INTENDED PARENTS CONSULTATION

In today’s world, families are created in numerous ways.  For many, this means an inclusion of outsiders, actively assisting Intended Parents to achieve their dream.  This might include traveling to Southern California, and trusting those from a different country and culture to assist them.

With some of us having personally experienced infertility, the mental health professionals at FCCI truly understand every step in this process, and the ultimate, priceless joy parents’ feel holding their child in their arms for the first time. Our goal is to make this journey as smooth as possible for all involved.

ASRM has specific guidelines for Intended Parents using third party assistance (sperm donor, egg donor, surrogate-gestational carrier and donated embryos). The guidelines include participating in a session with a qualified mental health professional, like those at FCCI, who have experience working with individuals and couples struggling with fertility and needing third party assisted reproduction procedures.

FCCI personnel approach their meetings with all participants with the premise that they are consenting adults and whatever the treatment and/or role in the process, it is ultimately each individual’s or couple’s decision to move forward.

Intended Parents travel to FCCI offices in Orange County, California, for a face-to-face psycho-educational meeting. If this is not possible, a videoconference is arranged. After signing appropriate consent forms, FCCI then provides the referring Agency and/or Physician with a written summary of the session and any recommendations.

General

  • A brief review of their specific infertility history
  • Brief histories of each individual and the relationship, if appropriate
  • Comfort with the recommended treatment
  • Coping and stress reduction strategies
  • Impact of the treatment on relationships
  • Disclosure considerations

On-going Counseling Support and Consultations

Caring for the emotional needs for all involved in this process is not a single, isolated, one-time occurrence.

FCCI is there for you from the initial meetings and interviews, through conception, pregnancy, childbirth and post-partum.

Support sessions related to infertility may include:

  • Relationship issues (including marriage counseling)
  • Individual counseling
  • Coping with families and friends during infertility
  • Stress management
  • Decision making
  • Grief counseling