The Role of Psychological Screening in Surrogacy: Ensuring Emotional Readiness and Compatibility
TL;DR: Psychological screening helps intended parents and surrogates enter the journey with clear expectations, healthy communication, and appropriate support. It’s one of the most important “invisible” success factors—because even a medically smooth pregnancy can become stressful if expectations and boundaries aren’t aligned.
What psychological screening is (and why it exists)
In many surrogacy programs, psychological screening is used to:
- confirm that everyone understands the process and commitments,
- identify support needs early (before stress peaks),
- align expectations around communication, boundaries, and postpartum transition.
The intent is typically preparedness and compatibility, not “passing a test.”
Who is typically screened
Programs vary, but psychological screening may include:
- the surrogate (and sometimes her partner, if applicable),
- intended parents (and sometimes additional family members involved in decision-making).
What the evaluation may cover
While each provider is different, common themes include:
- motivations and goals for surrogacy,
- stress management and coping strategies,
- support systems (family, friends, community),
- communication preferences,
- expectations around pregnancy updates and delivery,
- comfort with boundaries and privacy.
How to prepare (practical tips)
- Be honest about concerns and stressors—screening is meant to surface support needs early.
- Discuss communication expectations with your agency or coordinator.
- Think ahead about delivery-day logistics and postpartum boundaries.
These pages can help you understand the overall journey structure:
- Surrogacy process: /surrogacy/process
- Surrogacy FAQs: /surrogacy/faqs
- Surrogate requirements: /surrogacy/requirements
Why this matters after birth too
Surrogacy doesn’t end on delivery day. Having aligned expectations and support plans can make a meaningful difference in:
- postpartum recovery support for the surrogate,
- communication and boundaries after birth,
- emotional wellbeing for all parties.
Next steps
If you have questions about how screening fits into the surrogacy process, contact Patriot Conceptions. We can help you understand what to expect and how to prepare.
FAQ
Quick answers based on this article. For personalized guidance, contact our team.
Many programs include psychological screening as part of standard surrogacy readiness. Requirements vary by clinic, agency, and situation, but screening is common because it supports healthier expectations and communication.
Evaluations often include interviews and standardized assessments focused on readiness, stressors, support systems, and expectations for the journey. The goal is compatibility and support—not judgment.
Not necessarily. Each situation is evaluated individually by qualified professionals. Honesty and appropriate support planning matter more than perfection.
Programs vary, but psychological professionals generally follow confidentiality standards. Ask your provider what is shared with the clinic/agency and what isn’t.
Come prepared to discuss your goals, stress management, support network, and expectations around communication, boundaries, and delivery-day planning.
About this article
Surrogacy is a legal and medical-adjacent topic. This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice.
Reviewed by Patriot Conceptions Editorial Team. Last reviewed Dec 15, 2025.
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