Lunch & Learn: Forensic Mental Health Evaluations in Immigration Proceedings
📅 April 9, 2026
🕛 12:00 – 1:00 PM EST
💻 Via Zoom
There is a growing and urgent need for mental health providers in Connecticut who can complete forensic evaluations for people navigating the immigration system — and right now, there simply aren't enough of us. If you've ever wondered whether this is something you could offer, or where to even begin, this training is for you.
Join Attorney Leanne Gale of the New Haven Legal Assistance Association (NHLAA), Dr. Susan MacNamara, and Dr. Rebecca Cohen of Stable Grounds Sanctuary for a one-hour lunch and learn designed to give clinicians a grounded introduction to forensic mental health evaluations in immigration proceedings. We'll walk you through:
What role forensic mental health evaluations play in immigration proceedings – and why the stakes are so high
The different types of immigration relief (e.g. asylum, U visa, VAWA, etc.) and the specific evaluations each one requires
Concrete next steps you can take to build competence and begin offering these services
This training is geared to provide you with an understanding of the landscape, knowledge about what's possible, and connection with local professionals who can support you along the way. This collaborative brings together legal and clinical expertise so you don't have to figure it out alone.
This training is donation-based. All funds will be split equally between New Haven Legal Assistance Association (NHLAA) and Stable Grounds Sanctuary.

