Intended Parent Consultations
for Third Party Reproduction
Embarking on the path to parenthood through third party reproduction is complex and can carry many mixed feelings, from grief to hope, uncertainty to clarity, and more. Whether you’re pursuing egg donation, sperm donation, embryo donation, or gestational surrogacy, there are many emotional, relational, and ethical layers to navigate.
Intended parent consultations provide the space, expertise, and guidance you need to feel supported and informed as you take the next steps in your family-building journey.
What Is an Intended Parent Consultation?
An intended parent consultation is designed to help you explore the emotional, psychological, and relational considerations of creating your family with the help of a donor or surrogate. Unlike a quick informational call, this consultation is an in-depth conversation tailored to your unique circumstances, values, and goals.
In these sessions, we cover:
Considerations for choosing a donor or gestational carrier
Your hopes, fears, and questions about becoming a parent through this process
Common challenges for couples, single parents, and LGBTQ families in third party family building
The emotional impact of using third party reproduction on parents and children
Conversations around disclosure: how and when to talk to children about their conception
Boundaries and relationships with donors or surrogates
Whether this is your first step toward parenthood or part of a longer fertility journey, the consultation helps you feel grounded and clear-eyed about your next steps.
Why Do a Recipient Parent Consultation?
For many fertility clinics, agencies, and attorneys, a recipient parent consultation is a required part of the process before moving forward with third party reproduction. This requirement is not about screening you out—it’s about ensuring you have the emotional support and education you need to thrive as a parent and to prepare your future child for a healthy sense of identity.
These sessions allow you to:
Gain expert guidance on issues you may not have considered
Explore your feelings about parenting with donor gametes or a gestational surrogate
Strengthen your confidence in how you’ll talk about family origins with your child
Reduce anxiety by addressing common “what ifs” in a supportive setting
Think of the consultation as a chance to slow down, process, and prepare for the lifelong role of being a parent.
If you’re feeling stuck, conflicted, or grieving the path you hoped to take, fertility counseling can help you decide the next step. Therapy can be a useful tool to consider your options without pressure or judgment, before embarking on the intended parent consultation.
Support for All Family Journeys
Every family’s path looks different. Some parents come to third party reproduction after years of infertility treatment, while others choose it as their first option. My consultations are welcoming and affirming for all intended parents, including:
What You Can Expect
Your consultation will be 75 minutes in length at a rate of $350, with the option for a virtual visit or in-person at my Pasadena office. Note that these sessions are not covered by insurance, so no superbill is provided.
This is a one-time session, though some parents choose to schedule follow-up consultations or engage in ongoing therapy with me if additional support is desired.
Remember that this consultation is not about screening you out. The tone is conversational, collaborative, and nonjudgmental. You can expect to leave the session with:
A deeper understanding of the psychological and emotional aspects of third party reproduction
Concrete tools for future conversations with your child and extended family
Clarity about your hopes, hesitations, and next steps
Specialized resources and referrals, as needed
This is not therapy, but a focused consultation designed to provide education, reflection, and guidance. Many people describe the session as a turning point where things finally “click” and they feel ready to move forward with confidence.
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Many queer parents create families through egg donation, sperm donation, and/or surrogacy. Consultations explore unique considerations such as talking about different roles in conception, navigating legal complexities, and building intentional family narratives, while also navigating the impacts of the current socio-political climate.
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If you’re pursuing parenthood on your own, you’ll have unique questions about donor selection, how to frame your child’s family story in the absence of a second parent, and what supports to put in place as a solo parent. As a single parent by choice, you might feel both empowered and a little vulnerable—proud of your decision, yet aware of the unique challenges ahead.
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For heterosexual couples, third party reproduction can stir up a mix of emotions—grief over lost expectations of conceiving naturally, questions about genetic connection, and concerns about how extended family will understand or accept their decision. Some couples also navigate differences in readiness, where one partner feels eager to move forward while the other needs more time to process.
Why Work With Well Parent Therapy?
Choosing a professional for this part of your journey matters. My consultations are informed by experience working with individuals and couples navigating infertility, reproductive decision-making, and queer family building.
Following the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) guidelines, I bring:
Expertise in reproductive psychology and family systems
Warmth in guiding sensitive conversations without judgment
Inclusivity for LGBTQ families, single parents, and diverse family structures
Practical tools to help you move forward with confidence and compassion
This journey can stir up grief, hope, excitement, and uncertainty all at once. My role is to hold space for all of it while helping you prepare for parenthood in a thoughtful, intentional way.
Take the Next Step
If you’re preparing for third party family building—through egg donation, sperm donation, embryo donation, or surrogacy—an intended parent consultation is one of the most important steps you can take. It’s a chance to pause, reflect, and prepare for the journey of parenthood with clarity and confidence.