Psychological Evaluations & Counseling for Surrogacy, Donors & Intended Parents

Gestational Carrier and Surrogate Psychological Evaluations

Ensuring the emotional well-being and psychological readiness of gestational carriers is a critical step in the surrogacy process. Following American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) guidelines, our comprehensive psychological evaluation assesses each candidate’s suitability for surrogacy, prioritizing mental health, stability, and preparedness for the journey ahead.

What Does the Surrogacy Evaluation Include?

1. Clinical Interview – A structured assessment covering psychosocial background, reproductive history, lifestyle, and relational dynamics. If applicable, we may also consult with a spouse or partner to discuss the emotional and logistical aspects of surrogacy, from the IVF process to pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum recovery.

2. Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) – A validated psychological test designed to evaluate personality traits, emotional stability, and potential mental health concerns.

3. Comprehensive Report – After reviewing all data, we provide a detailed psychological evaluation report outlining the gestational carrier’s emotional readiness, potential challenges, and overall suitability for the surrogacy process.

Gamete (egg & sperm) Donor Psychological Evaluation

Before donating eggs or sperm all potential donors must undergo a comprehensive psychological evaluation, as recommended by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). This assessment is designed to protect the donor’s well-being, ensure informed decision-making, and minimize potential psychological risks.

What Does the Donor Psychological Evaluation Include?

1. Clinical Interview – A structured assessment covering family history, psychiatric background, coping skills, reproductive and sexual history, current stressors, and motivation for donation. The goal is to confirm that the donor is making an informed, voluntary decision while minimizing potential psychological risks.

2. Psychoeducation Session – Donors receive expert guidance on the psychological and emotional aspects of donation, potential medical risks, future identification or contact with donor-conceived individuals, and disclosure considerations.

3. Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) – A validated multi-scale psychological test designed to evaluate emotional stability, personality traits, and potential mental health concerns.

4. Comprehensive Report – After a full review, we provide a detailed psychological evaluation report for the agency or physician overseeing the donation process.

Psychological Consultation - Intended Parents Using a Gestational Carrier/Surrogate

Choosing to build your family through a gestational carrier (surrogate) is a significant decision that comes with emotional, ethical, and logistical considerations. Our psychological consultations provide intended parents with expert guidance to navigate the complexities of the surrogacy journey with confidence.

What Does the Psychological Consultation Cover?

1. Relationship with Your Gestational Carrier – Explore what level of communication, boundaries, and ongoing relationship you feel comfortable with before, during, and after the pregnancy.

2. Embryo Transfer Decisions – Discuss the number of embryos you wish to transfer and the implications of single vs. multiple embryo transfers.

3. Emotional & Psychological Aspects – Address the emotional impact of working with a gestational carrier, including feelings of loss of control, attachment to the pregnancy, and expectations for the journey.

4. Legal & Ethical Considerations – Understand the psychological implications of surrogacy contracts, parental rights, and potential future challenges.

5. Fertility Clinic & Agency Requirements – Many fertility clinics and surrogacy agencies require intended parents to complete a psychological consultation before moving forward.

Gestational Carrier/Surrogate & Intended Parent Meeting Joint Meeting

A pre-transfer meeting between gestational carriers and intended parents is an important step in fostering a successful surrogacy journey. These discussions help establish expectations, communication styles, and relationship dynamics before the process begins, ensuring alignment and reducing potential conflicts.

What Does the Joint Meeting Cover?

1. Communication Styles & Expectations – Discuss how often and in what ways you’d like to communicate throughout the pregnancy and beyond.

2. Relationship Boundaries – Define the level of personal connection both parties are comfortable with, from medical updates to long-term contact.

3. Decision-Making & Conflict Resolution – Address how major decisions will be made during the pregnancy and how potential disagreements will be handled.

4. Emotional & Psychological Readiness – Explore expectations, concerns, and emotional challenges to ensure all parties feel supported throughout the journey.

5. Assessing Compatibility – Determine whether both parties feel aligned in their values and expectations before moving forward.

Why Choose Our Psychological Evaluation & Consultation Services?

ASRM-Compliant – Our evaluations adhere to American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) guidelines, ensuring ethical, informed, and responsible decision-making in third-party reproduction.

Expertise in Fertility Mental Health – With years of specialized experience in reproductive psychology, we provide compassionate and knowledgeable support tailored to intended parents, donors, and gestational carriers.

Comprehensive & Personalized Approach – We go beyond assessments, offering education, emotional support, and clear guidance to ensure each individual is fully informed, emotionally prepared, and confident in their journey.

Trusted by Fertility Clinics & Agencies – Many clinics and agencies require psychological evaluations and consultations as part of the surrogacy or donation process. We provide thorough, professional, and timely assessments to meet these requirements.