Before a patient may receive egg, sperm, or embryo donation recipient treatment, Intended Parents (IPs) are typically mandated by their physician and recommended by the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) to attend a one time fertility consultation with a trained mental health provider. This fertility consultation for IPs includes the exploration of complex social issues and feelings that are unique to fertility treatment and family planning.

During the fertility consultation, Maureen McCartney, LMFT, PMH-C, will provide a 75-minute counseling session focused on psychoeducation and a detailed discussion of donor-related issues.

Maureen McCartney is an out-of network provider and the fees are $250 for an individual session and $300 for a couples session.

The goals for this mandated counseling session:

• Address issues related to the impact of treatment and psychosocial implications of third party reproduction

• Discuss anticipated problems that may arise and how to address such problems

• Address any conflicts or issues among participants

• Offer ongoing fertility counseling support if desired by the client beyond the fertility consultation

Topics that will be discussed in the consultation as recommended by ASRM:

• Relationship history

• Fertility history

• Mental health history

• Decision making process for the use of donor gametes

• Implications of long-term impact on the family

• Needs of donor-conceived persons

• Disclosure issues

• Grief and loss of genetic contribution

• Limitations of donor screening

• Desired qualities of the donor and its implications

• Challenges of anonymity due to DNA testing, technological advances, and social media

• Future implications for children having related persons linked through the same donor

• Feelings about the risk of multiples and selective reduction

• Impact of treatment failure, coping with treatment termination, and developing alternative plans for the future

• Feelings about extended family and culture in the context of fertility treatment

• Where to find resources, support groups, and ongoing counseling support

Individual Consultation with Report

75 mins |  $250 

Couples Consultation with Report

75 mins |  $300 

Maureen McCartney is an out-of network provider and the fees for third party donor recipient consultations are $250 for an individual session and $300 for a couples session. A written report about the consultation will be provided to your physician or clinic as requested.