An immigration mental health assessment is a professional evaluation of an individual's mental and emotional well-being, typically required during the immigration process, especially for those seeking asylum, refugee status, or specific visas. The goal of the assessment is to understand how the immigration experience has affected the person’s mental health, identify any psychological issues, and determine whether they may need support or treatment. Dr. Summers provides these assessments at a lower rate than many other providers, making her services accessible to a wider population.

Immigration can be an extremely stressful experience, often involving long journeys, loss of family or community support, and exposure to trauma. Many immigrants, especially refugees and asylum seekers, may suffer from mental health issues as a result. In legal proceedings, such as asylum claims, mental health assessments can provide important documentation to demonstrate that the person has suffered trauma or other psychological effects, which can help with the outcome of their case.

The assessment helps to identify if an individual is experiencing mental health challenges due to their immigration journey. This may include trauma, stress, depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that could have been caused by factors like war, persecution, or displacement. In some cases, it is used as part of a legal or immigration application process, where mental health is taken into consideration in decisions such as asylum claims or visa applications.