GUIDANCE FOR YOUR PATH TO PARENTHOOD

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What is a Fertility/Reproduction Psychological Evaluation?

 

 

A fertility or third-party reproduction psychological evaluation is an essential part of the reproductive process for individuals, couples, and families pursuing assisted reproduction through surrogacy, egg donation, sperm donation, or embryo donation. This assessment ensures that all parties involved are emotionally prepared, well-informed, and supported before moving forward with fertility treatment.

 

Fertility centers, reproductive endocrinologists, and family-building agencies often require a psychological evaluation to confirm that intended parents, donors, and gestational carriers fully understand the medical, legal, and emotional aspects of assisted reproduction. The goal of this process is to support healthy decision-making, transparent communication, and positive relationships throughout the journey to parenthood.

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Each evaluation is conducted by a licensed psychologist experienced in reproductive psychology and follows ethical guidelines established by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).

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Benefits and Purpose of a Psychological Evaluation

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A fertility or third-party reproduction evaluation offers important insights for both clients and fertility professionals. Key benefits include:

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• Emotional Readiness and Stability: Evaluates emotional well-being, coping abilities, and motivation for pursuing assisted reproduction.

• Informed Decision-Making: Ensures donors, surrogates, and intended parents understand the psychological, medical, and ethical implications of their choices.

• Relationship and Communication Readiness: Assesses expectations and communication styles between all parties to promote cooperation and reduce misunderstandings during treatment.

• Ethical and Legal Compliance: Meets clinic, agency, and ASRM standards for emotional screening and documentation required for fertility treatment approval.

• Support and Guidance: Provides recommendations or resources for coping with the emotional aspects of fertility treatment, pregnancy, or surrogacy relationships.

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This process promotes emotional well-being and helps create a strong foundation for a successful fertility journey, ensuring that everyone involved feels supported and prepared.

 

 

 

​Steps and Process of the Psychological Assessment

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Our fertility and third-party reproduction evaluations are confidential, structured, and designed to meet both clinical and fertility program requirements. The process typically includes:

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• Referral and Scheduling: Your fertility clinic, surrogacy agency, or legal representative may refer you for a psychological evaluation, or you may contact our office directly. Appointments are available in person or through secure telehealth throughout California.

• Clinical Interview: During your session, you will meet with a licensed psychologist to discuss your background, reasons for pursuing assisted reproduction, expectations, support systems, and emotional readiness.

• Standardized Questionnaires: You may complete brief assessments that explore personality traits, emotional functioning, and coping strategies to support clinical understanding.

• Review and Interpretation: The psychologist reviews your responses and develops a comprehensive understanding of your psychological preparedness and relational strengths.​

• Report and Feedback: A detailed written report is prepared and sent to your fertility clinic, agency, or attorney as required. Reports are typically completed within one to two weeks.

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Types of Fertility and Third-Party Reproduction Evaluations

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We provide a full range of psychological evaluations related to assisted reproduction, including:

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• Gestational Surrogacy Psychological Evaluation

• Egg Donor Psychological Evaluation

• Sperm Donor Psychological Evaluation

• Embryo Donation Psychological Evaluation

• Intended Parent Psychological Evaluation

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Each evaluation is individualized, compassionate, and conducted with respect for diverse family structures and cultural backgrounds.

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What to Expect and How to Schedule​​

 

Fertility psychological evaluations are designed to be supportive and educational, not a pass-or-fail test. You do not need to prepare extensively, but reflecting on your goals, expectations, and hopes for the fertility process can be helpful. 

 

To schedule your appointment, complete the contact form on our website or email our office directly. If your fertility clinic, surrogacy agency, or attorney has submitted a referral, our office will contact you within a few business days to arrange your evaluation.  Evaluations are available throughout California via secure telehealth and in person for local clients. Our goal is to make the process efficient, comfortable, and clinically thorough—helping ensure that every participant in the reproductive process is emotionally supported and ready for a positive outcome.

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Fee Statement – Fertility & Reproductive Psychological Assessments

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The fee for a Fertility or Reproductive Psychological Assessment ranges from $2,000 to $5,000, depending on the depth of evaluation, number of sessions, and level of testing required.

• Basic Assessments ($2,000):
  Designed for straightforward evaluations requiring a single clinical interview and a focused report. This package includes a biopsychosocial interview, essential personality and emotional screening measures (e.g., MMPI-3, BDI-II, BAI), and a brief written report (4–6 pages) suitable for fertility clinics or agencies requesting psychological clearance.

• Standard Assessments ($3,500):
  Ideal for more comprehensive evaluations that include a full cognitive screening (WASI-II), personality assessment (MMPI-3), and emotional and risk measures. The assessment explores coping strategies, relationship dynamics, motivation for donation or surrogacy, and emotional preparedness. A detailed report (6–8 pages) is provided within 7–10 business days.

• Premium Assessments ($5,000):
  Recommended for complex or high-stakes cases requiring in-depth exploration of psychosocial functioning, trauma history, or cognitive and emotional stability. This package includes extended interviews (2–3 hours), a full cognitive battery (WAIS-IV), comprehensive emotional and risk testing, and a detailed report (10+ pages) suitable for court or medical board submission.

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All fertility and reproductive assessments include:

• Clinical interview(s) via secure telehealth.

• Administration and interpretation of standardized psychological tests.

• Integration of psychosocial, cognitive, and emotional findings into a clear, professional report.

• One follow-up consultation to review results and provide clarification as needed.