Gestational Carrier Counseling in Dallas

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Offices in Dallas Metroplex
801 E. Campbell Road, #152
Richardson, TX 75081
5600 Lovers Lane,
Dallas TX 75209
214-520-4141 (phone)
972-588-8061 (fax)

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Home > Gestational Carrier Counseling

Counseling Gestational Carrier/Intended Parent Relationships

Carrying a child for another couple is a complex and dynamic process that requires effective communication and a high level of coping skills. The GC/IP relationship begins weeks before a pregnancy is achieved and may continue after delivery. Intended parents should attend an intended parent counseling session at the beginning of their journey to cover the unique aspects of this birthing experience. Counseling and screening is key to understanding this special, in some cases, life-long relationship.

The screening process for gestational carriers includes a 60-90 minute psychological interview also known as a mental health status exam. The psychological interview includes questions outlined by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). In addition, most clinics, agencies and physicians require carriers to take a personality inventory called the MMPI-2 before proceeding with the process. Our MMPI-2 reporting is provided by Dr. Alex Caldwell of the Caldwell Group.

There are 6 possible steps in the gestational carrier screening and counseling process (listed below). All steps are recommended for a successful relationship, although not every step is required in each case. Your process will be determined by your clinic, agency, psychotherapist and relationship to your carrier or the intended parents.

Gestational Carrier Screening and Counseling Process

Mental Health Status Exam Interview in office/Skype
MMPI-2 Testing & Narrative Report by Dr. Alex Caldwell
Psychological Narrative (Full Report)
Intended Parents Counseling Session
Joint (IP and GC) Counseling Session(s)
Follow-up interviews or sessions if needed hourly (fee prorated)

Request a 'Fertility Consultation' appointment online or call 214-520-4141. You will receive a confirmation email after you request your appointment time. For video conference appointments, consent paperwork and payment must be received in advance.

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Psychological Report (Full length)

Fee: $150.00

Full length psychological reports are narrative reports required by certain clinics and agencies after a mental status exam. These are most applicable to egg donation screening and gestational carrier screening.

MMPI-2 Administration and Report

Fee: $175.00

The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-2) is the most widely used, validated instrument to measure adult personality and psychopathology. The test consists of 500 True/False questions and takes approximately 1 hour to complete. Scoring and reporting is provided through the Caldwell Group in California. Dr. Alex B. Caldwell, Ph.D. is an internationally recognized leader in the interpretation of the MMPI-2 test.

Schedule an appointment online, email jana@janarupnow.com or call 214-520-4141. For video conference appointments, consent paperwork and payment must be received in advance. If a full psychological report or mental status interview are required, please add those options to your package.

Intended Parents Session + Report

Fee: $190.00

Intended parents are encouraged by their doctor to attend counseling prior to an egg or sperm donation procedure or before using a gestational carrier. Counseling for IPs includes the exploration of complex social issues and feelings that may be hard to voice. This counseling session is not intended to be a test you must pass prior to treatment but rather a place to discuss your concerns.

IP counseling is approx 1 hour 10 min and covers the topics recommended by the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, (ASRM). A brief report for your physician or clinic is included in the fee.

ASRM Topics for Intended Parent Egg Donation Counseling

What are our best options considering our finances?
How do we choose a donor?
What role will the donor have in our lives, if any?
Should we tell our child about his/her donor conception?
Will I feel like my child isn't really mine?
I am upset about not having a bio child. Is that ok?
Should we tell our family members about using a donor?
How do we deal with questions from others?
What if this treatment doesn't work?
Will my child be upset with me for choosing to conceive this way?

ASRM Topics for Intended Parent Gestational Carriers (click for more)

To schedule an appointment email jana@janarupnow.com or call 214-520-4141. For video conference appointments, consent paperwork and payment must be received in advance.

Gestational Carrier and Intended Parent Joint Session

Gestational Carrier and Intended Parent Joint Session

Fee: $200.00

After the gestational carrier's (GC) mental status interview is complete, the GC and intended parents (IP) attend a 70 minute joint counseling session. During the joint session, members meet with the same counselor to outline expectations and discuss concerns. This session should be conducted face-to-face or through video conference. Joint or individual follow-up sessions are encouraged for the duration of the pregnancy through delivery if needed.

Individual GC sessions or MMPI testing and reporting are separate fees.

Egg Donors/GC Session

Fee: $200.00

A Mental Status Interview is a 60-90 minute psychological interview conducted by a mental health professional in office or through video conferencing. Potential egg donors or gestational carriers that must be screened will be interviewed according to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) guidelines.

Schedule an appointment online, email jana@janarupnow.com or call 214-520-4141. For video conference appointments, consent paperwork and payment must be received in advance. If an MMPI and/or full psychological report are required, please add those options to your package.