Psychological Evaluations for Surrogacy, Egg & Sperm Donation, and 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, this evaluation assesses each candidate’s emotional preparedness, mental health stability, and overall suitability.

What Does the Evaluation Include?

1. Clinical Interview – A structured assessment covering psychosocial background, reproductive history, lifestyle, and relational dynamics. If applicable, I may also meet with a spouse or partner.

2. Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) – A validated psychological tool used to assess personality traits, emotional stability, and potential clinical concerns.

3. Comprehensive Report – A written evaluation summarizing emotional readiness, potential challenges, and overall psychological suitability for the surrogacy journey.

Gamete (egg & sperm) Donor Psychological Evaluation

All donors must undergo a psychological evaluation to confirm emotional readiness, informed decision-making, and potential risk factors. This process protects the donor's well-being while aligning with clinic and agency standards.

What Does the Donor Evaluation Include?

1. Clinical Interview – A structured assessment covering family history, psychiatric background, reproductive and sexual history, current stressors, and motivation.

2. Psychoeducation Session – Discussion of the emotional and ethical dimensions of donation, future identification/contact potential, and disclosure considerations.

3. Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) – Multi-scale inventory to evaluate emotional functioning and mental health.

4. Comprehensive Report – A clinical write-up summarizing the donor’s readiness and emotional suitability.

Psychological Consultation - Intended Parents Using a Gestational Carrier/Surrogate

Choosing to build your family through a gestational carrier comes with emotional, ethical, and relational complexity. I offer consultations to help intended parents prepare for what lies ahead—and feel confident in their decisions.

Consultation Topics Often Include:

1. Relationship with the Gestational Carrier

2. Embryo Transfer Plans & Medical Decision-Making

3. Emotional & Psychological Expectations

4. Disclosure & Communication Planning

5. Legal/Ethical Considerations & Agency Requirements

Struggling to move forward? Some intended parents seek therapy while still deciding whether surrogacy feels like the right next step. If you're feeling stuck, conflicted, or grieving the path you hoped to take, therapy can help you explore your options without pressure.

Joint Sessions for Gestational Carriers & Intended Parents

Pre-transfer meetings help build trust, clarify expectations, and prevent future conflict. These are typically required by agencies and clinics.

What We Cover in a Joint Session:

1. Communication styles and frequency

2. Relationship boundaries and personal space

3. Decision-making and medical preferences

4. Emotional readiness and alignment of values

Beyond the Evaluation: Ongoing Support

Ongoing Therapy for Gestational Carriers I offer continued support beyond the evaluation to help surrogates navigate:

• Pregnancy loss or termination

• Postpartum recovery and identity shifts

• Medical trauma or complicated births

• Emotional boundaries with intended parents

Support for Conflict & Match Challenges When misunderstandings arise between intended parents and gestational carriers, I provide neutral support to repair emotional trust, clarify communication, and preserve match viability—before issues escalate.

Therapy for Intended Parents Still Deciding Not everyone comes to this path ready. I work with clients who are weighing whether to move forward with surrogacy or donor conception, sitting in grief, or unsure if this is the right path at all. Therapy offers space to think, feel, and decide—without judgment or urgency.

Learn more about infertility and IVF counseling.

Why Choose Me

• ASRM-Aligned: All evaluations meet clinical standards and documentation requirements

• Deep Experience: Years of expertise working with surrogates, donors, and intended parents

• Perinatal Mental Health Certified (PMH-C): Specialized training in fertility and postpartum psychology