Immigration Evaluations

The N648 evaluation is a specific wavier that assess cognitive or psychological impairments that would prevent an individual from taking the naturalization/citizenship exam. These evaluations can only be performed by specific qualified providers. Per USCIS these providers are either an MD or DO (medical doctor) or a licensed clinical psychologist.

At the current time, Stepping Stones to Well Being, LLC is licensed in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire. It is hoped that additional locations will be offered in the future.

Evaluations may be through a HIPAA Compliant video service (i.e. Zoom, Doxy.Me, etc.) or in some cases in person, depending on location. This can be discussed at the time of referral and discussion with the client.

Yes. I have experience in working as a clinician with refugee and immigrant clients, including those who may have survived torture and are seeking asylum. Many of the clients have experienced some form of trauma. Through this work I also spent a considerable amount of time providing support about the process of resettlement, parenting, changes in family dynamics, acculturation challenges, and navigating the educational and medical systems that are a new experience. I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults.

As part of my education, training and experience as a social worker I have written many reports, treatment summaries, and other letters. As mentioned previously, I worked for a number of years with clients who have come to the United States as refugees, asylees, and undocumented minors. In addition to these experiences and as part of my own training and education related to immigration evaluations, I have attended a live training with Georgia King.

Absolutely. Many of the clients that I have worked with as a clinician needed to use an interpreter for appointments. I have experience in both using face-to-face as well as telephonic interpreters.

If a client does need/require an interpreter, a trained interpreter will be utilized. The use of an interpreter will be discussed on a case-by-case basis.

This will be discussed on an individual basis. If an interpreter is needed for the evaluation, only trained interpreters are able to be used. Family members or friends are not able to serve in this role. This is important for information to be reported and captured through the evaluation process.

Unfortunately, no.

It is understandable that some clients may develop a feeling of comfort and connection with an evaluator, particularly when intense and personal information is being shared.

To be most helpful and effective, the evaluation must be objective. As a therapist, I must maintain the ethics of the counseling profession and also maintain my role as the evaluator. If therapy or medication services were a part of the process in seeing a client, even after an evaluation is completed, it could be considered a dual relationship which then may also bring into question the objectivity of the evaluation that was provided for the client and could jeopardize their immigration process.

If a client does express a desire for therapy or medication services, it is feasible to discuss referrals that would be appropriate.

Absolutely. The report will be sent to you before it is finalized and if there are clarifications necessary, they will be discussed.

Typically the evaluations can take place within two (2) weeks of a referral.

A report will be available within three (3) weeks of the last appointment with the client.

If a report is needed in a more expedited fashion, this can be discussed at the time of the referral and an additional nominal fee will be required. This will also be discussed at the time of the referral.