Rick D. Thomas, Ph.D. provides psychological evaluations for persons struggling with immigration concerns.  Dr. Thomas will be the only psychologist completing your evaluation.  Dr. Thomas has practiced psychology since 1985.  He is a Missouri and Kansas Licensed Psychologist.  Being licensed requires passing a national examination and a written examination given by State Licensure Boards.

The following information is to assist you in receiving an optimal evaluation from Dr. Thomas.  Please read it and feel free to ask questions of Dr. Thomas during your appointment.

Purposes, Process and Limitations of Evaluation

1. This is an independent evaluation.  There is a possibility that Dr. Thomas' impressions may be unfavorable to your position.  Rick D. Thomas, Ph.D. will make recommendations consistent with his clinical interview, document reviews and psychological test findings.
2. Evaluation consists of interviews and psychological testing.  The purpose of the psychological evaluation enables Dr. Thomas to collect data and organize potential issues to minimize your costs.  At the conclusion of the examination, a report and recommendation will be provided after appropriate Releases of Information have been signed.  No information will be released without your express written consent.  Information is not released on verbal consents.
3. Rick D. Thomas, Ph.D. realizes that his impressions of you are extremely important.  Please consider that final feedback will not be given until the report is completed.  At that time you will receive either verbal or written feedback.

Evaluation Costs

1. Immigration evaluation fees for one person are $500 to be paid in full during the initial contact.  I accept cash or checks.  Rick D. Thomas, Ph.D. does not bill insurance for Immigration Evaluations.  Rick D. Thomas, Ph.D. will provide you a detailed receipt for you to submit for reimbursement.  Rick D. Thomas, Ph.D. does not offer any guarantee that your insurance carrier will reimburse  you for an Immigration Evaluation.  If additional people need to be included in the evaluation for the evaluation of the primary person, they will be interviewed at the cost of $150 each.
2. There will be charges of $175 for any missed or cancelled appointments without 72 hours of advance notice.
3. Court time and depositions will be billed at the rate of $150 per hour.  Four hours must be paid in advance to reserve time.  If a court appearance runs more than four hours, you will be billed for the balance.  Any unpaid bills will accrue interest at 18% APR.  A $35.00 charge will be assessed for all returned checks.

Evaluation Process

There are various steps and procedures involved in this evaluation process.  This information is given so that you might know what to expect as you decide to have an evaluation.  In addition, you need to understand procedures as you prepare for an examination.  All evaluations follow a structured pattern to maximize the fairness and objectivity of the report.  In the event of special clinical needs, Dr. Thomas may make changes.

1. At your first appointment, you should bring any documents that you might think would think would by of assistance for you case.  Please use a highlight pen to mark passages that you deem noteworthy.
2. In the first part of the clinical interview for your immigration evaluation, Dr. Thomas will review the consent for evaluation form, answer your questions and you will sign the document and release of information forms.
3. On some occasions a court will consider stopping/reversing a deportation order if there is a history of abuse by the deportee's spouse.  A court will consider stopping/reversing a deportation order if the deportion has a significant emotional, financial or psychological impact on current U.S. citizens (this includes spouse or children).  If necessary, Dr. Thomas will conduct detailed clinical interviews with you and your spouse (unless it is related to abuse) and any children.  Interviews for the Immigration evaluation will focus on the impact of deportation on your children, marriage relationship, health concerns, and mental health status.
4. After the clinical interview or interviews, you will be asked to complete the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory - 2.  This psychological test is the most researched and standardized test in use today.
5. Releases of Information will be signed so that third-party individuals can be contacted who may help with the evaluation.
6. To complete the evaluation, others may be interviewed and a follow-up interview may be conducted. 
7. If Dr. Thomas is to serve as an expert witness, then you will be required to pay an additional fee.
8. The fee must be paid in full during your initial session.  Dr. Thomas does not maintain a loan or credit service.  If you are unable to pay then you will need to seek financing through you bank.
9. Due to unforeseen circumstances, some charges additional may occur due to special circumstances or needs. 

If after you have questions after reading the above information, please discuss them with me at your initial interview for you Immigration Evaluation.