Frequently Asked Questions About our Training Subsidy Program
IMPORTANT: At this time, the training subsidy program is only available to mental health professionals licensed in California. We hope to expand to other states in the future.
About the Program
What training program does IPP subsidize?
Immigration Psychology Partnerships subsidizes the Expert Training in Immigration Evaluations program developed by Dr. Mariela Shibley through PsychEvalCoach. This comprehensive 12-week program is specifically designed to equip mental health professionals with the specialized skills needed to conduct high-quality immigration evaluations.
What does the training include?
The Expert Training in Immigration Evaluations program is a hybrid 12-week program that combines self-paced learning with live group coaching:
Self-Paced Learning:
20 Continuing Education (CE) units approved by the American Psychological Association
Lifetime access to all curriculum materials to reference whenever needed
Video modules you complete at your own pace following a structured curriculum
Private Expert Evaluator Community Page to collaborate with other mental health providers and receive additional coaching
Downloadable sample templates, including:
Sample reports for all types of immigration cases
Consent forms in English and Spanish
Intake guides
Client forms
Symptom checklists
and more
Live Group Coaching:
6 one-hour group coaching calls (meeting every other week) with Dr. Mariela Shibley for hands-on training and personalized coaching
Optional feedback on mock reports and marketing materials submitted to Dr. Shibley
Ongoing Support:
FREE monthly consultation groups with Dr. Shibley
Discounted prices on future workshops and 1:1 consultations
Certificate of completion for professional display
Why does IPP recommend this specific training program?
We have carefully vetted Dr. Shibley's Expert Training in Immigration Evaluations program and believe it meets the highest standards for:
Comprehensive curriculum covering all aspects of immigration evaluations
Ethical practice guidelines and cultural sensitivity training
Hands-on coaching and feedback from an experienced practitioner
Practical tools and templates for immediate use
Ongoing support through the community and consultation calls
About the Subsidy
How much does the training cost?
The Expert Training in Immigration Evaluations program costs $2,500.
How much can IPP subsidize?
IPP can subsidize up to $1,000 of the training cost for approved applicants.
What do I need to pay out of pocket?
With the maximum IPP subsidy, you would pay $1,500 out of pocket. However, subsidy amounts may vary based on financial need and available funding.
Are there other costs I should be aware of?
The training fee covers all program materials and resources. There are no hidden fees for the core program. However, you may choose to purchase optional add-ons like additional 1:1 consultation sessions at your own expense.
Eligibility & Requirements
Who is eligible for the training subsidy?
Licensed mental health professionals (psychologists, LCSWs, LMFTs, LPCs) who are:
Currently licensed to practice in California
Committed to serving immigrant communities
Willing to provide pro-bono services to underserved populations
Facing financial barriers to accessing the training
Aligned with IPP's mission and values
Do I need to be licensed in a specific state?
Yes. At this time, the training subsidy program is only available to mental health professionals who hold an active, unrestricted license to practice in California.
We hope to expand our subsidy program to other states in the future. If you are licensed in another state and interested in being notified when we expand, please contact us or sign up for our newsletter.
What is required in exchange for the subsidy?
In exchange for the training subsidy, you must:
Complete the full 12-week Expert Evaluator Training Program
Conduct three supervised pro-bono immigration evaluations through IPP upon completion of training
Attend at least 6 weekly consultation groups
Maintain good standing and adhere to IPP's ethical guidelines throughout the process
What happens after I complete the three pro-bono evaluations?
Once you successfully complete your three supervised pro-bono evaluations and receive supervisor approval, you will be invited to join IPP's provider network as an independent contractor. You will then be compensated fairly for each evaluation or therapy session you conduct through our organization.
When are the weekly consultation groups?
The consultation groups are usually held on Tuesdays from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM Pacific Time. If you can't attend in person (in San Diego), you can join remotely.
Will I automatically join the IPP team of providers upon completion of the program?
Completing the training program does not automatically qualify you to join the IPP team. Only trainees who have demonstrated proficiency and are recommended by their supervisors and the Director of Learning and Development will be considered for membership.
Can I accept referrals from individuals outside of the IPP network?
Yes, you can absolutely get your own referrals to conduct immigration evaluations. You have the flexibility to market your services and build your own client base. This allows you to expand your practice and reach a wider range of individuals seeking these evaluations.
What if I already have training and experience conducting immigration evaluations?
If you have already completed immigration evaluation training through another program at your own expense, you may apply to join our provider network directly. You would need to complete one supervised pro-bono evaluation (instead of three) before being eligible to join our team. Click HERE to fill out an application to join our team.
Application Process
How do I apply for the training subsidy?
Complete our Subsidy Application Form with information about your professional background, experience, and commitment to serving immigrant communities.
What is the application timeline?
We review applications on a rolling basis and aim to notify applicants of our decision within 2-3 weeks. Given limited funding, we encourage you to apply as early as possible.
How competitive is the subsidy?
We have limited subsidy funds available and receive more applications than we can fund. We prioritize applicants who:
Demonstrate strong commitment to serving underserved immigrant populations
Have experience working with diverse and/or immigrant communities
Show financial need
Are ready to begin training and providing services soon
What happens if I'm not selected?
If we're unable to offer you a subsidy due to limited funding, we encourage you to:
Enroll in the training program on your own and apply to join our provider network afterward
Reapply for future subsidy rounds if funding becomes available
Explore other funding sources (employer reimbursement, grants, payment plans)
Can I defer my subsidy to a later training cohort?
Subsidy approvals are typically tied to specific training cohorts. If you need to defer, please contact us to discuss whether your subsidy can be transferred to a future cohort, subject to funding availability.
Training Logistics
When does the training start?
Dr. Shibley's Expert Evaluator Training Program runs in cohorts throughout the year. Current and upcoming cohort dates are available on the [PsychEvalCoach website]. Please check with us about which cohort your subsidy would apply to.
Is the training online or in-person?
The training is conducted entirely online, making it accessible to mental health professionals across the country. This includes live virtual coaching calls and asynchronous access to course materials.
How much time will the training require?
Plan to dedicate approximately 2-3 hours per week to the training, including:
Reviewing course materials and videos
Attending live coaching calls (6 sessions over 12 weeks)
Completing practice exercises and mock reports
Participating in the community forum
What if I can't attend a live coaching call?
Check with Dr. Shibley's program about their policy on recordings/makeup sessions.
After Training
What kind of supervision will I receive for my pro-bono evaluations?
IPP provides clinical supervision throughout your three pro-bono evaluations. This includes:
Case consultation before and during the evaluation process
Report review and feedback
Guidance on ethical considerations and best practices
How long do I have to complete the three pro-bono evaluations?
We typically expect the three pro-bono evaluations to be completed within [timeframe, e.g., 6-12 months] of finishing the training program, depending on case availability and your schedule.
What types of cases will I work on for the pro-bono evaluations?
You will be assigned cases based on:
Your language capabilities
Your clinical expertise
Case availability and client needs
Your schedule and capacity
Common case types include asylum, VAWA, U-visa, hardship waivers, and cancellation of removal.
How much will I be paid once I join the provider network?
Compensation details will be discussed during the interview process and outlined in the independent contractor agreement.
What happens if I complete the training but can't fulfill the pro-bono commitment?
If you are unable to complete the three required pro-bono evaluations, the subsidy amount would need to be repaid to IPP. However, we understand that unexpected circumstances can arise, and extensions may be granted for extenuating circumstances such as medical emergencies, family crises, or other significant life events. Each situation will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis with consideration for your individual circumstances.
Ready to apply?
If you If you don't see your question answered here or need more information, please contact us:
Email: hello@ipp-us.org
Phone: (619) 312-6469
We're happy to discuss the training subsidy program and answer any questions about joining our network of providers committed to serving immigrant communities.