What can I (Intended Parent) expect during the psychological consultation and psychoeducation appointment?

A psychological consultation and psychoeducation appointment for Intended Parents is approximately 30 minutes long in which your journey to parenthood thus far is reviewed, and assists in preparing for your surrogacy journey with the following considerations:

• Discussing decisions regarding embryos, such as prenatal testing, number of embryos/cycles planned, and potential medical necessity decision-making during pregnancy

• Outlining the expectations of and from surrogate during pregnancy, such as meeting emotional needs of surrogate, communication frequency/method of communication during pregnancy and post-partum contact (if any), legal rights of surrogate

• Identifying your support system and/or emotional preparedness for a surrogacy journey

• Confirmation of legal representation

What can I (Gestational Carrier, Egg/Sperm Donor) expect during a psychological evaluation?

A psychological evaluation for a Gestation Carrier (and her spouse/partner) and Egg/Sperm Donor is approximately 90 minutes long and consists of a clinical interview that inquires about the following:

• Motivation to pursue surrogacy beyond financial gain

• Social functioning and support system

• Educational and professional backgrounds

• Family dynamics and background

• Past and present mental health history

• Reproductive, medical, and legal histories

• Impact of a surrogacy journey on you and your family in order to assess your

  preparedness to embark on a surrogacy journey

In addition, a Gestational Surrogate needs to complete a Personality Inventory Assessment (PAI), a 344 question self-reported assessment that screens for psychopathologies.

Should I be nervous for my psychological evaluation?

No! We are all human with life experiences, and nothing you share will be something I haven’t heard in my 23 years in the mental health field. It is important to answer questions transparently so that I can prepare an accurate evaluation report. I commit to ensuring your comfort level during your consultation/evaluation, guiding your understanding of a surrogacy journey, and answering any questions you may have about the potential psychological implications of the surrogacy journey.

Does a Gestational Carrier’s spouse/partner need to attend the psychological evaluation?

Yes, a Gestational Carrier’s spouse/partner needs to be present and participate in the clinical interview portion of the psychological evaluation, to ensure that the spouse/partner will be supportive and fully understands what can be expected in a surrogacy journey.

For clinics that require a joint psychological evaluation, a spouse/partner also needs to be present for this session as well.

Is the psychological evaluation held in person or via telehealth?

The psychological evaluation is conducted via telehealth. Once a date/time for the psychological evaluation is established, you will be sent a secure telehealth link. Please ensure that you are in a private location for your psychological assessment, as personal information will be discussed.

Who will see the results of my psychological evaluation?

Prior to your appointment, I will send you an invite to a HIPAA-compliant client portal, where you will electronically sign an Informed Consent to participate in the consultation/evaluation, as well as a Release of Information so that I can send my psychological evaluation/consultation report to the requesting clinic or agency.

Can insurance be used to pay for the psychological evaluation?

No, insurance cannot be used, as billing to insurance requires a billing code, and a psychological evaluation for the purposes of surrogacy is not covered by insurance. A debit/credit card is required at time of booking, and payment will be rendered immediately following appointment.