Introducing Clients to a Mental Health Evaluation
A trauma informed approach ensures clients feel safe, respected, and supported while sharing their stories, which ultimately leads to stronger and more credible evaluations.
The basic tenets of trauma informed language:
Affirm the client’s experience
Avoid language of judgement or testing
Connect back to the client’s goals
Frame the evaluator as supportive, not investigative
A trauma informed approach isn’t optional - it’s the standard of care when working with immigrant clients. It protects clients’ dignity, builds trust, reduces harm, and directly supports stronger, more credible cases.
PURPOSE OF THE EVALUATION
Clients may not understand why they’re being referred. Keep the explanation simple and focused on the benefit to their case.
Suggested Language:
“The evaluation gives us documented evidence of your experience from an expert who can explain the impact on your health and wellbeing.”
“You’ve been through a lot, and sometimes it can be hard to explain that in a legal setting. The evaluation is a way to show how what you’ve been through has affected you emotionally and mentally, so that immigration officials see the full picture. It’s not about proving you right or wrong — it’s about helping the system see what you carry.”
“The evaluation creates evidence for your case. It shows how your experiences have affected your mental health and daily life. It doesn’t replace your story — it adds professional support so your case has more weight.”
ROLE OF THE EVALUATOR
Clarify the role of the evaluator to alleviate any fears or concerns.
Suggested Language:
“The evaluator is independent and not connected to anyone who makes decisions about your case. They are not here to judge. Their role is to write a report that explains your experiences in clinical terms for the immigration officials.”
“Think of the evaluator as someone who translates your story into professional language that the court or USCIS can recognize and understand.”
DESCRIBE THE EVALUATION PROCESS
Reduce fear by giving a simple overview of what will happen.
Suggested Language:
“You’ll meet with the evaluator for one or two virtual interviews. They’ll ask you questions about your background, your experiences, and how you’re feeling now. They may also ask about your family, health history, or daily life, so they can give a complete picture.”
“It’s not a test you can pass or fail. It’s a conversation to help them understand you. Some of the questions may touch on difficult memories, but you can share at your own pace. It’s about helping them understand, not about saying everything perfectly.”
CONFIDENTIALITY AND SAFETY
Client may worry about sharing sensitive information. Clarify confidentiality and reiterate the purpose of the evaluation.
Suggested Language:
“The evaluator will only include information in the report that is relevant to your case.”
“This isn’t therapy, and the evaluator isn’t there to give treatment. Their role is only to write the report.”
“You can share at your own pace. If something feels too difficult, let the evaluator know.”
IMPORTANCE FOR THE CASE
Tie the evaluation back to the client’s legal goals.
Suggested Language:
“Your story is powerful. The evaluation helps show decision makers the seriousness of what you’ve gone through.”
“Sometimes immigration officers need to see things written in a clinical report to understand how deeply someone has been affected. The evaluation connects your experiences to the legal standards. This can make your case stronger.”
NORMALIZING EMOTIONS
Clients may feel nervous, ashamed, or overwhelmed. Normalize these reactions.
Suggested Language:
“It’s normal to feel nervous about talking with someone new.”
“Many people feel emotional during the evaluation and that’s okay. It just shows the impact of what you’ve been through. The evaluator is trained to listen and support you through it.”
“There are no right or wrong answers. Share what you’re comfortable with sharing. The evaluator is trained to listen in a supportive way and understands that these are hard topics.
OFFER REASSURANCE
Suggested Language:
“This evaluation is one more way we’re making your case as strong as possible.”
“You don’t need to prepare or study, just be yourself and share what you’re comfortable with.”
“I’ll be here to answer any questions before and after the evaluation.”
Pro Tip: Keep explanations brief, avoid clinical jargon, and emphasize how the evaluation helps the client’s case. The goal is to reduce fear, build trust, and empower the client to approach the process with confidence.