California Fertility Psychological Evaluation & Consultation Services

If you are utilizing a gestational carrier in California (someone who will carry the fetus to term but is not providing the eggs) as part of your fertility journey, it's important to note that a psychological evaluation is a necessary step for the carrier. If you have a pre-existing relationship with the gestational carrier, you can arrange this evaluation directly. However, if you are connecting with a gestational carrier through a third-party organization, we recommend checking with them as they may already handle this evaluation. For organizations seeking this evaluation for potential gestational carriers, we are more than willing to assist in the process. The evaluation process typically commences with some initial paperwork and an online assessment to gather essential information before the gestational carrier's interview with a Thrive therapist. If applicable, we encourage the gestational carrier's partner or support person to join them for the clinical interview and complete their own online assessment. Subsequently, our clinician will meticulously review all gathered information and create a comprehensive report, complete with recommendations, to share with your chosen fertility clinic.

If you are utilizing a gestational carrier in California (someone who will carry the fetus to term but is not providing the eggs) as part of your fertility journey, it's vital to understand that an evaluation is a required step for the carrier. In California, fertility psychological evaluations are typically required for the intended parents too. If you are connecting with a gestational carrier through a third-party organization, we recommend verifying with them as they may already manage this evaluation process. For organizations in need of this evaluation for intended parents, we are fully prepared to assist in facilitating the process. The evaluation procedure typically initiates with initial paperwork and an online assessment to gather essential information before the intended parents’ interview with a Thrive therapist. It is important that both parents (if applicable) are involved in the psychological evaluation process. Following this, our clinician will meticulously review all the gathered information and generate a comprehensive report, inclusive of recommendations, to be shared with your chosen fertility clinic here in California.

If you are incorporating a donor egg, sperm, or embryo into your fertility journey here in California, please be aware that a psychological evaluation is a necessary step for the donor. If you have a direct relationship with the donor, you can arrange this evaluation directly. However, if you are utilizing an anonymous donor, we recommend checking with your clinic or donor organization, as they may oversee this evaluation process. For organizations in need of this evaluation for potential donors, we are more than willing to assist in facilitating the process right here in California. The evaluation process typically kicks off with initial paperwork and an online assessment to gather essential information before the donor's interview with a Thrive therapist. In the case of directed donors, if applicable, their partners should also participate in the clinical interview. Subsequently, our clinician will meticulously review all the gathered information and create a comprehensive report, complete with recommendations, to be shared with your selected fertility clinic.

If you are an intended parent(s) collaborating with a directed donor or gestational carrier in California, this session is designed to facilitate a meaningful dialogue between you, your directed donor or gestational carrier, and their partner or support person, if applicable. It provides a platform to openly discuss the implications of the arrangement. Once the separate evaluations for the directed donor or gestational carrier and the intended parent sessions are concluded, you will have a joint session with your clinician. This joint session serves as an opportunity to collectively explore the implications of the individual discussions held during your sessions, set expectations, and address any remaining concerns. Our goal is to ensure that this partnership is the best fit for all parties involved. We strongly encourage follow-up joint sessions, not only during pregnancy but also after delivery, to continue managing any evolving needs and fostering healthy communication among all participants in this process, right here in California.

The postpartum period, though brimming with happiness, can also be a time of emotional challenges, including the risk of postpartum depression (PPD). In order to comprehensively address this issue, a rigorous postpartum depression evaluation is crucial. This evaluation encompasses comprehensive clinical interviews, the utilization of standardized screening tools, a thorough examination of medical and psychiatric history, an assessment of available support systems, a physical examination, and careful consideration of the duration and severity of symptoms. Timely identification through evaluation is of utmost importance in supporting new mothers right here in California as they navigate postpartum depression and work toward regaining their emotional well-being.