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Choosing the Right Mental Health Provider for Your Surrogacy Journey

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Surrogacy is a meaningful path to parenthood, offering intended parents the chance to build their families while surrogates play a vital role in making that dream possible. Alongside the excitement and anticipation, however, the process often brings emotional challenges—ranging from anxiety and uncertainty to questions about boundaries and expectations.

Because of this, mental health support and psychological evaluations are essential in ensuring a positive, ethical, and emotionally balanced surrogacy experience for everyone involved. This guide explains what to look for when choosing a mental health provider and how counseling strengthens the surrogacy journey.

The Role of Psychological Screening and Counseling in Surrogacy

Before starting the surrogacy process, psychological screening and counseling are crucial steps that provide both safety and clarity.

Screening: A comprehensive psychological evaluation helps determine emotional readiness for the surrogacy journey. Licensed professionals assess coping skills, motivations, and support systems.

Counseling: Counseling sessions allow intended parents and surrogates to explore expectations, discuss concerns, and set healthy boundaries. This proactive communication helps minimize conflicts later in the process.

Ongoing counseling during pregnancy also offers continued emotional support, helping surrogates and intended parents manage challenges, celebrate milestones, and stay connected throughout the journey.

Qualifications to Look for in a Mental Health Provider

When selecting a provider, make sure they are licensed and experienced in third-party reproduction counseling. Common credentials include:

  • LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • LPC – Licensed Professional Counselor
  • LMFT – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Specialized training in reproductive psychology, or certification from organizations such as the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), further ensures they are prepared to address the unique emotional dynamics of surrogacy.

Why Experience Matters

A provider with direct experience in surrogacy-related counseling understands the complex relationships between surrogates, intended parents, and sometimes egg or sperm donors. They can:

  • Anticipate common emotional challenges
  • Provide strategies for effective communication
  • Support all parties in navigating sensitive conversations

This experience is invaluable in building trust and fostering healthy, supportive relationships.

Therapy Approaches in Surrogacy Counseling

Different therapeutic approaches may be used depending on the needs of intended parents or surrogates:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps identify and manage anxiety related to medical procedures and uncertainty.
  • Psychodynamic Therapy: Explores deeper emotional experiences, such as grief from infertility or surrogates processing complex feelings after birth.
  • Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT): Provides practical strategies to address immediate challenges, like communication or logistical stress.

A good mental health provider will tailor their approach to the unique circumstances of each family.

Inclusivity and Cultural Sensitivity in Surrogacy

The best surrogacy counseling emphasizes cultural awareness and inclusivity. Surrogacy welcomes families from diverse backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ parents, single parents, and blended families. A culturally competent therapist can:

  • Respect and support your values and beliefs
  • Provide a safe, nonjudgmental space
  • Address the unique needs of diverse family structures

Ethical practice, guided by standards set by the American Psychological Association (APA), ensures confidentiality and professional integrity throughout the process.

Finding the Right Fit

Choosing the right mental health provider is not just about credentials—it’s about connection. Many therapists offer free consultations, which allow you to ask questions, discuss your expectations, and determine whether their approach feels supportive.

At PECGNA, we recognize that emotional needs may change throughout the surrogacy process. We provide:

Building a Strong Emotional Foundation for Surrogacy

Surrogacy is more than a legal and medical process—it is an emotional journey for all involved. By investing in qualified mental health support, intended parents and surrogates can strengthen their resilience, reduce conflict, and approach this life-changing experience with confidence.

With the right provider by your side, you can move forward in your surrogacy journey with clarity, hope, and the tools to build a healthy and supportive path to parenthood.

Additional Resources

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FOUNDER

Dr. Irada Wattanavitukul, Ph.D., LPC., LMHC

Licensed mental health professional with a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology

Dr. Irada received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology (Los Angeles) and is a highly respected licensed mental health professional with a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with specialized training in trauma-informed care, neurodevelopmental assessments, and immigration evaluations. She is deeply committed to supporting individuals and families impacted by trauma, abuse, and developmental challenges, offering evaluations and guidance tailored to their unique needs.

Dr. Irada works extensively with survivors of violence, victims of crime, and individuals with developmental disabilities, ensuring they receive the support and resources they need to thrive. Her compassionate approach helps people navigate the emotional and psychological challenges that often accompany these experiences. Additionally, she plays a critical role in helping families stay together by assisting those going through the immigration process. She understands the emotional toll of separation and provides evaluations and support that empower families to advocate for the protections and accommodations they deserve.

In addition to her work with trauma and immigration, Dr. Irada has completed specialized training in Psychological Evaluation for Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) through the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). As a member of ASRM and its Mental Health Professionals Group (MHPG), she supports individuals and families on their family-building journeys. Her evaluations help identify emotional needs and provide guidance to ensure the well-being of all involved.

Dr. Irada’s expertise and dedication have earned her national recognition. She holds an EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) status, a prestigious acknowledgment of her significant contributions to mental health in the United States. Her work with high-need populations—such as trauma survivors and individuals with developmental challenges—has had a meaningful impact, helping many achieve healing and personal growth.

By combining her expertise in forensic psychology, trauma-informed care, neurodevelopmental assessments, and family support, Dr. Irada has become a key figure in her field. Her compassionate and thorough approach not only benefits individuals and families but also strengthens communities by fostering resilience and well-being.