Current Match Time:
Emotional readiness matters just as much as physical health when it comes to surrogacy.
The surrogate psychological evaluation confirms your surrogate is emotionally ready for the unique challenges of surrogacy. This protects your match, strengthens communication and helps create a healthy foundation before medical steps begin.
Below, we explain what the evaluation includes, why it matters and how American Surrogacy completes this screening before presenting a surrogate as a match. If you’re ready to move forward with your journey, fill out our short contact form today.
What Does a Surrogate Psychological Evaluation Assess?
The primary goal of the surrogate psychological evaluation is to confirm that a woman is prepared for a gestational pregnancy. The assessment is conducted by an independent, licensed mental health professional.
During the evaluation, they will review her:
-
Emotional stability
-
Support system
-
Motivations for pursuing surrogacy
-
Understanding of surrogacy boundaries
-
Fears or concerns related to the process
The professional will also discuss how she might respond if something goes wrong during pregnancy, such as a failed transfer or medical complication. These conversations ensure she has realistic expectations and healthy coping strategies.
In addition to the interview, prospective surrogates complete standardized psychological assessments, such as the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory or the Personality Assessment Inventory. These tools provide additional insight into personality traits, coping mechanisms and emotional regulation.
Is the Surrogate’s Spouse or Partner Also Evaluated?
Yes. Because pregnancy impacts the entire household, it is important to confirm that her spouse or partner is supportive of surrogacy.
The mental health professional will ensure the surrogate’s partner has a clear understanding of the physical demands of pregnancy, the medical process and the legal structure of surrogacy. By confirming that the surrogate has consistent support at home, this screening helps protect the stability of your match.
When Does the Psychological Evaluation Happen?
At American Surrogacy, the psychological evaluation takes place at the very beginning of the process. A prospective surrogate must complete this screening before she is approved to join our program or presented to intended parents as a potential match.
We pre-screen surrogates because early vetting protects your time and helps reduce avoidable disruptions later. By completing the evaluation before matching, we lower the likelihood of a match being delayed due to emotional readiness concerns.
How the Surrogate Psychological Evaluation Protects Your Journey
When a professional confirms that a gestational carrier is ready, they are verifying that she has a clear grasp of her role and the support she needs. This screening lets you know she’s emotionally prepared to handle the complexities of the relationship with you, the medical procedures and the transition after birth.
By identifying red flags early, the evaluation:
-
Reduces the risk of mid-journey conflict
-
Ensures informed consent, meaning she fully understands the risks
-
Confirms long-term commitment
-
Promotes healthy communication between all parties
You deserve to feel confident and secure in your gestational carrier. Knowing that a mental health expert has given the “green light” allows you to focus on building a meaningful relationship.
Do Intended Parents Also Undergo a Psychological Evaluation?
Yes. The mental health consultation gives you space to talk through your expectations, establish boundaries (such as the level of contact you’d like during pregnancy) and process the transition into parenthood.
Ultimately, this screening ensures you and your surrogate are on the same page before any medical procedures begin. If you haven’t completed this step yet, reaching out to your in vitro fertilization coordinator is a great place to start. We can also connect you with experienced mental health professionals who understand the needs of families like yours.
American Surrogacy’s Screening Process Goes Beyond Minimum Requirements
While some surrogacy agencies allow matching before screening is complete, we believe families deserve greater certainty from the very beginning. A successful surrogacy journey depends on more than just medical protocols. It requires emotional readiness, stability and mutual commitment.
We include the surrogate psychological evaluation as part of our pre-screening process because we don't want you to face an emotional disqualification after you’ve already matched. By the time you see a surrogate’s profile, you know she’s already been cleared by a professional.
Are you ready to find a surrogate who is fully prepared for the journey ahead? Contact a surrogacy specialist at American Surrogacy today to get started.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a licensed healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or procedure.