T-VISA

Some individuals who have been the victims of human trafficking may be eligible for T Visas. When applying for a T Visa, evaluations are used to assist in documenting the substantial physical or mental abuse that resulted from having been the victim of trafficking. The T Visa psychological evaluation assesses the client’s mental state and the mental health consequences suffered due to being trafficked.

Psychological evaluations for T Visas focus on how a person’s mental health has been affected by the trafficking experience.

Commonly documented symptoms include:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder

• Flashbacks and intrusive thoughts

• Nightmares or disturbed sleep

• Emotional numbness or detachment

• Panic attacks and anxiety

• Difficulty trusting others

• Guilt, shame, or distorted self-blame

• Hypervigilance or exaggerated startle responses

These symptoms may reflect trauma-related impacts like chronic anxiety, fear, or emotional detachment. Even without a formal diagnosis, these responses are often consistent with the lasting effects of coercion, abuse, and loss of safety.