You’re ready to use your profession as a force for justice in the U.S. Immigration System.

But the stakes are so high. You’re worried about making a costly mistake.

The Expert Training in Immigration Evaluations is your path to mastering impartial but impactful psychological reports.

Sabrina Liu, Ph.D - Clinical Psychologist

You’re Qualified to Become an Expert Immigration Evaluator if you…

are a licensed mental health professional in the U.S.

commit to writing objective, comprehensive reports

practice thorough, trauma-informed clinical interviews tailored to the specific case types

understand the cultural context of clients’ experiences and coping strategies

stay current on immigration law and seek continued collaboration with immigration attorneys​

In this 12-week comprehensive training program, learn to conduct immigration evaluations that uphold fairness in the U.S. Immigration System and objectively reflect the trauma and fear immigrants face, without jeopardizing your impartiality or overstepping professional boundaries.

“Worth every penny!

I highly recommend it to anyone looking to expand their knowledge, skill set, or practice.

Dr. Shibley presented effectively, elaborated when necessary, answered questions, and provided case examples, visual aids, and an array of training materials.

I feel better prepared to do what I love with confidence.”

Janet Montanez, LMSW, MHP

What You’ll Learn for Every Type of Evaluation

Hardship waivers ⚫ Cancellation of removal (adults and children) ⚫ Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) ⚫ U Visa T Visa ⚫ Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) ⚫ Asylum/Withholding of Removal/Convention Against Torture

    • Get thorough, relevant information during assessments while maintaining sensitivity and discretion so the applicant trusts they can share their story without judgment

    • Use evidence-based techniques to assess the impact of a forced separation or the harm on victims of trauma - adults and children - while still avoiding the session turning into therapy

    • Tests and psychological measures to employ in these assessments

    • Ethical and cultural considerations in conducting immigration assessments

    • Write an objective report that comprehensively reflects the client’s case

    • Emphasize factors in the report that are extremely helpful in substantiating a client’s claim

    • Avoid information or language that could inadvertently misrepresent the client’s factual experience

    • Critical sections of a report where a mistake could be very costly

    • Distinguish your reports from most evaluators’ and identify common pitfalls that lead to requests for more evidence

    • Understand US Immigration laws as they pertain to evaluations

    • Avoid overstepping professional boundaries and the role evaluators play in cases

    • Tips for testifying in court and the role of the mental health professional as an expert witness

    • Legal outline of the different forms of protection-related immigration relief for victims of torture and persecution, domestic violence, criminal activity, and human trafficking

    • Best strategies to reach immigration attorneys and potential clients

    • Gain more referrals by becoming attorneys’ go-to evaluator

    • What to write on your website to position you as an expert in the field

    • Protect your mental health while working with victims of trauma by using self-care tools and avoiding vicarious trauma

    • Streamline the report-writing process to decrease your workload and increase the number of clients you can see

In this 12-week program, you’ll get

  • 20 Continuing Education units*

  • Lifetime Access to curriculum to return to when you want in the future

  • 6 one-hour coaching calls with Dr. Mariela Shibley for hands-on training and coaching

    • Submit mock-reports and marketing materials for feedback to Dr. Shibley (optional)

  • Private Expert Evaluator Community Page to collaborate with other mental health providers in the program and receive additional coaching from Dr. Shibley

  • Sample templates to download and easily modify for your practice

    • Sample reports for all the different types of cases

    • Sample consent forms in English and Spanish

    • Intake guides

    • Client forms

    • Symptoms checklists & more!

  • FREE Access to Monthly Consultation Calls with Graduates to ask questions or just listen in as Dr. Shibley consults with Expert Evaluators

  • Discounted prices on workshops and 1:1 consultations

  • Certificate of completion for display

 

*The San Diego Psychoanalytic Center (SDPC) is accredited by the California Medical Association (CMA #4001214) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.. The Board of Psychology accepts the Category 1 CE credits from the CMA. Psychologists are responsible for reporting individual attendance to the Board of Psychology.

The SDPC is also approved as a Continuing Education Provider by the California Association for Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT, provider #050121) to offer Category 1 credit for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and LEPs.

SDPC maintains responsibility for this program and its content. Out-of-state licensees should check with their state governing board to make sure that the CE credits are valid in their state for their license. Acceptance of the CE credits for this activity is at the discretion of your licensing board.

What Expert Graduates Say

  • "This training was wonderful.

    "I learned a great deal. I very much appreciated the in-depth discussion regarding choosing psychological assessments, the ethics involved, as well as discussion of self-care in doing these evaluations - that has not been a part of other trainings I have done."

    Joanna Romero Cartaya, Ph.D.

  • "Dr. Shiley is definitely an expert in the field of Immigration Evaluations.

    "I thoroughly enjoyed the training provided by Dr. Shibley. She is very knowledgeable and… presented it in a clear manner. She seems to keep up to date on the current laws and trends in this field. I really appreciated all the materials she provided to facilitate being able to incorporate this into my practice fairly quickly."

    Eunice Contreras, LPC-S

  • "Her training was detailed, thorough, well-organized.

    “Dr. Shibley is a fantastic presenter. The information was relevant and helpful to my work.”

    Hsiao-Wen Lo, Ph.D.

  • "I very much appreciated this training with Dr. Shibley and would love to do more in the future."

    Christie Goering Schmid, LCSW

Expert Training in Immigration Evaluations starts

April 1, 2025

Limit of 12 participants in each cohort.

Your Next Steps

  1. Schedule a 30-minute call with Dr. Shibley

    To complete the call booking, you will be asked to complete a short survey. This helps Dr. Shibley prepare for the call and make the most of your time together. Also, during the call, she’ll share the investment and payment plan options.

  2. If this program is the perfect fit, you’ll be invited to enroll.

“Being a part of the [program] was

very exciting, as I have wanted to help my community.

The material was a lot, but it was easy to follow.”

Veronica Ibarra, LMFT

FAQ

  • Is this program eligible for CE’s?

    Yes! Graduates receive 20 CE’s upon completion sponsored by the San Diego Psychoanalytic Center.

  • What if I cannot attend a curriculum lesson or coaching call?

    You will have access to the video recorded training AND be able to attend the next scheduled coaching call.

  • What is the investment for this program?

    This is a multiple four-figure investment and we do offer a 3 month payment plan option. During your call with

    Dr. Shibley, you will review investment options.

  • When will I get my certificate?

    Your certificate will be mailed to you upon completion.

  • Do you offer trainings in person?

    Yes! Email us to discuss details.