services available across kentucky & 42+ psypact states
Online Third-Party Reproduction Counseling & Psychological Evaluations
Meet your reproductive psychologist, Dr. Amber Penn
Bringing a child into your family through third-party reproduction is a deeply meaningful journey, but it also comes with unique emotional, ethical, and psychological considerations. I provide expert counseling and psychological evaluations for intended parents, donors, and surrogates. My goal is to help you feel informed, supported, and prepared every step of the way.
Per the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), psychoeducational consultation with a mental health professional (MHP) trained in reproductive psychology and third-party reproduction is recommended for all recipients of donor gametes (eggs, sperm) and/or embryo(s), as well as intended parents in gestational carrier agreements. Psychoeducational consultation and evaluation is recommended for all gamete/embryo donors and gestational carriers.
learn more about third party reproduction services
What Is Third-Party Reproduction Counseling?
Third-party reproduction counseling is a specialized service for individuals and couples who use egg donation, sperm donation, embryo donation, or surrogacy to build their family. Many fertility clinics and agencies require these counseling sessions and evaluations as part of the process.
These sessions are not just a requirement - they provide a safe space to explore your feelings, understand long-term implications, and make confident, informed decisions.
Why Are Psychological Evaluations Important for Third-Party Reproduction?
Psychological evaluations ensure that everyone involved in this process is prepared emotionally and mentally. They serve several important purposes:
Emotional Readiness: Confirming that donors, surrogates, and intended parents feel prepared for the journey ahead.
Informed Consent: Ensuring all parties understand medical, emotional, and legal considerations.
Mental Health Screening: Identifying potential challenges that could impact the process.
Healthy Boundaries: Supporting positive relationships between intended parents, donors, and surrogates.
Who Needs Third-Party Reproduction Counseling and Evaluation?
I work with all parties involved in third-party reproduction, including:
Intended Parents: Preparing emotionally, setting realistic expectations, and navigating disclosure conversations with children.
Egg, Sperm, and Embryo Donors: Exploring motivations, understanding long-term implications, and ensuring emotional well-being.
Gestational Carriers (Surrogates): Addressing readiness, family dynamics, and emotional challenges unique to surrogacy.
Why Work With Me for Third-Party Reproduction Counseling and Evaluation?
Specialized Expertise: I’m a licensed clinical psychologist with extensive experience in reproductive mental health.
Compassionate, Confidential Care: My approach is warm, supportive, and grounded in evidence-based practices.
Trusted by Fertility Clinics: My evaluations meet the highest ethical and professional standards.
what to expect
My Counseling and Psychological Evaluation Process
My approach is compassionate, comprehensive, and professional. Here’s what you can expect:
Initial Consultation: We’ll discuss your goals, personal history, and questions about the process.
Psychological Assessment (for Donor and Gestational Carrier Evaluations Only): I use evidence-based tools to evaluate emotional readiness and mental health.
Clinical Interview: A supportive conversation to explore expectations, coping strategies, and possible challenges.
Education and Guidance: We’ll talk about ethical considerations, disclosure to children, and maintaining healthy boundaries.
Written Report: I provide a professional evaluation report for your clinic or agency as required.
The Support Doesn’t End there
Emotional Support Beyond the Consultation or Evaluation
The journey doesn’t end with the psychoeducational counseling session or evaluation. I offer ongoing counseling for individuals and couples who want continued support through fertility treatments, pregnancy, and early parenthood. This can include coping with uncertainty, managing relationships with donors or surrogates, and preparing for the transition to parenthood. Visit my therapy specialty pages to read about infertility counseling and support and learn more about support for pregnancy and postpartum mental health. I also offer therapy for anxiety and stress management, which can be helpful during the fertility treatment process. You can also check out my blog to discover how counseling can help during the IVF process.
FAQs
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Third-party reproduction counseling helps intended parents, donors, and surrogates explore the emotional, ethical, and psychological aspects of using egg, sperm, or embryo donation, or working with a gestational carrier. Many fertility clinics and agencies require psychological evaluations to ensure everyone involved is prepared for the process.
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Psychological evaluations typically include an interview, standardized assessments, and a discussion of motivations, expectations, and emotional readiness. The goal is to ensure the donor or gestational carrier/surrogate understands the implications of their decision and is mentally and emotionally prepared.
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Most third-party reproduction evaluations can be completed in one to two sessions, including the clinical interview and psychological testing. A written report is provided to your clinic or agency shortly after the evaluation is complete.
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Yes, intended parents often participate in counseling to prepare for the unique challenges and decisions involved in third-party reproduction. Sessions may cover emotional readiness, disclosure to children, and navigating relationships with donors or surrogates. This is NOT an evaluation of parental fitness.
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Yes. All counseling sessions are confidential and conducted by a licensed psychologist. A summary report is provided only to your clinic or agency as required.
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Absolutely. Many clients choose to continue counseling throughout fertility treatment, pregnancy, and early parenthood to cope with stress, manage relationships, and prepare emotionally for parenthood.
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You can contact me directly via the form below to schedule your session. I offer flexible virtual appointments and will provide all the details you need to get started.
Let’s get started
Schedule Your Third-Party Reproduction Counseling or Evaluation
Interested in moving forward? Fill out the form below and I will get back to you within 48 hours.