FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Answers to common questions about our immigration, bariatric, and FMLA psychological evaluation services, including fees, turnaround times, insurance, and scheduling. Serving NJ, PA, DE, and CT.

GENERAL QUESTIONS

What services do you offer? We offer three types of licensed psychological evaluations: immigration evaluations (for asylum, VAWA, hardship waivers, U/T visas, and I-751 waivers), bariatric surgery pre-surgical clearances, and FMLA psychological evaluations and documentation for mental health leave. All services are available in-person at our Haddonfield, NJ office or via secure telehealth.

Where are you located and who do you serve? Our office is located at 30 E. Redman Avenue, Haddonfield, NJ 08033. We serve residents of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Connecticut. Because we offer secure telehealth appointments, distance is not a barrier — clients anywhere in NJ, PA, DE, or CT can access our services from home.

How soon can I get an appointment? We offer prompt scheduling and strive to accommodate new clients quickly. If you have an upcoming court date, surgical pre-op deadline, or HR filing deadline, let us know when you reach out and we'll do our best to find the earliest available appointment.

Do you offer telehealth appointments? Yes. All three of our evaluation services are available via secure telehealth for clients in NJ, PA, DE, and CT. In-person appointments are also available at our Haddonfield, NJ office. Telehealth is a convenient option and does not affect the quality or clinical rigor of your evaluation.

Who conducts the evaluations? Evaluations are conducted by a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in New Jersey with Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) credentials and over 25 years of clinical experience. Our evaluator has specialized training in immigration psychological evaluations and bariatric mental health, and has personally undergone bariatric surgery — bringing both professional expertise and lived experience to every evaluation.

Does insurance cover these evaluations? It depends on the service. Bariatric evaluation sessions may be covered by insurance — we accept Horizon BCBS and Aetna in-network, and out-of-network benefits are processed through Thrizer, which files your claim and works to get you reimbursed quickly. Immigration evaluations are considered forensic/legal services and are not covered by insurance. FMLA evaluations are generally self-pay as they are evaluative rather than treatment services. We can provide a superbill for out-of-network reimbursement when applicable.

Are your fees affordable? Do you offer low-cost options? Yes. We are committed to providing high-quality evaluations at accessible, affordable prices. FMLA and bariatric evaluations are priced at $200 per session plus $75 for the written report. Immigration evaluations start at $850 for the full evaluation and report, with a structured payment plan — $425 at the appointment, and $425 before the report is released. No hidden fees.

How do I get started? You can reach us by phone at 856-477-3142, by email at info@groundedgrowthcounselingnj.com, or through our online contact form. You can also schedule directly through our online scheduling portal. We'll confirm your service type, discuss your timeline, and get you set up — usually within a few business days.

IMMIGRATION EVALUATIONS

What types of immigration cases do you evaluate? We provide psychological evaluations for: Extreme Hardship Waivers (I-601 and I-601A), Asylum applications, VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) petitions, U-visa and T-visa applications, and I-751 waivers. Each evaluation is customized to meet the specific requirements of the U.S. immigration system and the needs of your attorney.

How much does an immigration psychological evaluation cost? The base fee is $850, which includes the evaluation sessions and written report. Payment is structured in three installments: $425 due at the appointment, and $425 due before the report is released. Rush reports (completed within 3 business days) are available for an additional $150. Translation services are available for $50/hour with a 2-hour minimum. Immigration evaluations are not covered by insurance.

How long does it take to receive my immigration evaluation report? Standard reports are generally completed within 1-2 weeks. If you have an upcoming court date or filing deadline, rush service is available — reports completed within 5 business days for an additional $150 fee. Always let us know your deadline upfront so we can plan accordingly.

I have an urgent immigration deadline. Can you help? Yes. Rush report service delivers your completed evaluation within 5 business days for an additional $150 fee. Contact us as soon as possible and share your court date or filing deadline — we'll do everything we can to meet your timeline.

How long does the immigration evaluation process take? The evaluation typically involves 2–3 hours of clinical interviews, which may be completed in one session or divided into two shorter appointments depending on your comfort and schedule.

What is included in the immigration evaluation? Your evaluation includes a comprehensive clinical interview covering your personal history, relationships, trauma, and current experiences; standardized psychological assessments for PTSD, anxiety, and depression; and a detailed written report tailored to your specific immigration case type. We also collaborate with your immigration attorney to ensure the report addresses the legal standards your case requires.

Do I need an attorney to get an immigration evaluation? No referral or attorney is required to schedule. However, if you are working with an immigration attorney, we encourage you to share their contact information so we can coordinate directly and ensure the report addresses the specific requirements of your case.

Why is a psychological evaluation important for my immigration case? A well-written immigration psychological report can document the emotional and psychological hardship that deportation or separation would cause, provide credible clinical evidence of abuse for VAWA and U visa cases, and demonstrate the lasting impact of trauma or persecution in asylum claims. Attorneys consistently report that immigration cases supported by psychological evaluations are more compelling than those without.

What should I bring to my immigration evaluation? Bring any relevant documents that help tell your story — court papers, medical records, prior mental health records, country condition evidence, or letters from your attorney. The more background you can provide, the more comprehensive your report will be. We'll guide you on what to gather after you schedule.

BARIATRIC SURGERY EVALUATIONS

Why do I need a psychological evaluation before bariatric surgery? Most bariatric surgical programs require a pre-surgical psychological clearance as a standard part of their protocol. The evaluation explores your readiness for the lifestyle changes surgery requires, your relationship with food and body image, your support system, and how you manage stress and change. This is not a pass-or-fail test — it is a supportive conversation designed to set you up for long-term success.

How much does a bariatric psychological evaluation cost? The evaluation session is $200 (typically covered by Horizon BCBS or Aetna insurance). The written evaluation and clearance letter is $75 and is not covered by insurance. Out-of-network benefits are processed through Thrizer, which files your insurance claim and works to get you reimbursed quickly.

Does insurance cover my bariatric evaluation? The session fee ($200) is typically covered by Horizon BCBS and Aetna. If you have out-of-network benefits, Thrizer will file your claim on your behalf for fast reimbursement. The $75 written evaluation/clearance letter is a separate self-pay charge. Contact us at 856-477-3142 if you have questions about your specific plan.

How quickly will I receive my bariatric clearance letter? Your written evaluation and clearance letter is delivered within 5 business days of your appointment. If your surgery date is approaching or your surgical program has an earlier deadline, let us know and we will do our best to expedite your documentation.

What happens during the bariatric evaluation? The evaluation is a compassionate, trauma-informed conversation. We'll explore your motivations for surgery, your relationship with food and body image, your support system, how you manage stress and change, and your understanding of life after surgery. The tone is supportive and nonjudgmental. Our evaluator has personally undergone bariatric surgery and brings both clinical expertise and firsthand understanding to the process.

Can I be denied clearance for bariatric surgery? In rare cases, we may recommend that a client address specific concerns — such as an untreated mental health condition — before proceeding with surgery. This is done entirely in your best interest to support the best possible long-term outcome. If additional support is recommended, we will help identify appropriate next steps and can re-evaluate when you're ready.

FMLA PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATIONS

How much does an FMLA psychological evaluation cost? The evaluation session is $200 and the written evaluation report is $75. FMLA evaluations are generally not covered by insurance as they are evaluative rather than treatment services. We offer transparent self-pay pricing with no hidden fees and can provide a superbill if you'd like to seek out-of-network reimbursement from your plan.

How quickly will I receive my FMLA documentation? Your written evaluation report is delivered within 5 business days of your appointment. If you have an HR submission deadline or your leave request is time-sensitive, let us know when you schedule and we'll do our best to accommodate an earlier delivery.

Will my employer see what I said during my evaluation? No. Your evaluation is protected by HIPAA. The report we provide confirms your diagnosis and its functional impact on your ability to work — it does not include the personal details of your clinical interview. Your privacy is fully protected throughout the process.

Do I need an existing diagnosis or a referral? No referral is needed and no prior diagnosis is required. Our evaluation can establish a diagnosis as part of the process. If you have existing records from a therapist, psychiatrist, or primary care provider, bringing them can be helpful , but it is entirely optional.

What mental health conditions qualify for FMLA leave? FMLA covers serious health conditions that substantially limit a major life activity, including the ability to work. Conditions that commonly qualify include major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, PTSD, bipolar disorder, OCD, and panic disorder, among others. If your condition significantly limits your ability to perform your job, you may be eligible. Contact us and we'll help you understand your options before you schedule.

Can you provide a return-to-work letter after my leave? Yes. We provide return-to-work fitness letters for employees who have completed a mental health leave of absence and need documentation clearing them to resume their duties. This can be arranged as a standalone service or as a follow-up to your original evaluation with us.

What is included in the FMLA evaluation? Your evaluation includes a clinical intake interview covering your history, current symptoms, and how your condition affects your work; standardized psychological assessments documenting the nature and severity of your diagnosis; and a written report suitable for submission to your employer or HR department. The evaluation typically takes 60–90 minutes and is available in-person or via telehealth.

Still have questions? Call us at 856-477-3142 or email info@groundedgrowthcounselingnj.com , we're happy to answer questions before you book.