Psychological Screening for Intended Parents & Surrogates: What You Need to Know

Psychological ScreeningPsychological screening is one of the most important — and often most overlooked — steps in the surrogacy process. Whether you are an intended parent or a surrogate, a thorough psychological evaluation ensures that you are mentally and emotionally prepared for the journey ahead.

At first glance, psychological screening may sound intimidating or unnecessary. However, this essential step protects everyone involved: the intended parents, the surrogate, and most importantly, the future child. In this detailed guide, we break down what psychological screening entails, why it is required, and how it supports the success of your surrogacy journey.

Why Psychological Screening is Critical in Surrogacy

Surrogacy is a unique, emotional, and deeply personal process. Unlike traditional pregnancy, it involves complex legal, financial, medical, and emotional layers. A psychological evaluation helps ensure that everyone entering into this process:

  • Understands the emotional demands of surrogacy.

  • Is mentally prepared to handle unexpected challenges.

  • Has realistic expectations about roles and boundaries.

  • Is entering into the arrangement voluntarily and without pressure.

  • Will have the necessary support systems throughout the journey.

Without psychological screening, misunderstandings, emotional breakdowns, and legal disputes become more likely — all of which can negatively affect the child’s future and the surrogate’s well-being.

Who is Required to Undergo Psychological Screening?

Both surrogates and intended parents must undergo psychological evaluations as part of the formal surrogacy process. Here’s why:

  • Surrogates must be assessed to ensure they are emotionally prepared to carry a child for another family and relinquish the child after birth.

  • Intended parents must be evaluated to confirm they are emotionally ready for the complex realities of third-party reproduction and parenting.

In addition, if the intended parents are using an egg donor or sperm donor, those donors often must also complete a psychological evaluation.

Important Note: Some states and fertility clinics require psychological screenings by law; reputable surrogacy agencies, including Los Angeles Surrogacy, require it for every match, no matter the location.

What Psychological Screening Typically Involves

Psychological screenings are conducted by licensed mental health professionals (psychologists, marriage and family therapists, or licensed clinical social workers) with expertise in third-party reproduction.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the typical components:

1. In-Depth Clinical Interview

The interview is a critical part of the screening and usually covers:

  • Personal background and family history

  • Motivation for pursuing surrogacy

  • Understanding of the surrogacy process

  • Relationships with significant others (spouses, partners, children)

  • Emotional readiness for the surrogacy journey

  • History of mental health conditions, treatment, or medications

  • Support network and coping mechanisms

For surrogates, specific focus is placed on their prior pregnancy experiences and their feelings about carrying a baby they will not raise.

For intended parents, topics such as infertility experiences, grief processing (if applicable), and expectations for involvement during pregnancy and after birth are explored.

2. Psychological Testing

Some clinics and agencies require formal psychological testing in addition to interviews. Tests may include:

  • MMPI-2 (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory)

  • PAI (Personality Assessment Inventory)

  • Other validated psychometric tools that measure:

    • Personality structure

    • Depression or anxiety indicators

    • Stress tolerance

    • Emotional stability

    • Cognitive functioning

These tests are not “pass/fail.” Instead, they help identify areas where additional counseling or support might be beneficial before proceeding.

3. Partner or Spousal Interviews

If the surrogate or intended parent has a partner, that person is often included in part of the psychological evaluation. This is because:

  • The partner’s support is crucial to the success of the surrogacy.

  • Emotional challenges affect not just the primary participant but the entire family unit.

  • Understanding the partner’s perspective helps anticipate future needs.

Agencies and clinics want to ensure that both members of a couple are emotionally prepared for the changes and demands of surrogacy.

4. Counseling and Education

Psychological screening isn’t just about evaluation — it’s also about preparation. The counselor may provide:

  • Education about the emotional milestones of the surrogacy process.

  • Discussion of common psychological reactions (e.g., attachment issues, grief, postpartum emotions).

  • Recommendations for building a strong support system.

  • Guidance on communication with the other party (surrogate or intended parents).

  • Clarification of roles, expectations, and potential emotional boundaries.

Counseling provides a foundation for healthy, honest communication throughout the pregnancy and beyond.

What Intended Parents Should Expect During Screening

Intended parents undergoing psychological screening can expect questions designed to:

  • Explore their motivations for choosing surrogacy.

  • Address feelings about not carrying the child themselves (for mothers).

  • Assess their ability to bond with a child not carried by them.

  • Discuss expectations around relationship with the surrogate (how often to communicate, role during pregnancy, birth plan involvement).

  • Prepare for emotional challenges that may arise (failed embryo transfers, miscarriage, complications).

If using an egg donor, intended parents may also explore their feelings about raising a child genetically related to only one or neither parent.

What Surrogates Should Expect During Screening

Surrogates can expect questions about:

  • Past pregnancy experiences and attachment to their own children.

  • Understanding of their role as a gestational carrier (not a parent).

  • Emotional preparation for embryo transfer, pregnancy, and delivery.

  • Feelings about the intended parents’ involvement during the pregnancy.

  • Attitudes toward relinquishing the child to intended parents.

  • Anticipated reactions from family, friends, and community members.

  • Support systems available during and after the pregnancy.

The counselor’s role is to ensure surrogates are making a fully informed decision and are emotionally equipped to follow through.

Special Situations: Additional Screening Considerations

Certain situations call for more detailed psychological screening or counseling:

1. Previous Fertility or Pregnancy Loss

Intended parents or surrogates who have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, or infertility trauma may need specialized counseling to ensure past grief does not complicate the surrogacy journey.

2. International Intended Parents

Language and cultural differences are addressed carefully. Counselors assess whether the intended parents fully understand U.S. legal, medical, and emotional protocols related to surrogacy.

3. LGBTQ+ Intended Parents

Psychological evaluations are inclusive and affirming. Counselors explore potential societal or familial challenges without discrimination.

4. Single Intended Parents

Counselors evaluate the intended parent’s support systems and emotional readiness to raise a child as a solo parent.

How Long Does Psychological Screening Take?

The timeline varies, but a typical psychological screening process for surrogacy includes:

Step Estimated Timeframe
Initial Interview 1–2 hours
Psychological Testing 2–3 hours (if required)
Results Review 1–2 weeks
Clearance Report Issued After final assessment

Agencies and fertility clinics usually receive a formal Psychological Clearance Letter confirming that the individual(s) are emotionally and mentally fit to proceed.

What Happens If There Are Concerns?

If a counselor identifies concerns during psychological screening, there are typically two paths:

  1. Further Evaluation or Counseling
    In some cases, the counselor may recommend additional sessions to address specific concerns before clearing the candidate.

  2. Non-Clearance
    If the counselor determines that proceeding would not be emotionally safe or healthy for the surrogate, intended parents, or child, they may not grant clearance.
    This decision protects all parties and ensures surrogacy only proceeds when all individuals are truly ready.

Remember: psychological clearance is about ensuring the best possible outcome — it is never meant to be punitive.

Cost of Psychological Screening for Surrogacy

In most cases:

  • Intended Parents pay for all psychological evaluations, including their own, the surrogate’s, and any partners’.

  • Screening fees are typically included in overall agency fees.

  • Costs range from $500 to $2,500 depending on the provider, location, and whether psychological testing is required.

At Los Angeles Surrogacy, all psychological evaluations are arranged through reputable third-party providers, and the costs are fully explained upfront.

Conclusion: Emotional Preparation is Key to Surrogacy Success

Psychological screening is not just a bureaucratic step — it is a necessary investment in the emotional health and well-being of everyone involved in the surrogacy journey.

A thorough evaluation ensures that intended parents are ready to build their family through surrogacy, and that surrogates are prepared for the emotional demands of pregnancy and birth.

At Los Angeles Surrogacy, we partner only with licensed mental health professionals who specialize in third-party reproduction. We believe that emotional readiness is just as important as legal, medical, and financial preparation — because creating a family deserves a foundation of strength, honesty, and support.

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