Building your family.
Third Party Reproduction Evaluations
I am trained in providing psychological reproduction evaluations per the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) guidelines.
Whether you’re getting ready for IVF treatment or need a gestational carrier psychological evaluation, I can help.
Consultations and evaluations with a mental health professional are often required by fertility clinics before beginning treatment and are considered a best practice. Beyond meeting requirements, these services are also beneficial in ensuring that you are matched with the donor and/or gestational carrier that is the best fit for you and your family.
Embryo, Egg and Sperm Donor Psychological Evaluations.
Not all psychologists specialize in testing and assessment. I provide comprehensive reproductive evaluations with a strong commitment to the psychological well-being of all parties involved. I have received advanced training in the use of the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI), focusing on sperm, egg, and embryo donor screening. The goal of these evaluations is to ensure that donors meets the psychological guidelines established by ASRM.
For anonymous egg and sperm donor screenings, the process includes a clinical interview and the completion of the PAI. If the donor is married or has a live-in partner, their spouse or partner is also required to attend part of the session. A detailed report will be forwarded to the appropriate agency or clinic. Recommendations are based on emotional stability, psychological functioning, maturity, and the ability to provide informed consent. Screenings are conducted via HIPAA-compliant Zoom for convenience and confidentiality.
If you are using a donor egg, sperm, or embryo, this evaluation is required for the donor. For directed donations (e.g., from someone you know), you may arrange the screening directly. If the donor is an acquaintance, friend, or family member, an additional joint meeting between the recipients, donor, and the donor’s spouse/partner is also required. In this meeting, we will discuss disclosure, the disposition of unused embryos, and decision-making authority.
If you are using an anonymous donor, please check with your clinic or donor organization, as they may handle the evaluation. Additionally, if you are an organization seeking donor evaluations, I am happy to assist you in the process.
Gestational Carrier Psychological Evaluations.
I have also received advanced training in using the PAI for gestational carrier screenings. If you are using a gestational carrier (someone who will carry the fetus to term but is not donating their eggs) in your fertility journey, this evaluation is required for the carrier. The purpose of the psychological screening is to ensure that the carrier meets the guidelines established by ASRM and to safeguard the psychological well-being of both the potential carrier and the intended parent(s).
During the screening, the potential carrier will participate in a clinical interview and complete the PAI. If applicable, the gestational carrier’s spouse or live-in partner will also be required to attend part of the session and may be asked to complete the PAI. If the potential carrier is a friend or family member, a joint meeting is required to ensure all parties are aligned on critical issues, such as the number of embryos to transfer, termination decisions, and the ongoing relationship between the parties. A comprehensive report will be forwarded to the appropriate agency or clinic. Recommendations are based on emotional stability, maturity, understanding of the emotional aspects of the process, psychological functioning, and the ability to provide informed consent. Screenings are conducted via HIPAA-compliant Zoom for confidentiality and convenience.
If you are working with a gestational carrier you already know, you may arrange the evaluation directly. If you are using a gestational carrier found through a third-party organization, I recommend checking with them about this evaluation, as they may be handling it on their end already. If you are an organization seeking an evaluation for a potential gestational carrier, I am happy to assist you in this process as well.
Intended Parent Consultations.
The decision to proceed with treatment using donor egg, sperm, or embryo is complex and personal. Many reproductive medical practices require gamete recipients and intended parent(s) to meet with a mental health professional skilled in reproductive psychology before beginning their IVF cycle. This is an opportunity to discuss your fertility journey and plans with a qualified mental health professional.
Intended parent consultations are 1-2 hour psycho-educational meetings that cover key topics such as decisions about if, how, and when to disclose the use of third-party reproduction. I will also address critical decision points throughout the process to ensure that you and your partner are aligned with the family-building plan. Additional topics include donor/surrogate selection, future contact with the donor and/or surrogate, feelings about the loss of genetic connection to the child, readiness to use donor material, and decisions regarding remaining embryos. We will also explore how to avoid common pitfalls in the process. Feel free to bring any questions you may have to this meeting.
If you are using a known donor or carrier, an additional meeting with all parties is required to ensure everyone agrees with the plan and to address any potential differences. After the session, I will provide a brief report for your physician or clinic. This is not an evaluation to pass or fail, but rather part of an ongoing conversation about this next big transition and step in your life.