Family-Building Consultations

Katharine L. Rowny PsyD is a clinical psychologist in the San Francisco Bay Area specializing in family-building consultation for intended parent(s), ovum (egg)/sperm donors, and gestational carriers. Also licensed and providing services to patients in Colorado.

 
 

You might be struggling with making important decisions about your path to parenthood.

Your considerations might include IVF, donor gametes, the assistance of a carrier, or other options for building a family. I can provide support and guidance in thinking about:

  • Managing the emotional roller-coaster of fertility treatments

  • Psychological considerations for using a donor gamete/embryo or gestational carrier

  • Communication and relationship dynamics relationship with a gamete donor (If directed/known) and/or a gestational carrier

  • Making decisions about continuing fertility treatment

How I Can Help

Consultation for Intended Parent(s)

I offer consultations for couples and individuals considering a donor gamete, embryo, or gestational carrier to expand their family. This session is designed to provide intended parent(s) a supportive environment to explore the psychological considerations of assisted family-building, and the opportunity to ask questions and concerns about this process. Components of our consultation include a discussion about family and fertility history, bonding and attachment with your baby, your relationship with the gamete donor (If directed/known) or gestational carrier, medical-decision making, and issues around disclosure.

Consultation & Evaluation for Gamete Donors

I provide consultations and evaluations for prospective gamete (Egg/sperm) donors. This session is intended to provide support, clarify emotional and psychological considerations regarding different aspects of donation, and assess current well-being. Components of our consultation include a discussion of family and reproductive history, current life circumstances, the desire to donate, your relationship with the intended parent(s), and exploring your questions or concerns about this process.

Consultation & Evaluation for Gestational Carriers

I offer consultations and psychological evaluations for prospective gestational carriers. This meeting is designed to provide support and discuss psychological considerations associated with gestational carriership, including your relationship with the intended parent(s), meeting and saying goodbye to baby, and readjusting to life after delivery. Components of our consultation include a discussion of family history, current emotional well-being, availability of social support, desire to carry, medical decision making, and exploring your questions or concerns about this process.

 How To Begin

1

Get in Touch

Please contact me at (415) 634-5580 or katharinerowny@drrowny.com to schedule an initial consultation.

2

Meet for an Initial Phone Call

This meeting will allow you to ask questions and get answers about the consultation process as well as clarify costs and scheduling availability.

3

Establish Meeting Time(s)

We will make an appointment or series of appointments, depending on the type of consultation and/or evaluation being scheduled.

FAQs

  • I'm currently conducting family-building consultations/evaluations over a secure, HIPPA-compliant video platform.

  • Fees depend upon the type of consultation/evaluation being sought.I offer a flat fee for each type of family building consultation. This allows you to know the full cost upfront.

    Please note that psychological services for prospective gestational carriers must be paid for by the intended parent(s) or referring agency.

  • Currently, I do not accept insurance and I'm therefore known as an "Out-of-Network Provider" on most insurance plans.

    Some insurance plans offer some coverage for family-building consultations, although it varies depending on your carrier. I am happy to speak with you further about questions you can ask your insurance carrier regarding possible benefits related to family-building consultations.