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Bridging Mental Health and Legal Advocacy: Florida Therapist Earns Certification to Support Immigrant Survivors of Trauma

Fort Lauderdale, FL — July 28, 2025, Serenity Space Therapy is proud to announce that its founder, Alexandra Vaganova, has completed a nationally recognized certification in Immigration Evaluations for Mental Health Professionals. This milestone positions her as one of the few mental health providers in Florida trained to conduct psychological trauma assessments for survivors navigating complex immigration processes such as VAWA, U Visa, T Visa, and asylum cases.

Awarded by PESI and led by LCSW and forensic expert Marc Sadoff, this specialized training equips clinicians with essential tools to write court-ready psychological evaluations and provide expert testimony. Vaganova's certification marks a significant expansion in her clinical services, now directly supporting immigrant survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking, and persecution in their legal battles for safety and protection.

“Several of my clients had asked if I could support them with evaluations for immigration petitions. That request stayed with me,” said Vaganova. “This certification allows me to do more than offer therapy—it enables me to help survivors tell their psychological story in a way that is both compassionate and legally effective.”

Though not a legal requirement, the certification ensures clinicians understand how to translate trauma experiences into documents that meet legal standards. This training is especially crucial as demand continues to grow and few therapists are trained in this niche intersection of mental health and immigration law.

“There is a real shortage of providers trained to do this work in Florida,” Vaganova added. “My hope is that more therapists pursue this path, so no survivor has to navigate these systems alone.”

Vaganova’s work at Serenity Space Therapy centers on trauma-informed care for women and marginalized communities. With this new certification, she extends her mission even further, giving voice to those whose stories are too often overlooked in courtrooms and immigration interviews.

To learn more about Serenity Space Therapy or request a consultation for an immigration psychological evaluation, visit www.serenityspacetherapy.net.

About Serenity Space Therapy

Serenity Space Therapy is a trauma-informed mental health practice serving clients across Florida and Arizona through in-person and telehealth sessions. Founded by Alexandra Vaganova, LMFT, MCAP, the practice specializes in supporting individuals and couples navigating trauma, anxiety, relationship struggles, and self-worth challenges. With over 5,000 clients served and more than 30 years of combined clinical experience, the Serenity Space team blends evidence-based care, including EMDR, body-oriented therapies, and CBT—with deep empathy and cultural sensitivity.

The practice is especially known for creating a safe, inclusive, and affirming space for healing, particularly for those affected by abuse, marginalization, or systemic harm. With this new certification in immigration evaluations, Serenity Space Therapy expands its trauma-responsive services to meet the urgent legal and emotional needs of survivors seeking safety through immigration relief.

Whether you’re recovering from a difficult relationship, working to heal from childhood trauma, or advocating for your future in court, Serenity Space Therapy offers compassionate, expert guidance every step of the way.

 

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