Third-party reproduction opens doors for a diverse range of individuals and couples who may not be able to conceive unassisted or carry a pregnancy to term. Those who may rely on third-party reproduction to have a family include couples facing infertility, single parents by choice, LGBTQ+ families, and people with genetic concerns.  Dr. O'Brien works with individuals and couples desiring to build families through collaborative reproduction, we incorporate a compassionate and empathetic counseling style as well as relevant lived infertility experience into our professional relationships.

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Following ASRM guidelines, the industry’s highest standard of care, ethics, and professionalism, Dr. O'Brien utilizes both a clinical interview and the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) to determine a candidate’s appropriateness and suitability as a donor or gestational carrier. To serve families in this capacity, Dr. O'Brien has received extensive training in the field of fertility and reproductive mental health including numerous educational trainings on the PAI assessment, supervision, and post-graduate courses.

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The service fee is based on Dr. O'Brien's hourly rate and the complexity of the case. The typical fee range is from $550 - $1,500. Please call or email for an exact fee based on your unique situation.​

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Intended Parent (IP) Evaluations

The decision to proceed with treatment using a donor egg, sperm, or embryo is complex. Recipient counseling by a mental health professional skilled in reproductive counseling and third-party reproduction is in adherence to the guidelines set forth by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. The counseling session is an opportunity for recipients to explore their feelings and ideas, receive education, and discuss concerns so that they can comfortably approach their path to parenthood more thoughtfully and insightfully.  Some of the topics addressed during the session include:

• Explore feelings about the loss of a genetic connection to the child.

• Discuss readiness of using a gamete donor.

• Introduce ideas about disclosure to the child, family, friends, and others.

• Provide space to review decision-making issues regarding donor selection and embryo management that may not have come up yet.

• When applicable, topics specific to single parents, same-sex couples, and couples or individuals who are expanding their families through donor gametes are discussed.

• Recipients of egg, sperm, and embryo donation usually participate in one 75-minute session.

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Donor (Egg, Sperm, Embryo) Psychological Evaluations

Donor evaluations consist of a psychological evaluation including the administration of the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) and an in-person, structured clinical interview with the gamete donor. Areas that are reviewed include donor’s psychosocial history, psychological functioning, and their ability to provide informed consent. A report is submitted to the donor agency, egg or sperm bank, reproductive attorney, and/or fertility practice.

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Gestational Carrier (GC) and Surrogate Evaluations

Gestational Carrier arrangements are the most complex in Third-Party Reproduction. Counseling and evaluation by a mental health professional skilled in reproductive counseling and third-party reproduction follows guidelines set forth by ASRM, which help to ensure positive outcomes for families and should occur before treatment begins. GC evaluations include a structured clinical interview to explore psychological functioning, emotional stability, motivation for carrying, and lifestyle. Additionally, Dr. O'Brien and the GC will discuss previous pregnancies and motherhood, as well as thoughts about her ability to separate and relinquish the child. Other topics to be explored include support system, emotional and physical risks, and the GC’s partner’s feelings about the arrangement as they will be asked to be part of the interview process. The PAI is also included in GC and surrogate evaluations.

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Group Interview Evaluations

The 30-minute group interview includes the IPs, GC, and GC’s spouse/partner. It is an opportunity to facilitate an exchange of information and for all participants to express preferences and concerns about issues such as communication, treatment, prenatal care, the birth, the relationship before and after birth, and means for resolving conflicts that may arise during the process.