California · Virtual statewide

California Surrogacy & Donor Psychological Evaluations

ASRM-aligned psychological evaluations for gestational carriers (surrogates), egg, sperm, and embryo donors, and intended parents, from a practice based in Los Angeles and serving all of California.

At a glance
EvaluatorsRachel Goldberg, LMFT, PMH-C
IncludesClinical interview, PAI, partner interview when applicable
FormatSecure telehealth, anywhere in California
Based inStudio City, Los Angeles
ReportASRM-aligned, sent to your clinic, agency, or attorney with consent
Affiliations: ASRM · ASRM Mental Health Professional Group · SEEDS · PSI Serving: Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley, Orange County, San Diego, the Bay Area, Sacramento, and all of California

Evaluations and consultations in California

Agencies, fertility clinics, and attorneys in any state can refer a California candidate directly. About our surrogacy and donor evaluations

Gestational Carrier Psychological Evaluations

California carriers complete a clinical interview and the PAI, and partners join for their own interview when applicable. What the evaluation covers

Book an Evaluation

Donor Psychological Evaluations

For California egg, sperm, and embryo donors, directed (identified) or nonidentified, from San Diego to Sacramento. Egg donor · Sperm donor

Book an Evaluation

Intended Parent Consultations

For intended and recipient parents working with a California carrier or donor, including families matching here from abroad. What to expect

Book an IP Consultation

Joint Sessions

A shared session for intended parents and their gestational carrier or directed (identified) donor, held before the California agreement is signed and notarized.

Book a Joint Session

Infertility and IVF counseling in California

Virtual counseling for individuals and couples across California, from a practice based in Studio City. Counseling for Californians through IVF, failed transfers, pregnancy loss, donor conception, and the decision to pursue surrogacy. Infertility & IVF Counseling

How it works

01

Book or get referred

California candidates can book directly, or an agency or clinic can send the referral.

02

Complete intake, then meet

Intake forms are completed ahead of time, then we meet by video. The secure video link follows.

03

Report to your clinic or agency

With your consent, the written ASRM-aligned report goes to your clinic, agency, or California attorney.

Full details: What to Expect During Third-Party Reproduction Evaluations

Becoming a surrogate in California

California carriers who match through an agency or independently complete medical screening and a psychological evaluation first. California law does not set age or pregnancy requirements for carriers, so clinics and agencies apply ASRM guidance and their own criteria. If you have a partner, the evaluation includes a partner interview. What the evaluation covers

Licensed in California

Based in Los Angeles, serving all of California

Rachel Goldberg, LMFT, PMH-C Founder. Licensed in California (LMFT #143189). Chair of the SEEDS Mental Health Professional Committee.
Meet the team

What California law requires for gestational surrogacy

California permits gestational surrogacy under Family Code §§ 7960 to 7962. The law applies to married and unmarried intended parents and has no residency requirement.

Separate attorneysThe carrier and the intended parents each have their own attorney before signing. § 7962(b)
Signed before transferThe agreement is signed and notarized before embryo transfer or injectable medications begin. § 7962(c), (d)
Pre-birth judgmentA parentage judgment can be filed and issued before the child is born. § 7962(e), (f)
Psychological evaluationNot required by statute. California clinics and agencies ask for it, following ASRM guidance.

This is a summary for general information, not legal advice. Each side's California attorney confirms how §§ 7960 to 7962 apply to your agreement.

California surrogacy evaluation FAQs

Is a psychological evaluation required for surrogacy in California?

California law does not require one. Clinics and agencies typically do, for the gestational carrier and usually her partner, following ASRM guidance.

What are the requirements to be a surrogate in California?

California law does not set age or pregnancy requirements. Clinics and agencies follow ASRM guidance, which recommends a carrier be 21 to 45 with at least one uncomplicated term pregnancy, plus their own medical and psychological screening.

What does a psychological assessment for surrogates in California include?

A clinical interview, the PAI (a standardized personality assessment), and a partner interview when applicable. The written report goes to your clinic, agency, or attorney with your consent.

Do intended parents in California need a consultation?

Many California IVF clinics ask intended parents to complete a consultation on expectations, communication with the carrier, and disclosure.

Can I complete my evaluation virtually in California?

Yes. Every session is by secure video, from Los Angeles and the Bay Area to the Central Valley. Rachel Goldberg is licensed in California, and the practice is based in Studio City.

Pregnancy and postpartum support in California

Virtual therapy for California parents covering pregnancy after infertility, perinatal anxiety and depression, and the postpartum transition. Pregnancy & Postpartum Therapy

Schedule a psychological evaluation in California

Agencies and clinics: refer a candidate or set up a partnership for your California cases.