Immigration Evaluation Terms & Disclosures
Last updated: September 17, 2026
1. These terms
These Immigration Evaluation Terms & Disclosures ("Evaluation Terms") apply to every immigration evaluation and related service you purchase from Ordonez Counseling, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Corporation ("the Practice"). By accepting a quote, scheduling an appointment, or making a payment, you confirm that you have been given the opportunity to read these Evaluation Terms and that you agree to them. They apply in addition to the Services Agreement and any consent or authorization documents you sign with the Practice. If there is a conflict, the signed Services Agreement controls.
2. What an immigration evaluation is
An immigration evaluation is a structured clinical assessment conducted by a licensed clinician for use in an immigration matter (for example asylum, VAWA, U Visa, T Visa, or hardship waiver cases). It includes a detailed clinical interview, conducted in your preferred language (Spanish or English, without an interpreter), and, when clinically indicated, standardized psychometric instruments. Its purpose is to identify and document symptoms of trauma, chronic stress, depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions that may relate to your immigration context. The result is a written report in English, signed by a licensed clinician of the Practice, summarizing the clinical findings.
3. An evaluation is not treatment
An evaluation is not therapy or counseling and does not create an ongoing treatment relationship. The clinician's role is to assess and document, not to treat. If the evaluation identifies a need for treatment, the clinician may recommend it and can provide referrals; treatment is a separate service under a separate agreement.
4. Independence and no guaranteed outcome
The Practice's services are independent and limited to conducting the evaluation and producing a report based on the clinical findings. The report reflects the clinician's professional opinion whether or not it is favorable to your case. The Practice does not guarantee any particular finding, diagnosis, or conclusion, and does not influence or guarantee the outcome of your immigration matter or any related proceeding. Requests to reach a predetermined conclusion will be declined.
5. Not legal advice
The Practice does not provide legal advice and is not a law firm. Decisions about whether an evaluation will help your case, what relief to pursue, and how to use the report are for you and your attorney.
6. Who receives the report
On completion, the Practice delivers the final report by email to your attorney. At your request, it will also be sent to your personal email address. The report is not released to anyone else without your written authorization or a lawful order. Written authorizations can be revoked in writing, except to the extent the Practice has already acted on them. Once the report is delivered to your attorney, its further use in your matter is controlled by your attorney and by the rules of that proceeding.
7. Confidentiality and its limits
What you share during an evaluation is confidential and protected by law, and is used for the evaluation. There are limits. The clinician is required or permitted to disclose information without your consent when: (1) there is reasonable suspicion of abuse or neglect of a child, elder, or dependent adult; (2) you present a serious danger to yourself or another person; (3) a court orders disclosure; or (4) the law otherwise requires it. These limits apply even though the evaluation is for a legal case. How the Practice protects and uses your health information is described in the Notice of Privacy Practices.
8. Fees and payment
Fees are quoted in writing per matter after we review your request, and typically start at 1,250 USD for a standard evaluation. The quote states what is included. Additional services (supplemental reports, addenda, declarations, records review beyond the quote, expedited timelines, and testimony or deposition time) are quoted separately. Payment is by card through a secure, PCI-compliant payment link. The Practice does not bill insurance and does not accept checks. An evaluation is not scheduled until the quote is accepted and payment terms are met. If payment is not received as agreed, the Practice may cancel or postpone the evaluation or withhold the report until payment is received in full.
9. No refunds
All payments are final and non-refundable, in all circumstances. Scheduling an appointment and allocating resources to your matter (clinical preparation, clinician time, and internal documentation) is the start of the service, which is why payment becomes final once you schedule or book. By paying, you accept this policy and agree not to dispute or reverse the charge with your bank, card issuer, or payment platform; if a dispute is attempted, the Practice will provide evidence of the service rendered. If you cancel after the evaluation has begun, the Practice may deliver a partial report based on the information collected to that date, provided you participated in the interview and provided sufficient information; if you did not, the Practice is not obliged to issue any report. The no-refund policy also applies where you repeatedly cancel or do not participate in the interview, since this prevents the service from being furnished.
10. Scheduling and timelines
The Practice does not charge a fee for rescheduling, and you are strongly encouraged to attend the scheduled appointment. Work on the report begins promptly after the final interview and the report is delivered as soon as reasonably practicable. Turnaround depends on your timely provision of the documents and information the evaluation requires and on clinical review; the Practice does not commit to a fixed delivery date unless agreed in writing. Deadlines you provide are taken into account when quoting.
11. Records
The Practice maintains evaluation records as required by California law, HIPAA, and professional standards, and securely disposes of them when they are no longer required to be retained. You may request a copy of your record as described in the Notice of Privacy Practices, subject to applicable fees. Raw test data may be released only to a qualified professional or as the law requires.
12. Emergencies
The Practice is not an emergency or crisis service. If you are in crisis during or after an evaluation, call or text 988, call 911, or go to your nearest emergency room. See Get Help Now.
13. Questions
info@ordonezcounseling.com · 2108 N Street, Suite N, Sacramento, CA 95816