The Psychological Screening Process
Surrogates & Egg Donors
The psychological screening process is an important component of the overall third party candidate screening process that helps determine whether an individual is a suitable donor or gestational carrier. I offer a psychosocial evaluation interview as well as psychological testing for egg donor and surrogate candidates. A letter and assessment report will be provided to the fertility clinic or individual physician. Follow up sessions for surrogates are also available.
Clinical Psychosocial Evaluation Interview
This consultation and interview will help surrogate and egg donor candidates discover if the decision is the right one for them. The process also allows me to determine such things as what the goals and expectations of the donor or surrogate candidate are regarding their role leading up to the pregnancy, during the pregnancy and after the birth of the child.
Psychological Testing
The assessment protocols I use help determine whether there are any indications of major mental illness which would prevent one from having a third party role in assisted reproduction.
The clinic or physician will typically request one or more of the following psychological assessments.
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MMPI-2 (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2)
This test is used to measure personality traits as well as emotional psychosocial maladjustments.
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GAMA (General Ability Measure for Adults)
This test measures general cognitive ability and IQ.
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QVW (Quickview Social History)
This test screens for various psychological, physical, or social problems. It covers the following nine major areas: demographics, developmental history, family of origin, educational history, marital history, occupation history/financial status, legal history, military history, and a symptom screen (psychological and physical).
Letter & Assessment Report
The results are sent to the fertility clinic or individual physician.
Follow Up Sessions For Surrogates
I offer continued support sessions for gestational carriers from the beginning of the assisted cycle(s) through the prenatal months until postpartum. These sessions can help smooth out any unanticipated bumps in the road and can be an enormous help in making sure the experience is healthy, positive and rewarding for both the intended parents and the surrogate.
"The Wound Is Where The Light Enters You"
~Rumi~
