Expert Evaluations. Culturally Anchored.
VIDA Counseling & Wellness provides specialized psychosocial and forensic evaluations designed for legal contexts. Our approach is defined by cultural responsiveness and trauma-informed care, ensuring integrity and depth in every assessment.
Immigration Evaluations
Comprehensive psychosocial assessments for hardship waivers, VAWA, U visas, T visas, and other immigration matters. I provide bilingual, trauma-informed evaluations that clearly explain clients’ histories, current functioning, and the impact of removal or separation. I outline the evaluation steps, collaborate with attorneys, and deliver clear, timely reports to support your cases.
Forensic Evaluations
Trauma-informed psychosocial and mental health evaluations for personal injury and other civil litigation matters within my clinical scope. I assess emotional distress, functional impact, and treatment needs, and provide clear, well-documented reports that help courts and attorneys understand clients’ experiences.
Rooted in Culture. Guided by Compassion.
Maria Garcia Velasquez, LCSW, is a bilingual, bicultural Latina and first-generation immigrant dedicated to providing culturally responsive, trauma-informed care. Her identity and lived experience deeply inform her clinical perspective, allowing her to connect authentically with clients navigating complex psychosocial challenges and legal systems. Maria’s commitment to empathy and clinical excellence ensures that every individual feels seen, heard, and respected throughout their journey toward wellness. Her practice is grounded in the belief that mental health support must honor the intersection of culture, family history, and personal resilience. For more on her educational background, clinical credentials, and extensive professional experience, explore her journey toward advocacy and healing.