evaluations grounded in trauma science, cross-cultural clinical experience, and formal assessment methodology. My role is not to advocate for a legal outcome, but to provide a clear, objective clinical opinion based on the psychological data obtained through evaluation.

Types of Immigration Evaluations Offered

  • Documentation of psychological impact of persecution, including:

    • PTSD and trauma-related symptoms

    • Psychological barriers to disclosure or delayed filing

    • Consistency of symptoms with trauma exposure

  • Assessment of hardship to qualifying relative:

    • Psychological impact of separation

    • Medical and caregiving burden

    • Functional impairment in daily life

    • Family system impact

  • Assessment of domestic violence dynamics:

    • Trauma-related symptoms

    • Power and control patterns

    • Psychological functioning following abuse

    • Credibility indicators consistent with victimization

  • Assessment of psychological impact of criminal victimization:

    • Substantial mental or emotional harm

    • Functional impairment following victimization

    • Ongoing trauma symptoms

Evaluation Process

Fees

Each evaluation typically includes:

  • Two clinical interviews (60–90 minutes each)

  • Review of records when available

  • Standardized symptom screening measures when appropriate

  • Comprehensive medico-legal report (approximately 10–15+ pages)

  • Diagnostic impressions when clinically supported

  • Professional opinion stated to a reasonable degree of clinical certainty

Standard turnaround: 2–3 weeks
Rush services available when scheduling permits

Standard Immigration Evaluation: $1200

Payment Plans are available when needed.

Limited reduced-fee appointments may be available on a case-by-case basis.

Professional Approach

Clinical Objectivity

Evaluations are conducted as independent assessments, focused on psychological findings.

Clear Medico-Legal Writing

Reports are written in a formal clinical style suitable for legal review and court documentation.

Culturally Informed

Consideration of cultural context, trauma history, and environmental factors without assumptions or overinterpretation.

Focused Diagnostic Reasoning

Conclusions are based on interview data, behavioral observations, and appropriate clinical measures within scope of practice.

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