
Psychological Evaluations, Counseling & Support for Third-Party Reproduction
We provide psychological evaluations, counseling, and psychoeducation for intended parents, recipient parents, egg and sperm donors, and gestational carrier candidates.
Choosing egg donation, sperm donation, embryo donation, or surrogacy is a deeply personal journey that requires trust and informed decision-making. We’re here to provide the guidance, education, and support you need to move forward with confidence.
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?
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.
Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) – A validated psychological test designed to evaluate personality traits, emotional stability, and potential mental health concerns.
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?
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.
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.
Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) – A validated multi-scale psychological test designed to evaluate emotional stability, personality traits, and potential mental health concerns.
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?
Relationship with Your Gestational Carrier – Explore what level of communication, boundaries, and ongoing relationship you feel comfortable with before, during, and after the pregnancy.
Embryo Transfer Decisions – Discuss the number of embryos you wish to transfer and the implications of single vs. multiple embryo transfers.
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.
Legal & Ethical Considerations – Understand the psychological implications of surrogacy contracts, parental rights, and potential future challenges.
Fertility Clinic & Agency Requirements – Many fertility clinics and surrogacy agencies require intended parents to complete a psychological consultation before moving forward.
Psychological Consultations for Intended Parents Utilizing Donor Eggs, Donor Sperm or Donor Embryos
Building a family through egg donation, sperm donation, or embryo donation is a deeply personal and complex journey. Our psychological consultations provide recipient parents with the support, education, and guidance needed to navigate this process with confidence and clarity.
What Does the Psychological Consultation Cover?
Emotional and Psychological Considerations – Explore your feelings about conceiving with donor gametes and address any emotional concerns you or your partner may have.
Disclosure Guidance – Learn about best practices for discussing donor conception with your future child, including timing, language, and long-term implications.
Choosing the Right Donor – Gain insight into selecting a donor who aligns with your values, family goals, and emotional well-being.
Reproductive & Family History – Discuss personal and relational factors that may impact your journey, ensuring a fully informed decision-making process.
Psychoeducation on the Donation Process – Understand the psychological aspects of third-party reproduction, including potential challenges, ethical considerations, and future identity issues for the donor-conceived child.
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?
Communication Styles & Expectations – Discuss how often and in what ways you’d like to communicate throughout the pregnancy and beyond.
Relationship Boundaries – Define the level of personal connection both parties are comfortable with, from medical updates to long-term contact.
Decision-Making & Conflict Resolution – Address how major decisions will be made during the pregnancy and how potential disagreements will be handled.
Emotional & Psychological Readiness – Explore expectations, concerns, and emotional challenges to ensure all parties feel supported throughout the journey.
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.
Psychological Evaluation and Screenings for:
Oocyte Donation (Egg and Sperm donors)
Gestational Carriers/Surrogates
Embryo Donation
Member of
Psychological Consultations for:
Egg, sperm, or embryo donor recipients
Recipient parents /Intended parents
Singles parents by choice
Couples considering third-party reproduction