San Diego, CA | Online across California
Donor and Surrogate Psychological Screening
Psychological screening is an essential step in many donor and surrogacy arrangements. Dr. Karen Hall provides comprehensive evaluations for egg donors, gestational surrogates, intended parents, fertility clinics, and agencies, helping ensure every arrangement moves forward with informed understanding and professional documentation.
What Is a Donor and Surrogate Psychological Screening?
A psychological screening is a standardized evaluation of an egg donor or gestational surrogate's emotional readiness, understanding of the arrangement, and support system. It is a recommended step in third-party reproduction that protects all parties.
Each evaluation follows the guidelines of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and is conducted with objectivity and respect. Dr. Karen Hall, PhD, is a clinical psychologist with advanced training in the psychology of third-party reproduction.
How I Work
My approach is thorough and timely. Each evaluation is grounded in the standards of ASMR and reproductive medicine and tailored to the arrangement in front of me.
What to Expect
Clinical interview.
We talk through your history, your motivations, and your understanding of what the arrangement involves.
Standardized assessment.
I use validated psychological measures to support an objective, well-rounded evaluation.
The work often involves:
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A comprehensive clinical interview covering history, motivation, and expectations.
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Validated psychological testing appropriate to the arrangement
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Review of the emotional and relational supports in place
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A clear, timely written report for your clinic, agency, or attorney
Who I Evaluate and Support
Gestational surrogates
Women preparing to carry a pregnancy for intended parents, seeking a supportive and thorough evaluation.
Egg and sperm donors
Known and anonymous donors who need a psychological screening as part of the donation process.
Intended parents
Individuals and couples building their family through donation or surrogacy who want guidance along the way.
Fertility clinics and agencies
Programs seeking reliable, ASRM-aligned evaluations conducted on a professional timeline.
Attorneys and independent arrangements
Legal teams and those pursuing independent assisted reproduction who need qualified psychological assessment.
How to Get Started
Step 2
Complete Evaluation
We meet for a clinical interview and standardized assessment, timed to your clinic or agency's deadlines.
Step 3
Receive the Report
I provide a clear, professional written report to the clinic, agency, or attorney directing the arrangement.
What the Evaluation Provides
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An objective, standardized psychological assessment
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Documentation of emotional readiness and informed understanding
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A written report meeting ASRM guidelines
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Timely delivery aligned with clinic and agency deadlines
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Support for the donor, surrogate, intended parents, and child
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A clear, well-documented step in the third-party reproduction process
Frequently Asked Questions
About Dr. Karen Hall
Dr. Karen Hall is a clinical psychologist and founder of The Center for Infertility Counseling and Support in San Diego, CA. She has supported people through fertility and family building challenges for more than 20 years, specializing in reproductive psychology. She offers individual fertility counseling in San Diego and online across California.
“Hi Dr. Hall! I meant to message you sooner after the birth of our baby boy, but was just thinking about you and some of the key points we talked about in therapy. I’ve taken much of that into my first months of parenthood and returned to it time and time again… just wanted you to know our time together has been invaluable to ushering me into parenthood after infertility.” Fertility Client 2023