Frequently asked questioNS
What happens during the phone consultation?
I offer a free, 15-minute phone consultation. You can share your goals and briefly overview your history and experiences during this time . You'll also have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. I will listen carefully and give you an honest assessment of how I can help you. If necessary, I can refer you to another professional better suited to your needs.
How many years of experience do you have?
I have 11 years of experience as a Mental Health Care Provider for the State of Florida and Nevada and an additional 20 years of experience working with individuals and groups on the Autism spectrum. Additionally, I have experience as a social worker at the community level, advocating for developmental disabilities on Capitol Hill and working as a medical and palliative social worker.
Can I reschedule an appointment? What is your cancellation policy?
Yes, you can reschedule your appointment. Please provide at least 24 hours notice for any changes. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours notice will incur a charge.
How long are your sessions?
Each session lasts for 55 minutes.
Do you take insurance?
I accept most major commercial insurance plans and offer private pay options.
What age ranges do you work with?
I work with children, adolescents, adults, the elderly, and couples.
Do you provide services in Spanish?
Yes, I speak and write fluent English and Spanish.
What other services do you provide?
I do immigration evaluations such as VAWA, U-Visa, T-Visa, Asylum Case Psychological Evaluations
What is your approach to working with clients?
I utilize a creative, dynamic, and holistic approach tailored to each client's needs. I recognize that different strategies resonate with different individuals.
I incorporate various modalities such as CBT, DBT, Humanistic, Narrative and more; I draw from a range of techniques, including the Internal Family Systems model (IFS), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), short-term Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and somatic approaches like EMDR.
Additionally, I have experience in Applied Behavioral Analysis and hold an advanced certification in Hospice Palliative services. I specialize in grief, providing compassionate support to those navigating the challenges of loss.
Do you offer Virtual Visits?
Yes! Our services are in-person and telehealth.
What is a psychological evaluation and how can it help my VAWA immigration case?
Psychological Evaluations for VAWA Immigration Cases
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is crucial in offering protection and assistance to victims of domestic violence, particularly immigrants. Under VAWA, victims have the opportunity to apply for lawful immigration status without relying on their abuser, which prevents further exposure to violence and manipulation.
VAWA encompasses a broad definition of abuse, which includes not just physical acts, but also emotional, verbal, and sexual abuse. Importantly, the abuser does not need to be a U.S. citizen or lawful resident for the victim to be eligible under VAWA's provisions.
A key component of applying for VAWA protection can be the psychological assessment, which evaluates the victim’s mental and emotional condition and assesses the impact of the abuse. This assessment looks at various forms of abuse, such as coercion and intimidation, and examines how these have affected the victim’s mental health and daily functioning. It is also crucial for identifying mental health issues resulting from abuse, like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other disorders.
Conducting a thorough psychological evaluation can play a vital role in the VAWA application process (Form I-360), as it provides credible evidence of the abuse and its effects, thereby aiding in securing the protection and status the victim seeks. The insights gained from these evaluations are integral to both legal proceedings and the healing process for victims.
