Third-Party Reproduction Evaluations
Located in Lee's Summit, serving intended parents across the Kansas City area.
Before pursuing treatment through the use of third-party reproduction (donor sperm, eggs or embryos, or gestational surrogacy), a psychological evaluation, or consultation, with a licensed therapist is required. I have the required training to help you meet this requirement. My evaluations for intended parents follow the guidelines of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).
Clinics call it different things: a psychosocial consultation, third-party reproduction counseling or a psychological evaluation. I'm located in Lee's Summit and serve intended parents across the Kansas City area, in person or virtually.
I know this can feel like one more requirement on a road that has already asked a lot of you. My aim is for it to feel like a conversation, not a test.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Kansas, I can see clients on both sides of the state line. For those who prefer not to travel, evaluations are also available virtually through a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform anywhere in either state.
What is a third-party reproduction evaluation?
ASRM recommends that everyone considering third-party reproduction take part in a psychosocial consultation with a licensed mental health professional before treatment begins, and many reproductive endocrinology clinics require it. The consultation gives you space to think through the emotional, relational and family questions that come with using donor gametes or a gestational carrier, before you are in the middle of treatment.
I am a licensed counselor, not a psychologist. This is a guided conversation about your plans and how you are preparing for them. It does not include psychological testing or a personality assessment.
I provide a written summary report to both you and your reproductive endocrinology clinic. With your written consent, I send your clinic a copy of the report directly to them. This report is included in the cost of the consultation.
Your written summary report
Donor conception and surrogacy evaluations
I work with individuals and couples of all genders and sexualities, including single parents by choice. For LGBTQ+ couples, this can feel like a frustrating additional step on their journey. However, this is a requirement for any individual or couple considering the use of donor gametes or third party reproduction.
Donor egg and sperm evaluation and counseling
Whether you are using donor eggs or donor sperm, we talk through what a genetic connection means to each of you, choosing a directed (known) or an indirect (anonymous) donor, and how you will tell your child their story.
Donor embryo evaluation and counseling
Embryo donation raises its own questions, including genetic siblings in another family and what contact, if any, you want with the donor family.
Gestational surrogacy evaluation for intended parents
A gestational surrogate, also called a gestational carrier, carries a pregnancy for you. We talk about the relationship you want with your surrogate both during pregnancy and after birth, your plans for delivery and the delivery room, and how you will tell your child their story.
What we talk about in your evaluation
The evaluation is a conversation about preparation. You do not need to have every answer before you come in. Together we cover:
How you arrived at this decision, including any infertility or loss along the way
Your hopes and concerns about using a donor or surrogate
What you plan to tell your child, and when
The relationship you expect with your donor or surrogate
How you and your partner, if you have one, are making decisions together
The support around you through treatment
How you will talk about your child's origins with the people in their life, including family and friends
Therapy before and after your evaluation
Many people come to third-party reproduction after years of infertility, failed cycles or pregnancy loss. The evaluation is one appointment, but the waiting that follows, for a match with a donor, an embryo transfer or a pregnancy, can be long. If you want support through that stretch, I also offer infertility therapy for individuals and couples.
Evaluation length, fee and format
Length: one 120-minute session
Fee: $280
Includes: a summary letter for your fertility clinic
Format: in person or virtually on a HIPAA-compliant platform
Payment: HSA, FSA, credit and debit cards
Training in reproductive mental health
Katie Kirkenmeier, MA, LPC, LCPC, ATR, PMH-C
Member of the Mental Health Professionals Group of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine
Trained through ASRM to provide third-party reproduction consultations
Certified in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C)
Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Kansas
Questions about third-party reproduction evaluations
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ASRM recommends a psychosocial consultation for everyone using third-party reproduction, and most clinics require one before treatment. Your clinic can tell you exactly what it requires.
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We meet for one 120-minute session, on your own or with your partner, and talk through your decision, disclosure, your relationship with your donor or surrogate, and your support system. Afterward, I provide a written summary report to both you and your clinic. If you are using a known, or directed donor, there will be separate appointments with you, your partner, the donor and their partner, as well as a joint session.
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No. I am a licensed counselor, and this evaluation is a guided conversation, not testing. If your clinic also requires psychological testing, it can tell you who completes that part.
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Yes. If you live in Missouri or Kansas, we can meet on a HIPAA-compliant video platform.
Schedule your third-party reproduction evaluation
Book a free 15-minute consultation, send me a message or text 816-875-0078.
I reply within two business days.