Navigating the immigration process can be overwhelming, especially when your case involves the effects of trauma, abuse, violence, persecution, or hardship. A comprehensive psychological evaluation can help document the emotional and psychological impact of these experiences as part of certain immigration petitions.
I provide thorough, trauma-informed evaluations in a respectful and supportive environment, helping individuals share their stories with dignity while producing clinically sound reports for their legal team.
My experience supporting survivors of human trafficking, interpersonal violence, and other forms of trauma has given me a deep understanding of how traumatic experiences affect mental health, memory, relationships, and daily functioning. That perspective informs every evaluation I conduct.
Every evaluation is tailored to the individual’s unique experiences and conducted with compassion, cultural sensitivity, and clinical thoroughness.
The evaluation process typically includes:
Because discussing traumatic experiences can be emotionally difficult, I intentionally move at a pace that prioritizes your well-being. Together, we’ll develop coping strategies to help you feel supported throughout the evaluation process while ensuring your experiences are documented accurately and thoughtfully.
Following the final interview, reports are typically completed within three weeks. Expedited evaluations may be available when circumstances require.
I’m Monica Kristen, LCSW, a trauma therapist and evaluator with extensive experience working alongside immigrant communities and survivors of interpersonal violence and human trafficking.
Since 2016, my work has included advocacy, counseling, crisis response, and collaboration with community organizations, legal professionals, and law enforcement agencies serving immigrant survivors. I previously oversaw New Jersey’s statewide crisis response for survivors of human trafficking and have served in leadership roles supporting anti-trafficking initiatives throughout the state.
My clinical practice focuses on trauma recovery, and I have spent my career helping individuals heal from the psychological effects of abuse, exploitation, violence, and other traumatic experiences.
Since 2020, I have completed immigration psychological evaluations through my partnership with Legal Services of New Jersey and have received specialized training in immigration evaluations through Marc Sadoff’s program.
Every evaluation I complete is grounded in compassion, cultural humility, and clinical integrity. My goal is to provide a respectful space where individuals feel heard while producing comprehensive reports that accurately reflect the psychological impact of their experiences.
If a client frequently misses appointments, seems forgetful or disconnected, has difficulty staying engaged, or becomes highly emotional during conversations about their case, it may be helpful to consider whether trauma or other psychological stressors are affecting their ability to engage. This can be particularly relevant when the immigration process requires clients to revisit or provide detailed information about traumatic experiences.
In addition to immigration psychological evaluations, I offer trauma-informed supportive services that can help clients develop coping skills, regulate overwhelming emotions, and feel more grounded and present. When clients have greater stability and support, they may be better able to participate in the practical demands of their case—including attending appointments, communicating with their legal team, gathering documentation, and following through on agreed-upon next steps.
Most evaluations are completed over two or three interview sessions. Your written report is typically finished within three weeks after the final meeting.
When possible, I offer expedited evaluations for urgent filing deadlines. Please let me know about your timeline during your consultation.
I’ll ask that you share your declaration (if available) before our first meeting. We will also schedule a brief consultation to review the process, answer questions, and ensure we’re a good fit.
A deposit of $250 is requested in order to schedule the first session.
Many people find it emotionally challenging to discuss traumatic events. My goal is to create a supportive, trauma-informed environment where you feel safe throughout the evaluation process. We’ll also discuss coping strategies to help manage any difficult emotions that arise.
Yes, if you are a survivor of human trafficking, there is funding available to cover a large portion of the fees. Please let us know during the consultation call.
The evaluations are virtual, so you would meet with the clinician from your home or somewhere else private with internet available. If you do not have a device, or access to internet, in-person meetings may be arranged. You must be somewhere in the state of New Jersey for each session.
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