Getting a visa or green card can be highly time-consuming and hard to accomplish. Many people attempting to go through this process are blocked or rejected due to inadmissibility. There are rules and regulations set forth by the Immigration and Nationality Act that land many immigrants in the “inadmissible,” category meaning they are not permitted by law to enter or remain in the United States. The primary types of inadmissibility are part of but not limited to the following:

• Drug addictions, infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, a lack of vaccinations, extreme physical or mental disorders which can cause harm, etc.
• Drug crimes that occur in the U.S. or other countries, morally devoid criminal activity, criminal activity that results in five or more years of jail, prostitution and exploitation, sex crimes and trafficking, or money laundering.
• You are falsely claiming U.S. citizenship, entering the country illegally as a stowaway, the abuse of a student visa, etc.
• You are falsifying/misrepresenting information to obtain a visa or committing fraud while in the visa application process.
• Prior removals from the United States, threats to national security, lack of labor certification, public charges, and several other miscellaneous categories.

When found inadmissible for any reason, it is almost impossible to gain access to the United States. Immigration hardship waivers are one way to tackle this problem. Once an individual has been found inadmissible, the USCIS or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will look at and review the matter if an immigration hardship waiver is submitted. These waivers can only be used if the individual trying to gain access to the U.S. has a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, spouse, parent, child, or qualifying relative that lives in the United States. The waiver states that this qualifying relative will suffer from a level of extreme hardship if the individual trying to gain access is not permitted.

In some instances, the hardship waiver is not enough evidence to convince the USCIS. Appointed attorneys and representatives will more than likely ask applicants to meet with a psychologist to have an immigration hardship evaluation done on their behalf. This type of evaluation documents the various hardships that the qualifying relative will face if their family member can not be with them. Hardship waivers can also be paired with an evaluation if an applicant faces deportation.

Just like any other medical consultation or evaluation, the process can be anxiety-provoking if never done before. The initial interview between you and close family members will help the evaluator understand important psychological, medical, and social background information, as well as your current level of cognitive and psychological functioning. Immigration hardship evaluations are extensive as they aim to investigate the many aspects of an individual’s life so that a proper assessment can be made. Being deported or having family members who can’t enter the country due to being inadmissible can be very overwhelming and can have drastic effects on multiple lives when it occurs. This assessment not only helps in that aspect but is also made to reconcile what could turn out to be a hazardous and even terrifying situation for whoever would be left behind in the wake of such an action.

Effective immigration hardship evaluations should always include a detailed personal history of the person being examined along with the waiver applicant and family members. It should thoroughly and accurately detail the patient’s unique circumstances that make them vulnerable to hardship. Along with that, the evaluation should describe the emotional impact of both separation and re-location. In other words, it must discuss the emotional and psychological effects on the qualifying relative if they become separated from the applicant due to inadmissibility and the psychological and emotional impact on the qualifying relative if they were to relocate abroad to be with the applicant.

If necessary, your evaluator will administer psychological tests and questionnaires to help figure out specific areas where psychological difficulties may occur due to hardship. This part of the evaluation is essential because the USCIS can discount the credibility of a psychological diagnosis if there is not enough evidence or details to support it. The review must give a clear summary of the patient’s psychological and medical history, including the length of time the patient has suffered from any disorders and medical illnesses; any treatments received, including surgery; and the medications the patient has been prescribed. Discussing a history of the previously diagnosed psychological condition (s) will go a long way towards establishing credibility.

After completing an evaluation, the information gathered results in a compiled assessment that can be given to an attorney to be utilized in court. At AACS Counseling, our team consists of certified professional health counselors and psychologists who have extensive training in immigration hardship matters and are ready to answer any questions and concerns.

Anger: The emotion

Feeling angry is not a problem since it is a natural emotional response. The real trouble with anger comes into play when you lose control of your reaction to anger and respond with over-aggressive behavior. Responding to anger in such a manner can result in violent outbursts, physical altercations, run-ins with the law, abuse, and addictive behaviors in some situations. There are many cases where people try to suppress their emotions because they fear going overboard in certain angering conditions, but this is not a solution. The key to returning yourself to a natural emotional state is to strike a healthy balance between experiencing the intensity of your anger and quieting your emotions. Anger management classes can help with this and more when anger starts to get out of hand.

Anger Management

The word anger management speaks for itself in many ways. It is all about recognizing the signs of anger and learning to maintain complete control of anger situations by addressing the emotion responsibly and constructively. With an increasing rise in criminal arrests caused by angered individuals, companies created anger management classes to help individuals identify triggers and productively resolve them. Strategies taught in these classes allow individuals to express their anger and take control of it instead of suppressing it. It is possible to learn anger management techniques independently, but attending an anger management class offers a professional’s guidance and teachings as an added benefit.

Who can attend anger management classes?

A common misconception is that anger management classes are only for those under court or probation orders. In reality, many people attend anger management classes independently to find ways to cope with difficult situations in their lives associated with their emotional response to anger. Whether it’s for a court-related matter or a way of achieving personal intervention, generally speaking, anger management classes are an excellent resource for anyone struggling with anger issues. These issues can frequently result from various circumstances, including low self-esteem, underlying mental health conditions, anxiety, depression, grief, and even social conditioning.

Do I need anger management classes?

Nearly one in ten adults in the United States carry impulsive anger issues, which is why we see fights and road rage instances occurring left and right. Coping with anger issues is complicated enough on its own but acknowledging your anger and need for treatment is even more difficult. The following symptoms may be indicators of acute, mild, or severe issues associated with anger. If any of these scenarios describe any aspect of your lifestyle, you could benefit from attending anger management classes :

• Threatening violence against people or their property when angry.
• Engaging in physical violence or verbal abuse towards others.
• Displaying unsafe and irresponsible behavior, such as reckless driving.
• Getting into arguments that escalate to violence.
• Dwelling on negative experiences or persistent pessimistic thoughts
• Regularly facing a need to hold in your temper.

How can I find an anger management class near me?

Once you recognize anger as a problem in your everyday life, the hard part is almost over. Finding the right anger management program may take some time, but it is a big STEP in the right direction. You can contact medical providers like your doctor and licensed mental health professionals to refer you to a suitable program. Researching for recommendations and resources online is another way to ensure you have options to choose from until you can find one that best suits you. Talking to someone who has attended anger management classes in the past can help prepare you even more. Doing so gives you an idea of what you can expect from anger management lessons if you have any doubts.

How are Anger management classes structured?

Anger management classes are generally available in individual sessions and group therapy settings. With individual counseling, you can talk about your issues with your facilitator and dive deep into any underlying problems since sessions are held privately and on a one-on-one basis. This type of treatment selection allows for a more individualized approach to developing suitable strategies for coping with anger. Group therapy sessions will enable you to hear about the experiences of others, which can help you understand your anger better. These sessions also provide a support network for students in the same group going through similar situations. It is common for counselors and evaluators to pair group therapy with individual counseling to ensure that you get the support you need outside their office.

Anger management classes are structured and intended to give individuals the necessary knowledge and skills to live a happy and healthy life even in angering situations. When an individual who has completed an anger management course is willing to learn and change their habits, the strategies and techniques taught during their anger management class will be effective. It is essential to create a plan and adhere to the process learned to use these techniques in the appropriate context. Abstaining from drugs and alcohol, practicing meditation to stay calm, and reframing your emotions are all ways to complement your anger management efforts. The process can only work if you work it into your life.

ASAM Level I and II criteria describe the treatment as a continued program marked by four and maybe even sometimes five broad levels of service including early intervention. Within these five broad levels, decimal markers are used to dive deeper into the intensity of service. This gives patients the opportunity to move up or down in terms of levels of intensity without having to move to the next benchmark level of care if they feel as though they aren’t fully ready yet.

These treatment programs offer specialized services on a scheduled basis for individuals with alcohol and other drug abuse problems. ASAM Level programs also provide patients with a unique way of sharing their life stories with group members in hopes of benefiting from the input of others. As a patient goes through the different ASAM levels they will learn a variety of socially acceptable values such as self-reliance, responsibility, competency, individual achievement, individual/community protection, and the importance of the family.

Along with that and many other topics discussed through these programs, the counselors in ASAM Level treatments also play a big part. They can be beneficial in supplying information to help clients gain knowledge to make better decisions in their daily lives. ASAM Level classes cover organized non-residential services that can be provided in a variety of environments. Addiction or mental health care professionals provide professionally directed assessments, treatment, and recovery services during these classes. These services are provided at regularly scheduled meetings and follow a defined set of guidelines and procedures, as well as medical protocols.

ASAM Level classes are designed to treat a person’s clinical severity and help the person make lasting changes in alcohol and drug use behavior along with mental performance. To do this, classes are set in place to provide treatment goals and increase an individual’s ability to accomplish important living tasks without the non-medical use of alcohol or other drugs. Lifestyle, attitude, and behavioral issues are some of the things that need to be addressed during ASAM level treatment. The teachings are guided by recent discoveries and experiences in cognitive-behavioral therapy such as motivational discussions, increased motivation, solution-oriented therapies, and stages of change.

Whether you are required to participate in anger management programs or want to take a class for your own personal benefit, you may be wondering what to expect and how the program will help. There are many ways that anger management programs can assist , but classes are generally aimed at providing people with the skills they need to adjust their emotions in a more calming manner. Participating in an anger management class may seem intimidating at first.

Don’t worry, there are many valuable life skills to be learned that can help you better control your emotions. Achieving this level of understanding can prevent anger from causing problems in your life. Anger Management courses are available to anyone who wants a better understanding of anger. Parents yelling at their children, partners who quarrel to the point of emotional abuse, or even employers who blow up on their employees are just a few of the types of people you can meet in an anger management class.

Sometimes an anger management course is ordered by the court. Judges can instruct violent criminals to complete an anger management program. Alternatively, the judge may order one parent to take an anger management class under a custody contract. Anger management courses may also be used in a residential environment. For example, a person with a traumatic brain injury can take an anger management course at a mental health facility if their injury is causing problems with their emotions. Many anger management courses are conducted as educational courses rather than group therapy. Trained instructors usually guide participants through various anger management strategies. With new strategies, participants can work to reduce aggressive behavior and reduce anger in their daily lives. Remember that anger is a normal emotion. Anger only becomes detrimental if it is expressed in an unhealthy way.

As a result, good anger management courses are aimed at dealing with anger rather than learning how to hide. In short, anger management teaches people to recognize their anger and respond in a healthier way. For this reason, it is important to consider anger management as an opportunity to optimize your well-being and improve relationships, not as a punishment, even if the court orders you to do so. Some individuals who are part of an anger management group may require individualized treatment. For example, a person who has had trauma in the past can benefit from having a therapist while learning anger management skills through class. It does not matter how much help you get as long as you get the help you need when it comes to this emotion.

Failing or rejecting a required SAP Evaluations Department Of Transportation (DOT) drug and alcohol test can be difficult not only for employees but also for employers. Employees will have to be suspended from safety-related work which could lead to employers being understaffed. After a failed test, there is a process set up by the Department of Transportation that employees must go through before returning to safety-related duties.

All employers entrusted by the DOT are obligated to comply with federal law. Entry into the reinstatement process begins with an SAP (Substance Abuse Professional) Evaluation. This first step puts employees on the right path back to work. An SAP Evaluation is harmless and very easy to complete in a timely manner. The substance abuse professional conducts the assessment and creates a plan that may include education and treatment.

After the assessment is complete a report will be made containing any information obtained during the assessment and recommendations for the patient. The employer will also receive recommendations on how to monitor your progress as you complete the plan. Finally, at the end of the treatment, you will meet with your evaluator in person for a follow-up assessment. This allows the substance abuse professional to determine if you are truly eligible for return to duty status. At this point, the employer must carry out their own drug tests as part of the recovery process. If the test result is negative, the employer can return the employee to a safety-related job.

Workers returning to work after drug and/or alcohol testing are required to undergo follow-up testing during the next twelve-month employment period. Regulations require substance abuse professionals to perform at least 6 spot checks in a 12-month period; however, they can choose to request any number of unannounced tests over a 60-month period if there is any suspicion that potential violations have occurred repeatedly.

Information Source:

SAMHSA | Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

U.S. Department of Transportation

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration | U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

During outpatient Rehab or rehabilitation, patients live in their homes or in calm housing facilities and move to treatment facilities during the day for additional structure and support. Outpatient rehabilitation provides patients with more freedom than inpatient rehabilitation, which requires them to stay in a treatment facility during the treatment period. Normally, patients will spend time in a detox facility to rehabilitate so that they can start a “clean” rehabilitation.

During outpatient rehabilitation, patients typically go to one or more facilities for one to nine hours of treatment per day. During this time, they participate in individual and group therapies and other treatments such as art therapy and yoga. Case managers can be used to contact private physicians, chiropractic services, and other outpatient care providers such as those who can provide recommendations in regards to applying for government support programs. Some outpatient programs may also offer limited medical support, such as prescription replenishment. There are also outpatient programs that can provide life and recovery coaching. After treatment, the patient returns to normal life and begins the process again the next day.

The cost of inpatient rehabilitation can sometimes scare people away because these treatment centers are usually more expensive than outpatient programs, especially with longer treatment times. Outpatient rehabilitation is usually a low-cost alternative that remains effective in treating drug and alcohol dependence. Let it be known that addiction is a disease that should not be underestimated. Less severe, or even early-stage addictions, must be treated before they become more intense and more difficult to maintain.

However, if the severity of the addiction is low, the daily environment may not affect treatment as much as more severe addiction cases. In addition, less severe and early stage addiction requires less intensive treatment 24 hours a day. Therefore, it may be safer to start outpatient rehabilitation when the worry of relapsing at home is not present.

Intensive Outpatient Programs or Outpatient drug rehabilitation is usually considered a transition program designed to help people close the gap between complete inpatient care and returning to an independent life. This type of treatment program provides intermediate support. It offers many of the same benefits as a full-time program, but the notable difference is the time spent in rehab.

Intensive Outpatient Care Units (IOPs) typically provide clients with a flexible schedule that includes day or night treatment sessions. Clients typically meet three to four times a week, and each client’s treatment plan is tailored to their individual needs. Most plans include a combination of one-on-one counseling, group therapy, and educational sessions. During therapy, the client works on various elements of recovery.

They learn to strengthen their coping skills, effectively cope with their cravings, and develop strategies to reduce stress. Intensive outpatient treatment also helps clients investigate the underlying problems that may have caused substance abuse. Those who have completed a full-time treatment program but still need assistance should consider intensive outpatient rehabilitation.

This type of treatment is also suitable for family members and those who are dedicated to working. You can participate in the treatment program while you are at home. Participants are exposed to many real-life situations that go beyond the comfort of monitored treatment and must actively participate in the recovery. Most clients are advised to embark on a recovery journey with either inpatient treatment or a partial inpatient program to avoid detrimental temptation. There are many reasons why people choose IOPs for substance abuse treatment. Flexibility is an important factor. An intensive outpatient program allows treatment sessions and group discussions to be adapted to existing schedules while family and professional duties can still be fulfilled..

The IOPs also provide your relatives with the opportunity to participate in consultations with you. An often overlooked benefit of intensive outpatient treatment is the immediate implementation of the coping strategies learned. This makes it easier to enhance new skills and integrate them into your life.

The Family Violence Intervention Program (FVIP) is a 24-week professional treatment program focused on the education and behavioral changes of family and domestic violence offenders ordered by the court. It is not an anger management program. The FVIP facilitator implements an evidence-based curriculum that addresses the core elements of power and control that foster violent families and partnerships. In addition, accountability, psychoeducation and peer support elements enhance the effectiveness of such programs.

The Family Violence Intervention Program (FVIP) seeks to address an individual’s unhealthy behaviors and beliefs related to violence, abuse, power and control by providing psychoeducation, accountability, and healthy alternatives. The program aims to increase the safety of current and future victims by addressing the perpetrators’ behavior and providing non-violent alternatives that promote safe and sound relationships.

Victim support services are important in reducing family violence and the recurrence of this type of violence in the community, but they are only part of the equation. Without effective treatment of the perpetrator’s violent habits in a given relationship, the cycle of violence can repeat when the victim returns home. Family violence interventions aim to stop this cycle by addressing both halves of the equation in a conscious and needs-based manner.

In addition, the FVIP program has a positive impact on the community as a whole by providing prosecutors with alternatives that provide a plan of action that leads to change rather than disciplinary action. Most studies show that participants using family violence intervention programs are less likely to commit new acts of violence. Several studies have shown that FVIP reduces recurrence by thirty six to eighty-five percent.

Alcohol and Drug Evaluations mainly help assess drug or alcohol abuse. They determine if you have used drugs or alcohol for any period of time and if you have problems with substance abuse. Drug and alcohol assessments may be required by future employers or may be ordered by the court after a drunk driving or other illegal activity involving drugs or alcohol. Attorneys may use drug and alcohol reviews with plaintiffs or defendants to uphold the proceedings. Addiction Treatment Centers can also use drug and alcohol screenings to determine the amount of care needed for a client. Alcohol and drug evaluations usually take about sixty to ninety minutes.

A certified addiction expert will guide you through all the necessary steps. This process typically involves pre-screening, an evaluation, follow-up meetings, and treatment referrals. The screening itself helps determine if there is a problem, while the evaluation assesses the depth of the problem. Some substance abuse screenings may dive deeper by including a mental health assessment to determine if you are suffering from a mental illness at the same time.

Usually, questions asked at an alcohol and drug evaluation will revolve around substance abuse history, family history of substance use, mental health status, and even physical and medical health issues. The assessment process is more than just a list of questions, it is also a way to further diagnose and assess the results of the screening. With a proper diagnosis of results, personalized follow-up plans can be created as a result of having a drug or alcohol use disorder. It is always always better if an individual can get the help they need for substance abuse when first recognized, to avoid getting into any troublesome situations but this is not always the case. Law enforcement agencies may invoke court orders to assess drug use for illegal activities such as drunk driving or possession of illegal drugs.

Social workers investigating a child’s home environment may also recommend a parent to do an alcohol and drug assessment to show in court. After court-ordered alcohol and drug evaluation, you may be ordered to complete certain requirements that if completed in a timely manner will help in your recovery process and put you in good standing with the court. These requirements can be anywhere along the lines of attending a DUI Alcohol or Drug Risk Reduction Program, being subject to random drug/alcohol urine screenings, and inpatient rehab if necessary.

Addiction, sometimes referred to as substance use disorder is a severe chronic health condition where the use of a substance is uncontrolled to the point where it creates social problems or results in risky use behaviors. Addiction can be caused by many drugs, including alcohol, legal/partially legal drugs such as tobacco and marijuana, prescription drugs such as opioids, and illegal drugs such as heroin and methamphetamine. The good news is: addiction is treatable. Addiction recovery centers firmly believe in working with each patient to build a sense of meaning and purpose to help their willingness to sustain their addiction recovery.

Alcohol Abuse

The objective of treatment for alcohol addiction is abstinence. People with poor social support, poor inspiration, or mental health disorders will more often than not relapse even after a few years of treatment. For these individuals, the achievement is estimated by more extended times of abstinence, decreased utilization of alcohol, better wellbeing, and improved social functioning. Recovery and maintenance are generally founded on 12 step programs and AA gatherings.

Mental Health and Substance Abuse:

Many addiction recovery centers have combined mental health and substance abuse rehabilitation procedures. This includes staff members and assets accessible to deal with people with both mental health and substance abuse issues. It tends to be challenging to figure out where a particular symptom originates from (whether it be a mental health issue or an issue related to substance abuse), so mental health and substance abuse experts are helpful in detangling symptoms and keeping treatment on target.

Opioid Addiction:

Opioid addiction recovery is dedicated to helping people recover from opioid addiction. Recovery centers help people addicted to both illegal opioids like heroin and pharmaceutical opioids like oxycodone. To help people overcome addiction, these facilities usually provide physical, mental, and emotional care. Medical detox and following medical assistance (including medication) are standard forms of material support, while mental support includes in-depth treatment to address the underlying causes of addiction.

Intensive Outpatient Care:

IOPs (Intensive Outpatient Programs) are for people who desire or require a highly organized treatment program but want to live at home and continue to fulfill specific tasks (such as work or school). The duration and complexity of IOP substance abuse treatment programs vary, and some outpatient rehab institutions also offer similar tailored treatment plans.

Partial Hospitalization Program:

A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is a short-term form of intensive rehab for those who have difficult-to-manage acute symptoms but don’t need 24-hour care. PHPs have scheduled programming (i.e., individual or group treatment) and meet for about 6 hours a day, 3-5 days a week. Patients sleep at home in certain PHPs, while some sleep on-site if they are residential.

Medically Assisted Detox:

Addiction to drugs and alcohol often takes a toll on the body. Physical dependence can develop over time, implying that the body needs the chemical to function physiologically. Detox is the process of eliminating drugs and alcohol from the body, which can be dangerous if done incorrectly. Medical detox is carried out by licensed medical specialists who monitor vital signs and ensure that you remain safe, healthy, and comfortable throughout the detox and withdrawal process.

Aftercare Support:

Completing a drug or alcohol rehab program should not be considered the end of Therapy for addiction recovery. Making a long-term recovery plan that includes continuing support is part of aftercare. This may entail sober living arrangements such as halfway houses, career counseling, and enrolling a patient in community organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA).

12-Step Program:

Addiction recovery approaches based on Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) are 12-step programs. The 12 steps are used as the foundation for Therapy in several addiction recovery programs (including particular drug and alcohol rehab institutions). The first stages are admitting powerlessness over the addiction and establishing a spiritual foundation for recovery. Making direct amends to individuals the habit has harmed is one of the intermediate steps. The ultimate step is to support others in addiction recovery in the same way. Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Cocaine Anonymous (CA), Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA), Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA), and Gamblers Anonymous are all 12-Step programs in addiction recovery.

Cognitive-behavioral Therapy:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of Therapy that focuses on the connection between one’s thoughts, feelings, and actions. It’s used to help people build and maintain appropriate reactions to their thoughts and feelings (instead of unhealthy responses, like using drugs or alcohol). CBT is beneficial for all types of recovering addicts, and it is utilized to improve a patient’s self-awareness and ability to self-regulate. CBT enables people to keep track of their emotional states, improve their communication skills, and manage stress without resorting to substance misuse.

Motivational Interviewing:

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a clinical strategy used to assist individuals in addiction recovery in changing their behavior for the better. MI counselors directly aim to persuade clients to contemplate behavioral change, making it more goal-oriented than traditional psychotherapy (rather than waiting for them to come to conclusions themselves). Its main goal is to assist clients in overcoming ambivalence and making healthy decisions on their own