Building Confidence in Immigration Evaluations: You’ve Got This!

The first time I wrote a psychological evaluation for an immigration case, my mind was racing with questions: Would the attorney think I missed something crucial? Would my report actually help the client? What if I made a mistake that impacted their case?

Looking back now, I can smile at that memory. But in that moment? The anxiety was real and overwhelming. If you’re feeling this way too, I want you to know something important – you’re not alone in this.

Here’s what I’ve learned since those early days: confidence in immigration evaluations isn’t about having memorized every page of the DSM-5 or having decades of clinical experience. It comes from something much more accessible – practice, structure, and, most importantly, a willingness to learn from each evaluation we complete.

The Fears We All Face (Yes, Even Experienced Evaluators!)

In my conversations with clinicians – whether in our Facebook group, during trainings, or in one-on-one discussions – I keep hearing the same concerns come up. Let’s talk about them openly because naming our fears is often the first step to moving past them.

1. “What if my evaluation isn’t good enough?”

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard this one. It’s easy to get stuck in perfectionism, imagining that one misstep could ruin everything.

Here’s what I want you to remember: Immigration attorneys aren’t looking for literary masterpieces. They need your clinical expertise presented clearly and professionally. A strong evaluation:

• Uses plain, accessible language (save the complex clinical jargon for your peer consultation groups!)
• Follows a clear structure that helps attorneys quickly find key information
• Provides objective, well-supported findings backed by your clinical observations

💡 Quick Confidence Builder: Start with a structured template. Think of it as your roadmap – it helps ensure you’re covering all the essential elements while giving you the freedom to focus on what really matters: the client’s story and your clinical insights.

2. “But what if I make a mistake?”

Here’s the truth: making mistakes is part of growing in this field. The key isn’t to avoid them completely – that’s impossible. Instead, it’s about having systems in place to catch the common ones and learning from each experience.

💡 Quick Confidence Builder: Before submitting any report, I have a simple three-step check that has saved me countless times:

• Skim through it as if you’re the attorney (Can you find the key points quickly?)
• Review all dates and factual details.
• Take a short break, then do one final read with fresh eyes – you’ll be amazed at what you catch!

3. “What about cultural competence? There’s so much to know!”

I remember early on working with a client who was from Ecuador – no problem I thought, I speak Spanish fluently. Except my client’s first language was Shuar, and we ended up needing an interpreter… Talk about a humbling experience! It taught me something crucial: cultural competence isn’t about knowing everything about every culture (that’s impossible). It’s about being curious, respectful, and willing to learn.

The reality is you don’t need to be an expert in every culture, but you do need to be:

• Curious and open to learning from your clients
• Willing to do your research when needed
• Humble enough to ask questions when you’re unsure

💡 Quick Confidence Builder: Start building a resource library. When you learn something new about a particular culture’s expression of mental health symptoms or family dynamics, write it down. Over time, you’ll build a valuable knowledge base.

4. “Working with attorneys makes me nervous!”

Attorneys are busy (and are likely to get a whole lot busier), which means they appreciate clear, professional communication. They’re not looking for perfection – they’re looking for partners who can help their clients tell their stories effectively.

You know what else? They’re usually just as grateful for our expertise as we are for their legal knowledge. It’s a collaboration, not a competition.

💡 Quick Confidence Builder:

• Keep your communication clear and professional
• Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if you need it
• Remember: you’re the mental health expert. That’s why they came to you!

Moving From Fear to Action: Practical Steps Forward

Don’t let these fears keep you from getting started.  There are so many clients out there that need high-quality evaluations. Here are some tips to help build your confidence.

1. Start Small, But Start
   • Take one case at a time
   • Focus on doing it well rather than doing it perfectly
   • Reflect after each evaluation: What worked? What could be better next time?
2. Build Your Support System
   • Join our Immigration Evaluation Therapists Facebook group (seriously, the community there is incredible!)
   • Find professional support and mentorship- our course comes with 6 months of group consultations plus private one-on-one sessions!) 
   • Consider structured training to build your confidence (check out our Comprehensive Immigration Evaluations course)
     live and recorded courses here)
3. Create Your Process Instead of reinventing the wheel each time, develop a system that works for you. Here’s a basic framework to start with:
   • Initial consultation: Get clear on the case type and deadline
   • Gather client history: Focus on relevant experiences and symptoms
   • Clinical interview: Use structured assessments when appropriate
   • Report writing: Follow a clear template
   • Review and refine: Check for clarity and completeness

A Simple Exercise to Start Today

Want to build your confidence right now? Try this:

1. Write down your biggest fear about immigration evaluations
2. Now, write down one small step you could take to address it
3. Commit to taking that step this week – even if it feels tiny 💪🏼

For example, if you’re worried about report writing, your small step might be to read through one sample report or practice writing just the background section for a hypothetical case.

Final Thoughts

You know what I’ve noticed after years of doing this work and training hundreds of clinicians? The ones who succeed aren’t the ones who start out feeling completely confident. They’re the ones who start anyway, who ask questions when they’re unsure, and who keep showing up to learn and grow.

Remember: every single immigration evaluator – including me – started exactly where you are now. The only difference between where you are and where you want to be is taking that first step.

Ready to dive deeper? Our Facebook group is full of clinicians who’ve been exactly where you are. Come join us – we’d love to support you on this journey!