Epigenetics in Donor Egg and Embryo Conception: Understanding its Impact on Your Baby’s Development
Explore how epigenetics lets intended parents shape their baby’s future, even with donor eggs or embryos. Influence goes beyond DNA.
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Counseling available via telehealth in PSYPACT states | Coaching available in U.S. and Internationally
Intended Parent(s) Consultation
At Ebb & Flow Counseling + Coaching, we understand the emotional complexities and unique challenges that come with the journey to parenthood. Our Intended Parents Consultation service provides you with a safe, supportive space to explore your feelings, gather essential information, and prepare for the emotional aspects of third-party reproduction. Whether you're considering egg, sperm, or embryo donation or working with a gestational carrier, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Prepare for Your Fertility Journey with Confidence
The decision to pursue third-party reproduction is a monumental one that can raise a variety of emotional and practical questions. Our psychologists are experienced in helping intended parents navigate this process with clarity and confidence. During the consultation, we will discuss your concerns, values, and goals, ensuring that you are fully prepared for the emotional journey ahead.
Intended parents are often required to undergo mental health consultations as part of their fertility treatment. At Ebb & Flow, we ensure that these sessions are more than just a requirement—they're a key opportunity to reflect, process, and prepare for this unique family-building experience.
Why You Need an Intended Parents Consultation
An intended parents consultation is often required by fertility clinics to ensure you’re emotionally prepared for third-party reproduction, whether using an egg or sperm donor, embryo donation, or a gestational carrier. ​
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This consultation serves as a chance for you to openly explore your feelings about building a family, as well as address any concerns or uncertainties you may have. It also helps your fertility team feel confident that you are prepared for the emotional aspects of this journey, ensuring a positive experience for everyone involved. ​
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If you are an intended parent using a Gestational Carrier (GC), you can find more information on the GC Psychological Evaluation here:
Our Comprehensive Consultation Process
What Happens During an Intended Parents Consultation?
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Psycho-Educational Consultation
Our consultation begins with a psycho-educational session where you’ll meet with one of our licensed psychologists. We’ll explore your emotional readiness, discuss any concerns you may have about the process, and cover key topics such as communication with your donor or gestational carrier, setting boundaries, and discussing your future child’s origins. This is also an opportunity to reflect on any feelings of loss or grief you may have experienced throughout your fertility journey.
Recommended Resources
We’ll introduce valuable resources tailored to support you throughout your family-building journey, including books to help with disclosure to your future child. Our curated list of resources will be personalized to suit your unique family-building circumstances. ​
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Clearance Letter
After the consultation, you will receive a clearance letter from our office, certifying that you are emotionally and mentally prepared to move forward with third-party reproduction. This letter is often required by fertility clinics as part of their ethical guidelines for intended parents.
Why Mental Health Matters for Intended Parents
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Ensuring Emotional Readiness
Choosing third-party reproduction is a significant step that can bring up complex emotions. Our consultation ensures that your decision aligns with your values, helps you explore emotional readiness, and provides clarity on the mental and emotional aspects of this journey.
Identifying Potential Challenges
During the consultation, we assess for any psychological concerns that could impact your experience. By identifying potential challenges early on, we help ensure you're fully prepared to navigate the complexities of third-party reproduction.
Empowering You with Insight
Our consultations are more than just a requirement—they’re an opportunity to gain valuable insights. We provide you with the understanding and perspective needed to move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
Fees for Intended Parent(s) Consultations
At Ebb & Flow Counseling + Coaching, we believe in transparency and fairness when it comes to fees. Intended Parents Consultations are self-pay only and not eligible for out of network insurance benefits as a mental health diagnosis will not be provided or treated.
If you are using a gestational carrier or a known egg donor, you will also need to attend a group session led by one of our licensed psychologists. The psychologist will follow ASRM guidelines and lead the discussion to ensure all parties are in agreement on important topics and comfortable moving forward.
Fees include the clinical interview, test administration, scoring/interpretation, and report writing. Please note that all fees are self-pay and must be paid at the time of service via Venmo, Credit Card, or FSA/HSA card.
Schedule Your Intended Parent(s) Consultation Today!
Take the first step in your journey toward parenthood with our supportive Intended Parents Consultation. This session provides a comprehensive understanding of the emotional aspects of fertility treatments, donor options, and the path to building your family. Register as a new client in our portal to schedule an appointment. Begin this meaningful journey with confidence and compassionate support. If you have any questions, please contact us.
Meet Our Reproductive Psychology Team
Jennifer Collins, PsyD, MSCP
Founder & Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Collins is a licensed clinical psychologist and the CEO and Founder of Ebb & Flow Counseling + Coaching. With over 12 years of experience at the doctoral level, and worked as a clinical psychologist within a health system for 13 years.
She specializes in infertility and reproductive psychology, offering consultations for individuals and couples considering third-party reproduction. Dr. Collins helps intended parents navigate the emotional complexities of using donor gametes or a gestational carrier, ensuring they are mentally and emotionally prepared for the path ahead.
Known for her warm and compassionate approach, Dr. Collins balances support with challenge, using therapeutic humor to put clients at ease. With PSYPACT authority, she offers telepsychology services across 39 U.S. states, making her expertise widely accessible.
Rachel Brookland, PsyD
Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Brookland is a licensed clinical psychologist with PSYPACT credentials at Ebb & Flow Counseling + Coaching. She graduated from Council Rock High School, Muhlenberg College (BS), and The Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (MS, Psy.D.).
Dr. Brookland brings extensive experience from diverse settings, including hospitals, family medicine practices, community mental health, and graduate school counseling centers. Her expertise in women’s emotional wellness, infertility, and reproductive psychology makes her particularly skilled in guiding intended parents through the psychological aspects of third-party reproduction, ensuring they are emotionally prepared and well-informed as they navigate this significant step in their family-building journey.
With PSYPACT authority, she offers telepsychology services across 39 U.S. states, making her expertise widely accessible.
A Note from Ebb & Flow
We are so excited that you are looking to Ebb and Flow Counseling + Coaching for Egg Donor Evaluation services. We are here to provide unwavering professional support through your journey, guiding individuals through with confidence. If you have any questions about our services, fees, or the evaluation process, please feel free to reach out. We are here for you.
- Dr. Jennifer Collins, Owner & Licensed Psychologist
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