5.4 Comprehensive Psychological Evaluation in Surrogacy: A Guide for Surrogate Mothers and Their Partners

1. Why Psychological Evaluations Matter in Surrogacy

At GSHC Surrogacy & Egg Donation, we know that surrogacy isn’t just a physical journey—it’s deeply emotional too. That’s why one of the most important early steps is the psychological evaluation. This process helps ensure that surrogate mothers—and their partners—are emotionally prepared and ready for everything that comes with carrying a child for someone else.

It’s not about passing or failing. It’s about support, preparation, and making sure you feel strong and grounded for what’s ahead.

2. What to Expect from the Evaluation

The psychological screening has two parts. First, you’ll meet with a licensed mental health provider for a one-on-one conversation. This isn’t a test—it’s a space to talk about your reasons for becoming a surrogate, your support system, how you handle stress, and how you feel about different parts of the process. It usually lasts around 60 to 90 minutes.

Then, you’ll complete a written questionnaire called the PAI (Personality Assessment Inventory). It looks at how you manage emotions and stress, and checks that your answers are consistent across everything you’ve shared.

Together, these tools give our team a full picture of your readiness—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too.

3. What Does the Screening Look For?

The evaluation helps confirm a few important things: that you’re emotionally ready to carry a baby for someone else, that your past mental health history is stable, and that you have the resilience and awareness to navigate the unique ups and downs of this journey.

It also helps identify whether your motivations are aligned with the spirit of surrogacy—meaning you're not doing this only for financial reasons, but from a place of understanding, care, and responsibility. And most importantly, it helps ensure you can follow medical guidance and communicate clearly with both your agency and intended parents.

4. If You’re Feeling Nervous, You’re Not Alone

It’s totally normal to feel a little anxious about the psychological screening. Many women worry, “What if I say the wrong thing?” But this isn’t a trap or a test—it’s a conversation designed to support you.

And if something does come up that needs more attention—maybe some past trauma, or a period of depression—that doesn’t mean you’re disqualified. Sometimes, the evaluator might recommend extra support or counseling before you continue. The goal is to set you up for a successful, healthy experience—not to shut the door.

5. Why Your Partner’s Participation Matters

If you’re married or in a committed relationship, your partner will also need to participate in the evaluation. Their role matters too—they’re part of your home environment, and their support can make a big difference during the pregnancy.

The psychologist will want to make sure your partner understands what surrogacy involves, is emotionally prepared to support you, and agrees with key decisions that may arise (like pregnancy termination or medical restrictions). If your partner seems unsure or unwilling to participate, it could raise concerns that might affect whether you’re ready to move forward.

6. Privacy and Confidentiality

We understand how personal these conversations are. Your psychological evaluation is protected by medical privacy laws (HIPAA), and your test results are not shared with the intended parents. Only the agency and the clinic will know whether you’ve been cleared or if further steps are recommended.

Even the detailed results of your partner’s screening stay confidential. Everything is handled with care and respect.

Why This Step Matters So Much

At the end of the day, we want every surrogacy journey to feel supported—not just medically, but emotionally. The psychological evaluation helps us build that foundation. It gives you and your agency the confidence to move forward knowing that you're emotionally prepared, that your home environment is strong, and that you're fully equipped to take on this incredible role.

If you have any questions about the process—or just want to talk it through—we’re always here to support you. This step isn’t just about being “approved.” It’s about being seen, supported, and truly ready for what lies ahead.

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