The next clinical training workshop being offered through the Connection is "Psychological Evaluations for Immigration-related Applications for Survivors of Trauma: Legal, Practical, and Ethical Considerations."
This workshop will be presented as a live conference via Zoom on Saturday, February 22, 2025, 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
This training is presented in collaboration with the HEAL Refugee Health and Asylum Collaborative, with CEUs cosponsored by Inspirit Counseling Services..
Who should attend: Maryland-licensed mental health professionals.
Please note that therapists affiliated with the Connection’s pro bono provider network, and Inspirit and HEAL partners, will have free, priority registration. A registration fee of $80.00 will apply to all other participants.
To be added to the Connection contact list and receive a link to the workshop registration form, please email [email protected] or [email protected], or visit the "Get Connected" page of this website.
Workshop Description: Psychological evaluations serve as critical documentation to support clients in their application for asylum and other forms of humanitarian protection. In this workshop, we will provide practical training in writing both stand-alone and integrated psychological evaluations for clients. Topics will include ethical considerations in conducting a psychological evaluation, preparing a client for the process of evaluation, use of assessment tools, performing a clinical interview, using behavioral observations, and how to write the psychological evaluation for the asylum interview or court hearing. Participants will gain greater understanding of professional conduct, confidentiality, and boundaries to be maintained in conducting psychological evaluations with forced migrant clients. Sarah Milad will provide a brief introduction to immigration law, detailing the asylum application process and other forms of available legal relief and how they relate to the psychological evaluation. Participants will be introduced to opportunities to assist with evaluations virtually and in Maryland.
Presenter Bios:
Nouf Bazaz, PhD, NCC, LCPC, is a Clinical Assistant Professor at Loyola University Maryland and co-founder and Mental Health Director of the HEAL Refugee Health & Asylum Collaborative. Her clinical work, research, training and consulting focuses on trauma, torture, grief, and loss with survivors of war, violence, and persecution, as well as on culturally responsive care for Muslim youth and families. Her clinical and broader psycho-social work has served diverse refugees, LGBTQ+ asylum seekers, BIPOC youth, incarcerated males, survivors of sexual trafficking, and indigenous women. She holds a Ph.D. in Counseling from George Washington University and an M.A. in Trauma and Violence Studies.
Andrea Rackowski, PhD, MSW, LCSW-C, is a clinical social worker specializing in mental health with a focus on supporting forced migrant survivors of torture and conflict-related trauma. As Clinical Director of the Intercultural Counseling Connection, she provides specialized supervision and consultation for therapists within the program's pro bono provider network, including guidance in preparing psychological evaluations for asylum cases, and provides individual and group therapy for forced migrant survivors. Andrea is certified in nature-informed therapy, is a fluent French speaker, and also maintains a private therapy practice in Baltimore.
Sarah Selim Milad, JD, began her legal career as Post-Graduate Fellow and Regional Coordinator at Justice for Our Neighbors in 2008, following her graduation from The American University, Washington College of Law. In 2009 she joined Just Neighbors, where she is currently Managing Attorney. Her role includes supervising legal staff who serve the Maryland and DC portion of the program, organizing legal clinics and training volunteers to conduct prospective client screenings, and drafting appropriate documentation, letters, forms, and motions for submission to USCIS, DOS, and EOIR, among other responsibilities. Sarah enjoys helping legal interns and volunteer attorneys navigate the complexities of immigration law, and finds fulfillment in supporting clients through the most difficult of times and celebrating with them when they reach the other side.
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Please check here periodically for announcements of Connection clinical training workshops.
Please note that:
- Priority in workshop registration will be given to current Connection therapists, and to clinicians wishing to participate in the Connection’s pro bono referral network.
- Workshops are free for clinicians who are current members of the Connection network (i.e. who have accepted Connection pro bono client referrals).
- A modest registration and CEU/certificate fee (usually of $80) will apply for all other workshop registrants.
To join the Connection contact list to receive announcements of training opportunities and workshop registration links, please email [email protected], or see the "Get Connected" section of our website.
Intercultural Counseling Connection trainings are intended for Maryland-licensed mental health professionals who are dedicated to providing culturally responsive services for forced migrants-- asylum seekers, refugees, and trauma-affected immigrants.
Thank you for your interest in the Connection and our mission!