At Vicalex Behavioral Health & Immigration Services, I offer trauma-informed immigration mental health evaluations and general psychotherapy services to individuals navigating some of life’s most challenging moments. Whether you’re seeking legal immigration relief or looking for support in healing from trauma, I’m here to provide compassionate, culturally responsive care. Through secure telehealth appointments, I serve clients across Pennsylvania (PA), Georgia (GA), South Carolina (SC), New Jersey (NJ), Massachusetts (MA), New York (NY), and Florida (FL). This FAQ page answers common questions about the evaluation process, therapy services, pricing, and how to get started.

Let Me Answer Your Questions and Set Your Mind at Ease

If your question isn’t answered here, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

I Usually Handle Things on My Own. Aren’t People Who Go to Therapy Weak?

Not at all. In fact, reaching out for support takes strength and courage. Many of the clients I work with are resilient, resourceful individuals who’ve been managing a great deal on their own for a long time. Therapy doesn’t take away from your strength—it honors it. It’s a space where we can work together to help you carry less, not more.

What’s the Difference Between Talking to You versus a Friend or Family?

Your loved ones may care deeply, but they’re not trained to understand the emotional patterns that keep us stuck or overwhelmed. I bring nearly three decades of clinical experience and a space without judgment or personal expectations. Therapy with me gives you room to explore your thoughts and emotions in a way that feels safe and productive, with someone who’s here only for your healing.

Why Shouldn’t I Just Take Medication?

Medication can be helpful for some and may be part of your care plan, but it doesn’t address the root of distress. If you’re only medicating the symptoms, the underlying pain or trauma can continue to affect your life. Therapy allows us to explore what’s beneath the surface and build lasting emotional tools that medication alone can’t provide.

How Does It Work? What Do I Have to Do in Sessions?

Sessions are held virtually and shaped around your needs. We talk about your concerns, explore patterns, and work through difficult experiences at your pace. You don’t have to prepare anything specific—just show up as you are. Some days you may feel ready to talk; others, you might need support just getting through. That’s okay. This is your space.

How Long Will It Take?

That depends on your goals. Some clients come for short-term support during a specific challenge; others find value in ongoing therapy to process deeper experiences. We’ll check in regularly to make sure our work aligns with what you want from the process.

What Are Immigration Mental Health Evaluations?

An immigration mental health evaluation is a clinical report that supports a legal immigration petition by documenting your mental health history, trauma, and how your experiences relate to your case. They are often used in cases involving asylum, VAWA, U visas, T visas, and extreme hardship waivers. My evaluations are culturally sensitive, trauma-informed, and tailored to the legal requirements of your petition.

How Do Immigration Mental Health Evaluations Support a Deportation Defense Case?

When facing deportation, having a strong mental health evaluation can help demonstrate the emotional, psychosocial, or traumatic impact removal would have on you or your family. For example, in a hardship waiver, we may document how your U.S.-based loved ones would suffer emotionally if you were deported. For asylum or VAWA cases, we provide clinical evidence of trauma, abuse, or persecution. These evaluations give your legal team valuable documentation that can support your defense and strengthen your petition.

I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?

The most important thing you can do is show up—honestly and consistently. You don’t have to have the answers, but being open to reflection, even when it’s uncomfortable, creates space for change. Outside of sessions, take note of what comes up for you emotionally and mentally. Bring it into our conversations. Your insight is valuable, and your voice matters here.

No Matter What You Face, I Have Your Back

I know how overwhelming it can feel to begin this process, especially when you’re already carrying emotional stress. My goal is to make things clearer and easier, so that you feel supported from the very first step. If you still have questions after reading through this page, I encourage you to reach out to my practice, Vicalex Behavioral Health & Immigration Services. My telehealth therapy services are available in PA, GA, SC, NJ, MA, NY, and FL. Let’s discuss your needs and how I can help you move forward!