What to Expect: Psychological Evaluations and Consultations for Surrogacy and Donor Conception
Clear guidance on psychological evaluations, consultations, and joint sessions for gestational carriers, intended parents, and donors.
This page outlines what to expect when working with me for psychological evaluations and consultations related to surrogacy, egg donation, sperm donation, and embryo donation. Services are structured to meet current professional and industry standards and are designed to be efficient, thoughtful, and collaborative.
Use the buttons below to jump to the service that applies to you.
Gestational Carrier Psychological Evaluation
Who this is for
Individuals pursuing gestational surrogacy who are working with an agency, fertility clinic, or attorney and require a comprehensive psychological evaluation.
What to expect
The evaluation includes a clinical interview and standardized psychological testing. If you have a partner, that person is required to participate in the interview portion. The goal is to assess readiness, emotional stability, insight, support systems, and the ability to navigate the demands of surrogacy.
What we cover
Motivation for surrogacy and understanding of the role
Emotional history, coping style, and stress tolerance
Support systems and relational dynamics
Financial context and decision-making autonomy
Understanding of medical risks, boundaries, and expectations
Attitudes toward intended parents, pregnancy, and relinquishment
How to prepare
Complete intake materials in advance of the appointment
Standardized psychological testing is administered during the evaluation
Set aside uninterrupted time for the clinical interview
If you have a partner, ensure they are available to participate in the interview portion
After the evaluation
A written psychological report is provided to the referring agency, clinic, or attorney, with appropriate consent. Follow-up clarification is available if needed.
Intended Parent Psychological Consultation or Evaluation
Who this is for
Intended parents pursuing surrogacy who are seeking a required evaluation, agency consultation, or additional support prior to matching.
What to expect
This consultation focuses on emotional readiness, expectations, and the relational aspects of working with a gestational carrier. The session is collaborative and exploratory, with attention to the unique considerations that arise across different paths to parenthood.
What we cover
Your path to parenthood and what led you to pursue surrogacy
Expectations of the gestational carrier relationship
Emotional, relational, and identity considerations
Decision-making around medical contingencies
Communication, boundaries, and conflict resolution
Support systems and coping strategies
How to prepare
Reflect on your goals, concerns, and expectations for the surrogacy journey
Consider any questions or topics you want to make sure are addressed
Both parties should attend when applicable
After the consultation
A written summary or report is provided when required by agencies or clinics. Additional consultations can be scheduled as needed.
Egg Donor Psychological Evaluation
Who this is for
Egg donors completing a required psychological evaluation through an agency or fertility clinic.
What to expect
The evaluation assesses emotional readiness, informed consent, and the ability to navigate the short and long term implications of egg donation.
What we cover
Motivation and understanding of the donation process
Emotional health and psychological history
Decision-making capacity and autonomy
Attitudes toward future contact and disclosure
Understanding of medical risks and emotional impact
How to prepare
Complete intake materials in advance of the appointment
Allow time for both the clinical interview and standardized psychological testing
Be prepared to discuss personal, family, and emotional history
After the evaluation
A written report is shared with the referring agency or clinic, with donor consent.
Sperm Donor Psychological Evaluation
Who this is for
Sperm donors completing a required psychological evaluation for donation through a clinic or agency.
What to expect
The evaluation focuses on emotional health, motivation, informed consent, and understanding of the long-term implications of donation.
What we cover
Motivation for donation
Psychological and emotional history
Understanding of genetic contribution and future implications
Attitudes toward disclosure and potential future contact
Coping skills and support systems
How to prepare
Complete intake materials in advance of the appointment
Allow time for both the clinical interview and standardized psychological testing
Be prepared to discuss personal, family, and emotional history
After the evaluation
A written report is provided to the referring clinic or agency.
Directed (Identified) Donor Consultation or Evaluation
(Egg, Sperm, or Embryo Donation)
Who this is for
Parties involved in directed (identified) donation arrangements, including friends or family members serving as donors or recipients.
What to expect
These consultations address the added relational, emotional, and boundary considerations that arise in identified donation arrangements. The focus is on clarity, communication, and long-term relational impact across all parties.
What we cover
Motivation and expectations across parties
Relational history and dynamics
Boundary setting and communication
Long-term considerations, including ongoing, age-appropriate communication and future contact
Emotional risks and areas of potential strain
How to prepare
Reflect on expectations, boundaries, and long-term considerations
Be prepared for open and honest discussion about relational dynamics
After the consultation
Written summaries or reports are provided when required. Joint and individual sessions may be recommended depending on the arrangement.
Recipient Parent Consultation
(Nonidentified or Directed (Identified) Donor)
Who this is for
Recipient parents who are considering or planning to build a family using a nonidentified or directed (identified) egg, sperm, or embryo donor and want support navigating the emotional, relational, and long-term considerations of donor conception.
What to expect
This is a single-session consultation designed to help you feel more prepared and grounded as you move forward. The session is exploratory and educational rather than evaluative, with space to reflect, ask questions, and think through decisions that often extend beyond the medical process.
Sessions are held virtually via secure telehealth. When applicable, partners are expected to attend together.
What we cover
Decision-making around donor type, including nonidentified and directed (identified) options
Support in clarifying values, priorities, and concerns when a donor has not yet been selected
Emotional and relational considerations related to using fresh versus frozen eggs
Considerations related to level of future contact and evolving family boundaries
Emotional responses that can arise around donor conception
Managing questions, assumptions, or reactions from others
Ongoing, age-appropriate communication with children about their origins
What donor-conceived children tend to be curious about over time
How to prepare
Reflect on questions, concerns, or areas of uncertainty
Consider what feels most complex or emotionally charged about this step
No formal preparation is required beyond showing up thoughtfully
After the consultation
This is not a psychological evaluation or clearance in the traditional sense; however, many clinics and agencies require this consultation as part of the donor conception process. Many people leave feeling more informed, less alone in their thinking, and better equipped to move forward with clarity and intention.
Joint Session
(Gestational Carrier–Intended Parents or Directed (Identified) Donor Arrangements)
Who this is for
Matched gestational carriers and intended parents, as well as parties involved in directed (identified) egg, sperm, or embryo donation arrangements, who are required or encouraged to participate in a joint psychological session.
What to expect
The joint session provides a structured space for shared discussion prior to proceeding medically. The focus is on communication, alignment, and clarifying expectations, with attention to the unique relational dynamics present in collaborative family-building arrangements.
Sessions are conducted virtually via secure telehealth unless otherwise arranged.
What we cover
Roles, expectations, and boundaries across parties
Communication preferences and styles
Decision-making around medical scenarios and areas of uncertainty
Navigating differing perspectives or emotional responses
Setting a foundation for respectful, ongoing collaboration
How to prepare
Review agency or clinic guidance related to the joint session
Reflect on questions, concerns, or expectations you want addressed together
Be prepared for open, respectful dialogue across parties
After the session
When required, a written summary is provided to the referring agency, clinic, or attorney. This session is not an individual psychological evaluation but is often a required step prior to medical progression.
Additional Information
- All services are provided via secure telehealth unless otherwise arranged.
- Psychological evaluations include a clinical interview and proctored psychological testing.
- Consultations and joint sessions are not individual therapy.
- Reports and summaries are shared only with appropriate written consent.
- I regularly collaborate with fertility clinics, agencies, and attorneys.
Let’s get started.
Psychological evaluations and consultations for donors, gestational carriers, and intended parents—book a session and take the next step in your journey.
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