Surrogate psychological screening is usually a private conversation with a qualified mental-health professional. You may talk about pregnancy, postpartum recovery, relationships, stress, support, boundaries, and what you expect from the journey. Some evaluations also include a written questionnaire or psychological test.
The goal is not to catch you saying the wrong thing. It is to understand whether you can make an informed decision and what support you may need.
Tanya was afraid to mention therapy
Tanya had received counseling after the birth of her second child. Her anxiety improved, and she had been stable for several years. Still, she worried that the word “therapy” would end her application.
During the interview, she explained when the anxiety started, what treatment helped, and how she manages stress now. She also described who would support her during appointments, pregnancy, and recovery.
The evaluator did not need a perfect history. She needed an honest one.
What happens during the screening?
A private interview
The evaluator may ask why you are considering surrogacy, how previous pregnancies felt, how you recovered after birth, and what your family thinks. You may also discuss work, money, stress, relationships, substance use, communication, and boundaries.
A conversation about difficult possibilities
Surrogacy does not always follow the first plan. The evaluator may ask how you would handle a failed transfer, pregnancy loss, disagreement, medical complication, bed rest, or changes in contact with intended parents.
A questionnaire or psychological test
ASRM recommends validated psychological testing as part of the evaluation. The evaluator chooses the tool and explains how it fits with the interview.1 Do not search for “correct” answers. Answer in the way that is true for you.
A partner or support-person conversation
Your partner or main support person may also take part. The evaluator may want to know who will help with children, transportation, appointments, household work, and emotional support.
Questions you may be asked
- What made you interested in surrogacy?
- How did you feel during pregnancy and after birth?
- Have you ever received therapy or taken mental-health medication?
- How do you respond when plans change?
- Who helps with your children and household?
- What kind of relationship do you want with intended parents?
- How do you feel about privacy and social media?
- What would make you pause or say no?
- What support would you need after delivery?
You can say that you do not remember a date. You can ask for a question to be explained. You can also talk about mixed feelings. Honest uncertainty is more useful than a rehearsed answer.
What to prepare before the appointment
- A simple timeline of pregnancies and postpartum recovery
- Past and current counseling, diagnoses, and medication
- Current sources of stress
- The people who can support you
- Your questions about privacy and report sharing
- Your boundaries around communication, appointments, birth, and contact after delivery
Do not stop medication or change treatment to look more eligible. Bring accurate information. Let the evaluator and medical team decide what needs further review.
Who sees the information?
Ask this before signing a release. The evaluator may provide a report, summary, recommendation, or another form of communication. The recipients can vary by program, clinic, consent, professional rules, and law.
- What record will be created?
- Who may receive it?
- Will intended parents see a full report or only a recommendation?
- Can you correct a factual error?
- How long will the record be stored?
- What are the limits of confidentiality?
Good signs—and reasons to pause
Good signs: The evaluator explains the purpose, privacy limits, and next steps. You can speak privately. Questions are asked without shame. Medical, psychological, legal, and agency roles stay separate.
Pause if: Someone tells you to hide therapy or medication. No one explains who will receive the report. An agency employee tries to diagnose you. You are promised approval before the evaluation is complete.
Questions women often ask
Will anxiety, depression, or therapy automatically disqualify me?
Not always. The evaluator needs the full context, including symptoms, treatment, stability, support, and current stress. Medication questions also need medical review.
How long does screening take?
The format varies. Ask whether the interview, partner conversation, and questionnaire happen in one visit or more than one. Also ask when you should expect the next step.
Can I fail a psychological test?
The evaluation is not a school exam. The professional considers the interview, history, test results, support, expectations, and other information together.
You do not need a perfect story
Tanya’s preparation helped because it was honest and organized. Read how mental-health history may affect eligibility and what to consider after postpartum depression or anxiety.