EGG OR SPERM DONOR CANDIDATES
GESTATIONAL CARRIER CANDIDATES
GESTATIONAL CARRIER CANDIDATES
The Purpose of a Donor or Gestational Carrier Psychological Evaluation is to assess whether a candidate meets psychological criteria for serving as a donor or gestational carrier. The evaluation is not meant to be an in-depth, comprehensive psychological evaluation that would have bearing on other aspects of the candidate’s life. Many complex factors determine whether a candidate is determined to meet the psychological criteria for serving as a donor or carrier. If the evaluator determines that the candidate does not meet psychological criteria for the role of donor or carrier, it does not mean that the candidate has a psychological problem that warrants concern. A second purpose of the evaluation is to help donor or carrier candidate explore and assess some of the different emotional and psychological implications related to serving as a donor or carrier. During the evaluation, the evaluator will discuss and explore with the candidate some of the potential psychological risks and benefits related to serving as donor or gestational carrier, considering that candidate’s personal history and unique life circumstances.
Components of a Donor or Gestational Carrier Psychological Evaluation:
- Clinical Interview
- Psychological Testing with a standardized, objective personality assessment inventory (MMPI-3 or PAI)
- Written comprehensive psychological evaluation report integrating interview information and observations and test data
Frequently Asked Questions about Donor or Gestational Carrier Psychological Evaluation Appointments
How long does a Psychological Evaluation appointment take?
The psychological evaluation appointment takes approximately two hours for the candidate, which includes both interview and testing time. If applicable, the candidate's partner's participation is required for the interview portion only (first hour). In addition, an additional 90 minutes of the psychologist's time is required for test scoring, interpretation, assimilation of data and observations, and evaluative report writing.
How do I schedule a Donor or Gestational Carrier Psychological Evaluation appointment?
Please call me at (503) 913-4791 or email me at Brittadinsmore@comcast.net to inquire about availability and so that we can explore whether I would be a good fit for your needs. If you do not reach me directly, it is helpful to provide information about days and times you are available for a return call and for counseling appointments. Please note that I generally schedule appointments between 8am-5pm Mondays through Thursdays and that my later afternoon appointment slots are frequently filled with standing appointments already.
Unless I have a standing relationship with the donor or gestational carrier's referring agency or clinic:
- Prior to Scheduling: The Fee Agreement Form (bottom of this page) must be downloaded, completed, signed, and returned by the financially responsible party (recipient, intended parent, or agency)
- To finalize scheduling and hold an appointment: Credit card information must be submitted, either on the fee agreement form or provided to me over the phone.
How much does a Donor or Gestational Carrier Psychological Evaluation cost?
- Egg or Sperm Donor Psychological Evaluation: $575
- Gestational Carrier Psychological Evaluation: $ 800
Can insurance be used for the Donor or Gestational Carrier Psychological Evaluation?
No---the purpose of the evaluation is assessing the candidate’s understanding of and suitability to fulfill the role of donor or carrier including potential psychological risks, vulnerabilities, strengths, and benefits rather than on diagnosing or treating a mental health disorder. Insurance companies typically require a billing code that reflects the diagnosis or treatment of a mental health disorder to reimburse for services, which is not applicable in this case.
Will the Donor or Gestational Carrier Psychological Evaluation be conducted in person or remotely?
Due to health and safety concerns posed by the COVID-19 Pandemic, all services are currently being provided remotely through a HIPAA-compliant video platform, with protocols in place for psychological assessment inventory test security and administration integrity. In spite of this, it is still a legal requirement that the psychologist be licensed in the state in which the donor or gestational carrier is in physically at the time of the evaluation appointment. I am currently only licensed as a Psychologist in the State of Oregon and so I am only able to conduct psychological evaluations with donor and gestational carrier candidates who are physically in the State of Oregon at the time of the evaluation appointment.
Do I need to prepare ahead of time or bring anything to the Donor or Gestational Carrier Psychological Evaluation appointment?
Donor or gestational carrier candidates should download, complete, and return the Donor or Carrier Intake/Informed Consent Form (see below at bottom of this page) prior to the appointment, preferably at least 48 hours in advance. As noted above, if the donor or carrier is not contracted through an agency with whom I have a standing relationship, the financially responsible party (recipients, intended parents, or agency) must download, complete, sign, and return the fee agreement prior to the appointment being scheduled.
What if I need to cancel my Donor or Gestational Carrier Psychological Evaluation appointment?
To avoid a late cancellation fee, I require 48 hours cancellation notice for appointments, except in cases of illness, emergency, inclement weather, or a cycle-related necessity. Except in these circumstances, the late cancellation/no-show fee is $75.
To whom is the written Donor or Gestational Carrier Psychological Evaluation report released?
With the written permission of the donor or carrier candidate (on the Informed Consent form), copies of the evaluative summary report may be sent to the donor or gestational carrier agency as well as to the fertility clinic coordinating treatment. If another party needs a copy of the report, this can be arranged.
How long does it take for the Donor or Gestational Carrier Psychological Evaluation report to be completed and submitted?
The written Donor or Gestational Psychological Evaluation report is typically completed and submitted to the appropriate parties within three days of the evaluation appointment.