I have to see a counciler/shrink..

Meadows317

Is this a usual requirement? The Fertility Center I am looking into going requires all those that plan on using a 3rd Party in reproducing to visit their Psychiatrist. Just to be evaluated. I've never visited a shrink before, I'm a little nervous.. What can I expect from this?

Lydia

My own fertility doctor evaluated me, and the reason why he told me people have to go through the psych tests is because of that Octomom incident a few years ago.

They'll ask you "Why do you want to be a mother?"
"Do you have a means of supporting the child once it's born?"
and stuff like that. :)

nbound72

My fertility doctor made me do the same thing. I think it's pretty common. They suggested several psychologist. When I called several of them, the fee was about $275 - $350. Insurance didn't cover it.

Here's what I ended up doing. I went to a family counselor and I brought a list of questions the doctor wanted them to ask/evaluate. The counselor wrote the doctor a letter of "approval" that I'm not crazy. :)
This was covered under my insurance and the copay was only $20.

Double check with your fertility doctor and see if you can go that route. It was just so much more cost effective.

Meadows317

That's a good idea, I figured councilor would probably be more expensive then 350..

I looked on the website of the doctor I would really like to go to and it said that they may order a MMPI test which is a 567 question survey.. And then their Physiologist reveiws it.. Apparently the doctors wife is the head councilor person though, I dont know if thats a good thing or a bad thing. I also found out that the couple had to go through fertility treatments when they had their child too. So that will be nice to have a doctor who can somewhat relate to my situation of wanting a child.