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Assisted Reproduction Consultation & Evaluation Program (ARCEP)

ARCEP provides specialized psychological evaluation and consultation in accordance with the professional guidelines established by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). Services are structured to meet the requirements of fertility clinics, agencies, and legal professionals involved in assisted reproductive arrangements. Reports include clear, clinically actionable recommendations to assist the referral source in decision-making.

Services are provided by doctoral-level psychologists within the Division of Community & Public Safety Psychiatry at the Medical University of South Carolina.

Many fertility clinics and agencies require psychological consultation prior to proceeding with gamete donation or gestational surrogacy.

Services

Gestational Carrier Evaluations

  • Assess psychological readiness and identify areas requiring additional discussion, preparation, or support in preparation for surrogacy
  • Include a comprehensive clinical interview, psychological testing, and a formal written report with findings and recommendations

Gamete Donor (Egg or Sperm Donor) Evaluations

  • Assess psychological readiness and explore the emotional, ethical, and relational implications of donation
  • Include a comprehensive clinical interview, psychological testing, and a formal written report with findings and recommendations

Intended Parent Psychosocial Assessments

  • Provide consultation regarding emotional preparedness, communication expectations, and relational considerations in third-party reproduction
  • This consultation does not constitute an evaluation of parental fitness
  • Include psychoeducational consultation, psychological testing, and written clearance documentation when required by the referring clinic or agency

Therapeutic Consultation Sessions

  • Joint sessions involving intended parent(s) and gestational carrier or known donor
  • Focus on clarifying expectations, establishing boundaries, and supporting collaborative communication

Referrals

ARCEP accepts referrals from

  • Fertility and Reproductive Endocrinology (REI) clinics
  • Surrogacy and matching agencies
  • Reproductive and family formation attorneys
Couple sitting on a couch in a living room, holding hands and receiving support during a counseling session

Ready to Schedule?

Complete our form for scheduling and care coordination purposes.

Intake Form

Frequently Asked Questions

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) publishes widely recognized professional guidelines designed to support ethical and evidence-informed assisted reproductive practices. ARCEP aligns its evaluation process with these standards to ensure consistency with best practices used by fertility clinics and reproductive professionals.

Many fertility clinics and agencies follow professional guidelines established by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), which recommend psychological consultation for individuals participating in third-party reproduction. These evaluations are intended to support informed decision-making, identify potential areas of concern, and promote positive outcomes for all involved parties.

No. Intended parent consultations are not evaluations of parental fitness. Instead, they focus on psychoeducation, emotional preparedness, communication expectations, and discussion of considerations unique to assisted reproductive arrangements.

Psychological consultation is intended to support thoughtful preparation and identify areas that may benefit from further discussion or planning. Recommendations are provided to assist the referring clinics and participants; final medical and legal decisions are made by the fertility clinic and involved professionals.

The process typically includes:

  • A comprehensive clinical interview
  • Psychological testing, when indicated
  • Discussion of relevant medical, psychological, and relational factors
  • A written report or clearance letter, as required by the referring clinic or agency

Specific components may vary depending on the type of consultation requested.

Reports or clearance letters are provided to the referring fertility clinic, agency, or legal professional, depending on referral requirements. This will be discussed during the consent process.

These services are consultation and evaluation-based and are not intended to replace ongoing psychotherapy or psychiatric treatment. However, a therapeutic consultation session is recommended by ASRM to facilitate communication and preparation between parties involved in assisted reproductive arrangements.

Referrals are commonly made by fertility clinics, surrogacy agencies, or reproductive attorneys. Self-referrals may be accepted depending on the circumstances; please contact the program for more information.

Scheduling availability and turnaround time may vary. In most cases, reports or clearance documentation are completed within 10 days of last contact or record received.