Believe and Belong Consulting

ABOUT ME

Melissa Montrose, MSW, LICSW

Just like you, I am an immigrant. I came to the United States in 2015 and was able to find sponsorship with a work visa but it was not a straightforward process for me to obtain my green card. I understand personally the emotional and financial costs of trying to stay permanently in the US and the complexities of the immigration system.

When we work together, you won’t just get a trained therapist, you’ll get someone who truly understands what you’re going through.

I will carefully consider your story and hope to help your situation and look forward to being a part of your journey.

IMMIGRATION EVALUATIONS

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I am qualified to conduct immigration evaluations. I can help you tell your story in a way that details your unique situation.

What is an Immigration Evaluation?

In simple terms, an immigration evaluation is a type of mental health assessment used for the immigration process. These assessments provide valuable insight into an individual’s mental health and help immigration authorities understand the emotional and psychological well-being of the individual and the challenges in your case. Immigration evaluations can help strengthen an immigration case.

An immigration evaluation involves assessing an individual’s background and circumstances including information about their family, trauma, and mental health. It can also involve different tests, scales and questionnaires as part of the process.

What are the types of immigration evaluations?

The types of evaluations are:

Extreme hardship waiver & cancellation of removal: These evaluations, are based on how qualifying family members would be affected if their immigrant family member was deported.

Asylum, VAWA, U & T visas: These types of evaluations include those who are seeking asylum based upon persecution in their home country; victims of domestic violence; victims of serious crimes and victims of human trafficking. They are based on past traumatic experiences and detail the impact of the trauma on the immigrant.

What is involved in an immigration evaluation?

We begin with a short phone consultation with you and/ your attorney so I can get the details of your case.

Evaluations usually involve two interviews and a written report. The interviews are between 1-3 hours long and are conducted via video. If the evaluation is in Louisiana an in person interview may be possible. The written report takes about two weeks to complete.

An expedited assessment can be arranged with an additional fee. licensed independent clinical social worker. I provide coaching and therapy services