ABOUT MindWorks PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES

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ABOUT US

Our practice is grounded in compassion, clinical excellence, and a deep respect for the diverse experiences of immigrants navigating the legal system.

MindWorks Psychological Services provides trauma-informed, culturally responsive Immigration Psychological Evaluations for individuals and families across the United States.

We specialize exclusively in immigration evaluations, allowing us to maintain the highest standards of accuracy, clarity, and legal relevance in every report

Our mission is to support clients with empathy and professionalism while delivering thorough, objective assessments that meet the expectations of attorneys, USCIS, and immigration courts.

DR. MARY LOU ANCHETA

Nationwide (PSYPACT) • Nevada • Las Vegas

Dr. Mary Lou Ancheta is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in Immigration Psychological Evaluations. She brings extensive experience in trauma, PTSD, domestic violence, cross-cultural mental health, hardship-related distress, and family-based immigration stressors.

Dr. Ancheta provides:

  • Nationwide telehealth evaluations through PSYPACT

  • In-person evaluations in Las Vegas, Henderson, and surrounding Nevada communities

  • Clinically rigorous, legally defensible immigration reports

  • A warm, supportive, trauma-informed evaluation experience

Her approach balances empathy with clinical precision. She understands the emotional weight of immigration cases and is committed to helping clients feel safe, respected, and understood while gathering the information necessary for a comprehensive psychological assessment.

Dr. Ancheta has conducted evaluations across all major immigration case types, including VAWA, Hardship Waivers (I-601/I-601A), U-Visa, T-Visa, Asylum, Cancellation of Removal, and N-648 Disability Exceptions.

Her reports integrate culturally informed interviewing with evidence-based assessment tools and clear clinical reasoning.

PsyD in Clinical Psychology

  • California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University

PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION

MS in Clinical Psychology

  • American School of Professional Psychology, Argosy University

BA in General Psychology

  • San Jose State University

Immigration Evaluation Training Center

  • Specialized training in Immigration Psychological Evaluations

QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAININGS

CREDENTIALS AND PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

  • Psy.D., Clinical Psychology

  • Licensed Clinical Psychologist (NV, IA)

  • PSYPACT Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology
    (Mobility #19644)

  • Extensive experience conducting psychological assessments

  • Specialized training in trauma, PTSD, and cross-cultural mental health

  • Expertise in Immigration Psychological Evaluations

  • Collaborates with immigration attorneys nationwide

ALEXUS HIGA, LCSW

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Alexus specializes in evaluations for:

  • VAWA

  • U-Visa & T-Visa

  • Extreme Hardship Waivers

  • Asylum

  • Family-based immigration cases

Alexus Higa, LCSW, provides Immigration Psychological Evaluations exclusively for California clients. She offers extensive experience supporting survivors of trauma, domestic violence, persecution, and complex family hardship. Her work is grounded in cultural humility, emotional safety, and trauma-informed care.

She collaborates closely with immigration attorneys throughout California to ensure that each evaluation aligns with case requirements and provides clear, clinically supported documentation for legal review.

Master of Social Work

  • University of Southern California

PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION

Bachelor of Social Work

  • California State University, Sacramento

Immigration Evaluation Training Center

  • Specialized training in Immigration Psychological Evaluations

QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAININGS

Person working on a laptop at a wooden table with a coffee mug and two smartphones nearby.

OUR APPROACH

Our practice integrates:

  • Trauma-informed interviewing

  • Culturally responsive assessment

  • Evidence-based psychological screening

  • Clear diagnostic impressions

  • Functional impairment analysis

  • Case-specific clinical reasoning

  • Collaboration with immigration attorneys (with client consent)

We understand that sharing painful or private experiences can feel overwhelming. Our goal is to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients can safely share their story at their own pace.

Our mission is to provide evaluations that are:

  • Compassionate — honoring each client’s emotional experience

  • Culturally aware — recognizing diverse backgrounds, identities, and histories

  • Clinically strong — grounded in psychological science

  • Legally relevant — aligned with immigration case requirements

  • Accessible — offered through telehealth or in-person services

OUR MISSION

WHERE WE PROVIDE EVALUATIONS

We are committed to helping clients feel empowered, supported, and validated throughout their immigration process.

Nationwide telehealth via PSYPACT

  1. California telehealth

    Nevada & Las Vegas (in-person and virtual)

Ready to Begin?

We welcome you to reach out with any questions or to schedule your evaluation.

Book now