Third-Party Reproduction Psychological Screenings & Consultations
Specialized psychological screenings and consultations for gestational carriers, egg and sperm donors, intended parents, and donor recipients.
Thoughtful assessment. Clear expectations. Informed preparation.
Psychological Screening & Consultation in Third-Party Reproduction
Building a family through third-party reproduction involves important emotional, psychological, and relational considerations for everyone involved.
For gestational carriers and donors, psychological screenings assess psychological functioning, emotional readiness, and understanding of the responsibilities and expectations associated with participation in third-party reproduction.
For intended parents and donor recipients who are moving forward with a donor or gestational carrier, psychoeducational consultations address expectations, relationships, communication, disclosure, and important considerations as they prepare for their family-building journey.
Please note that these consultations are designed for individuals and couples fulfilling fertility clinic or agency requirements, rather than those who are still exploring their family-building options.
I provide specialized reproductive mental health screenings and consultations informed by advanced training in infertility and third-party reproduction through the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), as well as specialized training in the administration and interpretation of the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI).
My approach is thoughtful, thorough, and respectful of the individuals and relationships involved.
Still exploring your options? My Educational Reproductive Consultations offer a separate opportunity to consider donor conception, surrogacy, and other family-building decisions before making a commitment.
Third-Party Reproduction Services
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Gestational Carrier Psychological Screenings
Gestational carrier screenings explore motivations for becoming a gestational carrier, previous pregnancy experiences, support systems, communication and boundaries with intended parents, and expectations surrounding pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum relationships.
Screenings include a clinical interview, Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) assessment when indicated, and a written report for the referring clinic or agency.
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Egg & Sperm Donor Psychological Screenings
Donor screenings explore psychological functioning, motivations for donation, and understanding of the emotional and long-term implications of third-party reproduction.
Screenings include a clinical interview, PAI assessment when indicated, and a written report for the referring clinic or agency.
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Consultation for Heterosexual Couples
Psychological consultations for heterosexual couples pursuing egg, sperm, or embryo donation or gestational surrogacy.
Sessions explore the emotional and relational considerations of third-party reproduction, including genetic connections, disclosure, communication, and preparation for parenthood.
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Consultation for Same Sex Couples
Psychological consultations for LGBTQ+ couples pursuing family building through egg or sperm donation, reciprocal IVF, or gestational surrogacy.
Sessions explore donor and gestational carrier relationships, genetic and gestational connections, communication, disclosure, and the emotional and relational considerations of third-party reproduction.
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Consultation for Single Men & Women
Psychological consultations for single individuals pursuing parenthood through egg or sperm donation or gestational surrogacy.
Sessions explore donor and gestational carrier relationships, genetic connections, disclosure, support systems, and the emotional and relational considerations of becoming a parent independently.
Why Work With Joanna
I have advanced training in reproductive mental health, perinatal mental health, and third-party reproduction through the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and Postpartum Support International (PSI). My training also includes the administration and interpretation of the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI), which informs my approach to psychological screenings for gestational carriers and donors.
My clinical background is grounded in psychodynamic psychotherapy, with particular attention to psychological functioning, emotional development, relationships, and the ways individuals navigate complex experiences and expectations. This perspective informs a thorough, thoughtful approach to psychological assessment that considers both individual functioning and the relational aspects of third-party reproduction.
My own path to motherhood included third-party reproduction, giving me a personal appreciation for the emotional complexities and relationships involved in building a family through assisted reproduction.
Before becoming a psychotherapist, I practiced law for 12 years. This background informs my structured approach to evaluation, documentation, and the complex interpersonal considerations involved in third-party reproductive arrangements.
My role in psychological screenings is evaluative rather than therapeutic. I aim to provide a professional, respectful assessment process that supports informed participation in third-party reproduction while addressing the screening and documentation requirements of referring fertility clinics and agencies.
REASONS TO BOOK
REASONS TO BOOK
CLINICALLY TRAINED
You’re drawn to therapy that goes beyond symptom relief—a space with a curious, reflective, and empathetic therapist who helps you uncover the unconscious origins of your thoughts, feelings, and relational patterns, and understand how they continue to shape your present experience.
DEEP, INSIGHT-ORIENTED APPROACH
Therapy can be challenging work, and having a skilled, clinically trained therapist by your side makes all the difference. After transforming my own career from attorney to therapist, I completed several years of advanced clinical training at both the St. Louis and Chicago Psychoanalytic Institutes. This depth of training allows me to look beyond symptoms alone, helping you understand the underlying patterns that keep you feeling stuck.
WARM AND APPROACHABLE
Starting therapy can feel vulnerable. My goal is to make the process feel approachable by creating a space where you feel comfortable being yourself, asking difficult questions, and exploring what matters most to you.
