Evaluations for
International Students

I am a clinical psychologist and I conduct psychological evaluations for international students who are requesting a reduced course load for medical reasons.

Here is how it works:

  • I will meet with you via telehealth (remotely) to complete the evaluation. Usually this takes only one appointment, but sometimes it can take two. I will ask you a lot of questions about your mental health — your feelings, your thoughts, and about school. At the end of the evaluation, I should have a good understanding of how your mental health may be impacting your academics.

  • I will write a letter to your Designated School Official to share this information. I will get your written permission before I send any information about you to anyone. I will inform you of what I am sharing before I share it.

  • Please note that I do not decide whether your request is granted or not. That decision is made by the people at your university or college who approve RCL requests.

Fees

Evaluations are typically completed in one - two appointments of 60 - 90 minutes.

  • Psychological Evaluation (remote) = $300 per hour

  • Report writing and coordination with the Designated School Official (DSO) = pro-rated at $300 an hour. For example: if I spend 30 minutes on these tasks, the fee will be $150.

Please contact me as soon as you know you are interested in an evaluation. Usually students are feeling quite stressed and these requests must be completed quickly.

  • I worked at Seattle University for 14 years. In that time, I worked closely with the International Student Center and completed many requests for RCL.

    I understand what documentation needs to be provided, who it goes to, and how it needs to be submitted.

  • International students often hold an F-1 visa. This is a non-immigrant visa that allows international students to enter the United States to study at an accredited educational institution.

    Generally, international students in F-1 status must be enrolled full-time to maintain their visa and stay in the U.S. Full-time enrollment is usually defined as enrolling in a minimum number of credits or courses per semester.

    A reduced course load (RCL) allows an F-1 student to enroll in fewer courses and still maintain their F-1 status. There are a few qualifying circumstances in which a student can request a reduced course load. One of these is for a medical reasons, which includes mental health.