Compassionate Support for Hardship
Psychological Evaluations for Extreme Hardship Waiver (I-601/I-601A)

PECNA provides specialized psychological evaluations and support for individuals seeking Extreme Hardship Waivers (I-601/I-601A), offering services in multiple languages to ensure accessibility and cultural sensitivity.
We specialize in Extreme Hardship Waiver Evaluations, documenting the emotional, psychological, and relational impacts of potential separation or relocation on qualifying family members.

The PECNA Difference
We are committed to providing the highest standard of care.
Our dedication to excellence is evident in every aspect of our service, from the qualifications of our team to the cultural sensitivity of our support.
Licensed in All 50 States
Our services are available nationwide, ensuring you receive consistent, quality care no matter where you are.
Doctorate-Level Clinicians
Our clinical staff is comprised of highly qualified professionals, all with Psy.D. or Ph.D. degrees, bringing extensive knowledge and expertise.
Affordable Services
We offer options for an 18-month, $0 interest payment plan to reduce financial barriers for families already under stress.
Expedited Reporting at No Extra Cost
We ensure evaluations are completed in time for critical hearings, providing expedited reporting at no extra cost.
Multilingual Clinicians
Our team includes multilingual clinicians from diverse backgrounds, allowing us to provide culturally sensitive support to our patients.
Unparalleled Expertise
A psychologist with a J.D. specializing in immigration law brings unparalleled expertise to our team, ensuring exceptional support for your needs.

Psychological Evaluations for Extreme Hardship Waiver Applicants
At PECNA, our evaluation process is thorough and designed to provide essential documentation and support for individuals seeking Extreme Hardship Waivers (I-601/I-601A). This includes psychological assessments and detailed clinical interviews to evaluate the emotional and psychological impacts of potential separation or relocation on qualifying family members.
We aim to ensure that each evaluation is comprehensive and accurate, helping to build a strong foundation for a successful waiver application and a path toward family unity and stability.
Preparation for Your Extreme Hardship Waiver Application
Preparing for an Extreme Hardship Waiver application can be a challenging and complex process. At PECNA, we are here to support you every step of the way.
Our process begins with a detailed intake to understand your unique circumstances and needs, followed by a comprehensive psychological evaluation conducted via our secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform.
Our multilingual clinicians provide culturally sensitive support, ensuring clear communication and comfort throughout the process. We work to document the emotional and psychological impacts of potential separation or relocation on qualifying family members, providing an in-depth report that highlights the severe hardship denial of the waiver would cause.
Our goal is to ensure you are fully informed about the process, your rights, and the support available to you, making your journey toward securing an Extreme Hardship Waiver as smooth and supportive as possible.


Culturally Sensitive Support for Extreme Hardship Waiver Applicants
At PECNA, we understand the importance of cultural understanding and linguistic accessibility in providing effective psychological evaluations for Extreme Hardship Waivers (I-601/I-601A). Our multilingual clinicians are fluent in English, Thai, Mandarin, and Spanish, ensuring clear and empathetic communication with clients from diverse backgrounds.
We are dedicated to creating a safe, nonjudgmental environment that respects each individual’s unique experiences, cultural identity, and values.
By tailoring our evaluations to reflect the specific hardships faced by each client and their qualifying family members, we provide not only comprehensive documentation but also compassionate support throughout this critical step in their waiver application process.
FAQ ABOUT PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATIONS FOR EXTREME HARDSHIP
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the purpose of an I-601/I-601A Hardship Evaluation?
The I-601 and I-601A Hardship Evaluations are crucial psychological assessments used to support immigration waiver applications. These evaluations help demonstrate the severe emotional, psychological, financial, and medical hardship that a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR) would endure if their family member were denied residency or had to leave the country. A well-documented hardship evaluation can play a significant role in convincing immigration authorities to grant a waiver, emphasizing the critical impact on family stability and well-being.
- Who should undergo the I-601/I-601A Hardship Evaluation?
The qualifying family member, typically a U.S. citizen or LPR, undergoes this evaluation to provide comprehensive evidence of hardship. The evaluation documents the potential effects of separation, highlighting how it could worsen mental health, disrupt familial bonds, and impose significant emotional distress. This evidence is essential for the waiver, as it centers the emotional and psychological needs of the qualifying relative.
- What factors are considered in the hardship evaluation?
An I-601/I-601A hardship evaluation takes a holistic view, examining multiple dimensions of hardship, including:
- Emotional Hardship: Psychological distress and the impact of potential separation.
- Financial Hardship: Economic challenges related to losing support or income.
- Medical Hardship: Medical conditions that may worsen without family support.
- Social Hardship: Loss of community and social ties.
These factors combine to provide a complete picture of how the family would be affected, adding significant weight to the application.
- How long does the I-601/I-601A evaluation process take?
The evaluation process typically takes 1-2 weeks, beginning with an initial interview, followed by comprehensive assessments and preparation of a detailed report. In some cases, expedited services may be available to meet tight deadlines. Each case is unique, and PECNA’s team ensures timely, compassionate service tailored to your specific needs.
- Is the I-601/I-601A evaluation confidential?
Yes, PECNA upholds strict confidentiality in all evaluations. Information disclosed during the evaluation is shared only with necessary parties, such as legal representatives and immigration authorities, as part of the waiver application, safeguarding the applicant’s privacy.
Schedule Your Psychological Evaluation for IMMIGRATION Today
Get Started With PECNA
Contact PECNA to schedule a free, 15-minute consultation and learn how our specialized evaluations can help your case.