Psych Consults for Third Party Reproduction
For residents of PA, VA, MD, and WV
This consultation is an important and informative educational session that aims to provide you with valuable insights and guidance on how to effectively navigate the psychosocial aspects of Third Party reproduction and parenting. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine strongly recommends that individuals or couples who are utilizing Third Party assistance in their journey to conceive should participate in a psych consultation. This recommendation applies to all individuals, irrespective of their relationship status, gender identity, or sexual orientation, who are using donated sperm, eggs, embryos, or a gestational carrier/surrogate. By taking part in this session, you will gain a deeper understanding of the emotional and psychological considerations involved, empowering you to make well-informed decisions and embark on this transformative journey with confidence and resilience. Patients report that this consultation helped them feel supported and prepared for the short term decisions they are facing as well as longer term implications for themselves and their children and that they appreciated having a confidential place to have this conversation.
What is the purpose of the consultation? Is it an evaluation? My goal is to support individuals and couples navigating Third Party Reproduction. Consultations provide guidance and assistance, and are not formal assessments or evaluations. I aim to help you make confident decisions for both short-term and long-term reproductive choices. I will strive to create a safe space to normalize and process losses and values around family building. My focus is addressing your questions and concerns, providing clarity and reassurance. During the consultation, we will explore the complexities of family-building options through the use of a donor and/or surrogate/GC. This discussion will include the emotional and ethical implications that come with Third Party reproduction, as well as guidance on selecting a donor or matching with a surrogate/GC. We will also explore the differences between open ID and “anonymous” donors, and the significance of genetic ties in the context of family dynamics. If you are using a known donor and/or a known surrogate, we will help you prepare to manage that relationship both short and long term. Additionally, we will address the important topic of how to have conversations with your child about their origins and navigate the process of disclosure to others. Finally, we will touch upon the legal aspects involved in these family-building methods so that you feel informed about when you might need to seek legal consultation.
Why does this cost more than a regular counseling session? I reserve 60-90 minutes (or longer, if needed) for our consult to discuss psychological and ethical aspects of Third Party Reproduction. This is not a therapy session, but a specialized educational consultation that requires expertise due to the unique process of using donors and surrogates. I am highly trained and experienced in these consults. The higher cost reflects the additional time and expertise involved. You will receive a detailed invoice for potential insurance reimbursement if you have out-of-network coverage.
How long will it take to get an appointment? Due to high demand for these consultations, I am typically booked out about 3-4 weeks. Contacting me early in the testing phase of your treatment will allow us to meet in time so that your treatment is not delayed.
The best way to contact me is by email at mia@lighthousecounselor or by text at 240-454-3002.
2024 Fees
Psych Consult for Recipients of Donor Egg, Sperm, or Embryo (60-90 minutes) $300
Psych Consult for Intended Parents using a GC/Surrogate (90-120 minutes) $350
Psych Consult for Patients using a donor and a Surrogate/GC (2-3 hours) $450
Group Sessions for Known Donor or GC arrangements (60-90 minutes) $300
Embryo Donor Consults (60-90 minutes + report for clinic) $350
Additional time: prorated at hourly rate of $180 per hour