Counseling available via telehealth in PSYPACT states | Coaching available in U.S. and Internationally
Gestational Carrier Psychological Evaluation & PAI Testing
At Ebb & Flow Counseling + Coaching, we understand that becoming a gestational carrier (GC) is a life-changing and generous decision. To ensure a positive surrogacy experience for all involved, we offer Psychological Evaluations and Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) Testing tailored to gestational carriers. These evaluations provide essential insights into your emotional stability and psychological readiness, ensuring a healthy and smooth journey ahead.
Begin Your Surrogacy Journey with Emotional Readiness and Confidence
Deciding to become a gestational carrier is a remarkable commitment. At Ebb & Flow Counseling, we are here to ensure that you feel emotionally prepared, supported, and informed every step of the way. Our Psychological Evaluations & PAI Testing services offer a comprehensive assessment to help you navigate this unique journey with confidence.
What is a Gestational Carrier Psychological Evaluation & PAI Test?
A Psychological Evaluation is a thorough assessment of your emotional and mental well-being to ensure you are fully prepared to be a gestational carrier. This evaluation identifies any psychological challenges and assesses your understanding of the surrogacy process, emotional stability, and readiness for postpartum separation.
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The Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) Test offers deep insights into your personality traits, emotional resilience, and mental health. Together, these assessments allow us to evaluate your suitability for the journey ahead and support you in managing the emotional demands of surrogacy.
Our Comprehensive Evaluation Process for Gestational Carriers
What Happens During an GC Evaluation & PAI Test
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Pre-Visit Questionnaires
Before your appointment, please complete all intake questionnaires and consent forms, which will be conveniently emailed to you through our secure Client Portal. To ensure we have ample time to review your information and prepare thoroughly for your session, we ask that all documents be completed at least 24 hours in advance. This helps us make the most of our time together.
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Clinical Interview and Biopsychosocial Assessment
In this step, we conduct a comprehensive clinical interview and biopsychosocial assessment, following the guidelines of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).
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Key components include:
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Mental Health History: A detailed review of your psychological history, including past diagnoses, treatments, and current mental health status, to ensure you can manage the emotional demands of surrogacy.
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Motivations: An exploration of your reasons for becoming a gestational carrier, ensuring your goals align with the expectations of the intended parents and the surrogacy process.
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Informed Consent: Assessing your understanding of the medical, legal, and emotional aspects of surrogacy, including the potential risks and long-term implications.
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Family Dynamics: Understanding your relationships, family background, and household dynamics to confirm you have a stable and supportive environment during the surrogacy process.
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Support System: Evaluating the strength of your social network, including friends, family, and community resources, to ensure you have the necessary emotional and practical support.
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Psychological Resilience: Assessing your ability to cope with stress, navigate emotional challenges, and manage the complexities of surrogacy.
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Risk Factors: Identifying potential psychological, social, or environmental risks that could impact the surrogacy journey for you or the intended parents.
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Psychological Testing of Personality
You will complete the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) through an online platform. This scientifically validated assessment provides insights into your personality traits, emotional stability, and resilience. The results help us evaluate how you may navigate the emotional and psychological challenges associated with surrogacy.
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Recommendation Report
Following the evaluation, we provide a comprehensive report that summarizes our findings. This report determines whether you are psychologically stable and a suitable candidate for the role of gestational carrier. It includes a detailed analysis of your mental health, emotional readiness, and any relevant recommendations. The report ensures you, the intended parents, and the clinic are fully informed and confident about moving forward, laying the foundation for a successful and positive surrogacy experience.
Why Psychological Evaluations Matter for Gestational Carriers
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Ensuring Emotional Readiness
Becoming a gestational carrier requires a deep level of emotional preparedness. Our evaluations help ensure that this path aligns with your values, emotional stability, and mental well-being, helping you feel confident in your decision.
Identifying Potential Challenges
Through our comprehensive assessments, we identify any potential psychological contraindications. This ensures that you are well-prepared to face the emotional demands of surrogacy and navigate challenges such as attachment and separation.
Supporting Your Journey
Our evaluations empower you with the insights and mental tools needed to navigate this unique journey with confidence and peace of mind. While our role is in screening, we aim to equip you with a clear understanding of your emotional readiness and the support systems you will need.
Fees for Gestational Carrier Psychological Evaluation & PAI Testing
At Ebb & Flow Counseling + Coaching, we believe in transparency and fairness when it comes to fees. Our Gestational Carrier Evaluations are self-pay only and not eligible for out of network insurance benefits as a mental health diagnosis will not be provided or treated.
You will also need to attend a group session with your intended parents led by one of our licensed psychologists. The psychologist will follow ASRM guidelines and lead the discussion to ensure all parties are in agreement on important topics and comfortable moving forward.
Fees include the clinical interview, test administration, scoring/interpretation, and report writing time, as well as sending the documentation to your referring provider. GC partner can come to group session if applicable.
Please note: You are responsible for all fees at the time of service via Venmo, Credit Card, or FSA/HSA card.
Schedule Your GC Psychological Evaluation & PAI TestingToday!
Take the first step in your journey as a gestational carrier with a comprehensive psychological evaluation at Ebb & Flow Counseling + Coaching. Our assessment process is designed to support and prepare you, ensuring you feel confident and fully informed. Register as a new client through our secure portal to schedule your appointment. If you have any questions, please contact us.
Meet Our Reproductive Psychology Team
Jennifer Collins, PsyD, MSCP
Founder & Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Collins is a licensed clinical psychologist and the CEO and Founder of Ebb & Flow Counseling + Coaching. With over 12 years of experience at the doctoral level and 13 years working as a clinical psychologist within a health system, she has developed a deep understanding of reproductive psychology.
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Dr. Collins specializes in conducting psychological evaluations and PAI testing for women interested in becoming gestational carriers. Her expertise ensures that all candidates are thoroughly assessed, mentally and emotionally prepared, and fully informed about the significant responsibility they are taking on. These evaluations are designed to safeguard both the gestational carrier and the intended parents throughout the surrogacy process.
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Known for her warm and compassionate approach, Dr. Collins balances support with challenge, using therapeutic humor to create a comfortable environment for her clients. With PSYPACT authority, she offers telepsychology services across 39 U.S. states, making it easy for gestational carriers nationwide to access her specialized psychological evaluations and testing.
Rachel Brookland, PsyD
Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Brookland is a licensed clinical psychologist at Ebb & Flow Counseling + Coaching with PSYPACT credentials. She graduated from Council Rock High School, Muhlenberg College (BS), and The Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (MS, Psy.D.).
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With a wealth of experience in women’s emotional wellness, infertility, and reproductive psychology, Dr. Brookland is skilled in conducting psychological evaluations and PAI testing for gestational carriers. Her thorough assessments ensure that potential gestational carriers are not only mentally and emotionally prepared but also fully equipped to handle the unique challenges and responsibilities involved in surrogacy.
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Dr. Brookland’s compassionate and patient-centered approach fosters an open, trusting environment for her clients, ensuring they feel supported throughout the evaluation process. With PSYPACT authority, she provides telepsychology services to gestational carriers across 39 U.S. states, ensuring broad accessibility to her expertise in surrogacy evaluations and PAI testing.
A Note from Ebb & Flow
Embarking on the path to becoming a gestational carrier is an incredible and life-changing decision. At Ebb & Flow Counseling, we are here to support you through our comprehensive psychological evaluations, ensuring you are emotionally prepared for this meaningful journey.
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Contact us today to learn more about our GC Psychological Evaluation & PAI Testing services.
- Dr. Jennifer Collins, Owner & Licensed Psychologist