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Everything you Need to Know About Your Surrogacy Psychological Evaluation
A surrogate usually undergoes a psychological evaluation as a prerequisite to ensure that she is emotionally and psychologically prepared for the exciting, yet challenging journey ahead. While the thought of opening up to a psychologist might sound intimidating, this process was developed to help both the surrogate and the intended parents have a successful and healthy (mentally and physically) surrogacy experience.
It’s Normal to Be Nervous about Your Evaluation
We understand how stressful it might feel to have one person decide whether or not you’re emotionally and mentally fit to become a surrogate. The idea sounds scary, so we’re breaking down the process here to help calm your nerves. And although psychological evaluations can seem daunting, it’s important to note that the therapist does have your best interest at heart, not just the intended parents’ or the agency’s.
This informative conversation gives you the opportunity to speak candidly with a licensed expert about any concerns you may have—and also lets the intended parents know they can trust you as their surrogate. By the end of the evaluation, you can feel confident that you’ll have a deep understanding of the entire process and how it might impact your life.
What is the Evaluation Process Like?
During the evaluation, a Licensed Mental Health Professional (usually a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist) will ask a series of questions about your medical, educational, psychiatric, family, and social history.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, evaluations are now completed over Zoom or Skype and rarely take more than an hour. If you’re married or have a long-term partner, the therapist may want to speak with them as well. Surrogacy impacts your partner’s life too, so it’s imperative to know that your significant other fully supports your decision before moving forward.
Let Your Personality Shine
Your agency, intended parents, and therapist want to get to know the real you, so clinics will often require a Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) in addition to the psych evaluation. The PAI is a series of true/false questions for you to answer on your own time, and also takes about 30-60 minutes to complete.
Don’t worry—in both the psychological evaluation and the personality assessment, there are no right or wrong answers. Relax, just be yourself, and be truthful about everything.
Honesty is the Key to a Stress-Free Psych Evaluation
Many surrogates worry that if they divulge any fears, hesitations, or hiccups in their past that they will “fail” their evaluation. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Because of the demanding nature of the surrogacy process, it’s in your best interest to be open and honest with your therapist. While there aren’t a lot of answers that will disqualify you, dishonesty and lack of transparency almost certainly will.
In fact, bringing up important questions or concerns can actually work in your favor. It shows your maturity and understanding of the complex topics you will cover and allows the interview process to become a two-way conversation. If everything is laid out at the beginning, we also have the chance to address your fears long before you begin your journey.
You Have Our Full Support
If you approach the psychological evaluation with an open heart and give sincere answers, it should be far less scary than it sounds. Our best advice is to respond with full transparency and avoid giving the answers that you think we want to hear. Remember that the therapist is in your corner, and genuinely wants you to succeed at dealing with the difficulties that come along with surrogacy.
At GSHC Surrogacy Agency, we want to make sure you have the most comfortable and easy experience possible. And, as long as the evaluation covers all the necessary bases, both you and your intended parents should expect to have a healthy and fulfilling surrogacy journey.
If you are ready to begin your journey as a surrogate with GSHC Surrogacy Agency, please complete our Surrogate Intake Form.