Maria Elena Vasquez

Dr. Mitchell

Ms. Vasquez, I want to make sure you understand the nature of today's evaluation. This was ordered by the court as part of your custody proceedings. The information you share may be included in my report to the court. Do you understand?

Client

Yes. My lawyer explained it.

Dr. Mitchell

Good. I want this to feel as comfortable as possible. Can you tell me about your current living situation?

Client

I live in a two-bedroom apartment with my daughter, Lucia. She's seven. We moved there after the separation last June. It's small but it's ours. She has her own room.

Dr. Mitchell

How has the transition been for Lucia?

Client

She's been... she has some trouble at school. Her teacher says she's quiet now, which she never was before. She asks about her dad a lot. I try to keep things normal — same bedtime, same routine.

Dr. Mitchell

And how are you managing emotionally through the separation?

Client

I started therapy six months ago. I take my medication — sertraline, 100mg. I'm stable. I know the court has questions because of my hospitalization two years ago, but that was a different time. I wasn't on medication, the marriage was falling apart, and I wasn't sleeping.

Dr. Mitchell

Can you tell me more about that hospitalization?

Client

It was five days. Voluntary. I was having panic attacks multiple times a day and I couldn't function. They stabilized me, started the sertraline, and I've been consistent since. My psychiatrist, Dr. Okafor, can confirm.

Dr. Mitchell

That shows real initiative in managing your health. How would you describe your relationship with Lucia?

Client

She's my world. I coach her soccer team on Saturdays. We cook together — she loves making arepas with me. I read to her every night. I'm not perfect, but I'm present.