How much does fertility counseling cost?
Counseling is part of what treatment costs: infertility is a recognized strain, and donor-egg, donor-sperm and surrogacy journeys include evaluations that clinics and agencies require. Here is what therapists, evaluators and online services charge, each in their own words.
A session with a fertility therapist costs $150 to $295 in the rates practices post. A donor-egg, donor-sperm or surrogacy journey adds a required evaluation: $400–$800 for a donor, $600–$950 for a gestational carrier. Online therapy runs $69–$109 a week self-pay, and RESOLVE's peer-led support groups are free.
When counseling is part of treatment
ASRM's guidance, in its own words. Clinics and agencies make these recommendations their requirements.
- ASRM Ethics Committee, Consideration of the gestational carrier (2023)Psychological evaluation before participation; counseling during and after
Gestational carriers (GCs); who gets evaluated and counseled
“They should receive psychological evaluation before and have access to counseling during and after participation.” asrm.org
- ASRM Practice Committee, Recommendations for practices using gestational carriers (2022)Psychologic counseling strongly recommended for all intended parents
Intended parents (IPs) and gamete donors involved in a GC arrangement; clinical interview and, where appropriate, psychologic testing
“The physician should strongly recommend psychosocial education and counseling by a qualified mental health professional to all IPs. If involved, gamete donors should undergo psychoeducational evaluation as detailed in the ASRM document on gamete and embryo donation (3). The assessment should include a clinical interview and, where appropriate, psychologic testing” asrm.org
- ASRM Practice Committee, Recommendations for practices using gestational carriers (2022)Evaluation of GCs and partners comes before legal contracts
Gestational carriers and their partners
“The psychologic evaluation and counseling of GCs and their partners is one aspect of the overall selection of a GC. The psychologic evaluation should occur before legal counseling and the signing of legal contracts with any IP(s).” asrm.org
- ASRM Practice Committee, Guidance regarding gamete and embryo donation (2021)Psychoeducational counseling strongly recommended for all oocyte donors
Egg donors; evaluation by a qualified mental health professional, required under age 21
“Psychoeducational counseling by a qualified mental health professional is strongly recommended for all donors (see Psychoeducational Counseling).” asrm.org
- ASRM Practice Committee, Guidance regarding gamete and embryo donation (2021)Psychological evaluation and counseling strongly recommended for all sperm donors
Sperm donors
“Psychological evaluation and counseling by a qualified mental health professional is strongly recommended for all sperm donors” asrm.org
- ASRM Practice Committee, Guidance regarding gamete and embryo donation (2021)Donors under 21 should have a psychological evaluation
Donors aged under 21
“Donors aged <21 years should have a psychological evaluation by a qualified mental health professional” asrm.org
What a donor, carrier or intended parent evaluation costs
Each practice's or agency's own fee list, read Nov 7, 2026. Intended parents usually pay for the donor's or carrier's evaluation as well as their own.
- Simple Surrogacy (egg donation program fees)$800-$1,300 psychological assessment fee
Donor and intended parents ($400 each); MMPI at request adds $500
“Psychological Assessment Fee$800- $1300 $400 for the Egg Donor and $400 for the Intended Parents MMPI requests by Parents or Clinic, add $500” simplesurrogacy.com
- Empress CounselingGreater Boston, Providence and Connecticut$400
90-minute donor egg, sperm or embryo consultation (recipient), letter to clinic within two business days
“$400 | Comprehensive 90-Minute Donor Egg, Sperm, or Embryo Consultation with a detailed letter sent to your clinic within two business days.” empresscounseling.com
- Britta Dinsmore, PhDOregon (licensed in OR, WA, MT)$575 donor; $800 gestational carrier (checkout lists donor at $595)
Egg or sperm donor evaluation; gestational carrier evaluation; insurance cannot be used (page says no)
“Egg or Sperm Donor Psychological Evaluation: $575 - Gestational Carrier Psychological Evaluation: $ 800” brittadinsmore.com
- Stephanie Law, PsyDPasadena, CA$600 carrier; $575 donor; $350 intended parent interview
Evaluation of surrogates and donors; 60-minute interview for intended parents; fees apply whether or not the candidate 'passes'
“Gestational Carrier Candidates (Surrogates): $600 • Donor Candidates: $575 For Surrogates, a sixty minute interview is also recommended for the intended parent/s: $350” drstephanielaw.com
- Infertility Counseling CenterKansas City, MO$600 carrier; $400 donor; $225 intended parent; $150 joint
Gestational carrier evaluation, donor evaluation, intended parent consultation, joint consultation
“Gestational Carrier evaluation: $600 - Donor evaluation: $400 - Intended Parent consultations: $225 - Joint consultations: $150” infertilitycc.com
- Ebb and Flow Reproductive PsychologyLancaster, PA, serves PSYPACT states by telehealth$450 couple, $375 single parent, $550 donor gametes and carrier; $950 GC; $800 donor
Intended parent consultation; GC evaluation plus PAI $950; donor evaluation plus PAI $800; joint session $550
“Intended Parent Psychological Consultation- Couple - $450” yourebbflow.com
- Jana Rupnow Therapy$245
Intended parents session plus report
“Fee: $245.00” janarupnowtherapy.com
- Egg Donor and Surrogate Solutions (EDIP agency fees)$600 donor psych assessment; $2,300 medical program fee incl. 3-part psychological screening (Identified Donor Program)
Egg donor annual psychological evaluation
“$600: Egg Donor Psychological Assessment Each egg donor must complete an annual psychological evaluation before donating.” createahappyfamily.com
- GSHC Surrogacy (sample egg donation costs)$500
Psychological evaluation line in a sample cost breakdown
“Psychological Evaluation | $500.00” gshcsurrogacy.com
- Golden Egg Donation (fees)$500 donor; $300 intended parent
Intended parents must submit a psychological evaluation for approval to proceed
“Psychological evaluation $500 Genetic counseling report $315” goldeneggdonation.com
- Arizona Fertility CounselorArizona (phone 480 area code); city not confirmed$325-$650 typical range
Surrogate and third-party psychological evaluations; priced on therapist hourly rate and case complexity
“The typical fee range is from $325-650.” azfertilitycounselor.com
What a fertility therapist charges a session
Rates the practices post, read Nov 7, 2026. Many are out of network and give a superbill you can send to your insurer.
- Balanced AwakeningChicago, IL$250 first two sessions, then $225 (55 minutes)
Fertility therapy; most therapists in network with UnitedHealthcare/Optum, BCBS PPO and Aetna
“Our therapy rate for the first two sessions is $250. After that, 55 minute sessions are $225.” balancedawakening.com
- Infertility Counseling CenterKansas City, MO$150 individual 50 min; $180 couples; $40 group
Reduced rates by income
“Individual 50-minute session: $150 - Couples session: $180 - Group session: $40” infertilitycc.com
- New England Fertility CounselingMassachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine (telehealth)$250 individual; $300 couples (75 min)
Intake about 60 minutes, ongoing about 50; limited sliding scale slots
“Individual therapy $250 per individual counseling session” newenglandfertilitycounseling.com
- Rebecca Newton, LMFTRedondo Beach, CA; virtual across California$250 per 50 min; associate therapists $185+
Infertility counseling
“50-minute Session: $250 per 50 minute session Associate Therapists: $185+ per 50 minute session” rebeccanewtontherapy.com
- Shara Brofman, PsyDNew York (page title: New York Therapist)$295 (45 min) or $375 (60 min)
Therapy appointments; out of network, superbills
“Therapy Appointments: $295 (45 min) | $375 (60 min)” drsharabrofman.com
- Emdr Healing Therapy (perinatal, postpartum, parenting support)San Diego, CA$200 session fee; sliding scale available
Superbill after each session for out-of-network reimbursement
“Session fee: $200 | - Sliding scale available” emdrhealingtherapy.com
- Meggie Zanger, LPCC (Psychology Today listing)San Jose, CA$210 individual; $250 couples
Specializes in pregnancy, prenatal, postpartum, infertility and anxiety; out of network
“Fees - Individual Sessions $210 - Couple Sessions $250” psychologytoday.com
- TherapyTribe directory (Chicago infertility therapists)Chicago, ILabout $202 average per session (directory statistic, not a price)
Directory average; 51% accept insurance, 35% offer sliding scale
“Infertility therapists in Chicago, IL average 17 years of experience and charge around $202 per session.” therapytribe.com
Online therapy, by the week
General online therapy, not fertility-specialized: you can ask for a therapist with infertility experience. Prices as each service states them.
BetterHelp
- $70 to $100 per week, about $260 to $400 per month
Subscription with weekly live sessions and messaging; billed weekly or monthly; some providers in-network. “In the United States, a BetterHelp subscription may cost $70 to $100 per week, which is billed weekly or monthly and generally adds up to around $260 to $400 per month.”
- Many insured members pay $15 or less, some $0
In-network providers only on some plans. “With insurance, many members pay $15 or less, while some pay $0.”
Talkspace
Visit TalkspacePartner- From $69/week messaging; $99/week video + messaging
Self-pay plans; most insured members $0 copay; average copay $15. “Most insured members have a $0 copay and out-of-pocket pricing starts at $69/week.”
- $69, $99, $109 per week; extra live session $65
Messaging; up to four 30-minute video sessions a month; workshops. “Price per week | From $69 USD | From $99 USD | From $109 USD”
- In-network with Aetna, Cigna, Optum, Anthem, TRICARE
Takes insurance. “Major insurance providers, including Aetna, Anthem, Cigna and TRICARE, are covered”
Links marked Partner are referral links: if you buy through one, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes the price you pay or the data shown. How partners are handled
Therapy and psychiatry through your insurance
Practices that bill your plan, so you pay a copay rather than the full session price. General mental health care, not fertility-specialized. Figures as each states them.
Octave
- Average $28 a session out of pocket with insurance
Therapy online and in person, in-network with plans including Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield plans, Cigna and Evernorth, Optum, Oscar and UnitedHealthcare; HSA and FSA accepted. “Up to 96% of Octave clients received coverage from their insurance provider, with an average out-of-pocket cost of $28 per session.”
- A cost estimate before the first session
Octave checks your benefits with your insurer after onboarding; a late cancellation is a flat $100. “Before your first appointment, you will receive a cost of care estimate in your client portal.”
Talkiatry
- Most patients pay $30 a visit
Online psychiatry (evaluation and medication) billed through insurance; the figure includes copays, deductibles and coinsurance, and the first visit, usually 60 minutes, can cost more. “Most patients pay $30* *Includes all types of patient costs after billing through insurance: copayment, deductible, coinsurance and $0 payments.”
- Patients typically pay $15 a session with insurance
Therapy and medication management by therapists in-network with most major plans; Rula charges no fees of its own and confirms your cost before the first session. “Rula patients typically pay $15 per session, although your individual cost may vary based on your insurance benefits and deductible.”
Alma
- Insured clients pay $20 a session on average
A directory of therapists who take your insurance, in-network with plans including Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Optum, Cigna, Anthem and Blue Cross Blue Shield. “Find the right therapist who accepts your insurance On average, insured clients pay $20 per session.”
Grow Therapy
- $21 average cost per session with insurance
Talk therapy and medication covered by insurance, booked online. “Book therapy in minutes, start in days. $21 average cost per session with insurance.”
SonderMind
- Copays average $25 a session
Therapy and psychiatry with 200+ in-network plans in all 50 states and D.C.; coverage and copays vary by plan. “Co-pays averaging $25 per session* With 200+ in-network plans, finding affordable therapy or psychiatry is easy”
Links marked Partner are referral links: if you buy through one, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes the price you pay or the data shown. How partners are handled
Support that costs little or nothing
- RESOLVE (news release)Free
RESOLVE support groups hosted by trained volunteers
“RESOLVE support groups are free and hosted by dedicated volunteers who receive training and support from RESOLVE staff.” resolve.org
- RESOLVE (find a support group)Peer-led groups run by volunteers; professionally-led groups not always free
Peer-led vs professionally-led; not a replacement for private counseling
“led and organized by RESOLVE volunteers. Volunteers receive training, but they don't give advice or act as professionals.” resolve.org
- RESOLVE (one group listing, Simpsonville SC)Cost Free, but RSVP required
Example virtual peer-led group listing
“Cost Free, but RSVP required.” resolve.org
- Postpartum Support International (PSI)100% free
Peer support groups for pregnancy loss, infant loss, fertility challenges, parenting after loss; 90 min on Zoom
“PSI Peer Support Groups offer compassionate peer support for pregnancy loss, infant loss, fertility challenges, and parenting after loss. All groups are 100% free forever” postpartum.net
- 988 Suicide and Crisis LifelineFree
Crisis support, not fertility-specific
“Your conversations are free and confidential.” 988lifeline.org
- Open Path Collective (low cost, not free)$40-70 per session plus one-time $65 membership
Sliding-scale therapy for people with eligibility
“Access online or in-person therapy with a vetted therapist for only $40-70” openpathcollective.org
What insurance pays
- U.S. Department of Labor, EBSA: Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder ParityParity: similar financial requirements (copays, deductibles) as medical/surgical
Applies to certain plan types; page does not mention infertility
“This parity requires health "insurance" plans to cover mental health and substance use disorders in a similar way to medical and surgical benefits. It also means that financial requirements - like copayments/copays and deductibles - need to be similar in cost.” dol.gov
- BetterHelpMany pay $15 or less with insurance
Source states a figure (not a plan-wide copay)
“With insurance, many members pay $15 or less, while some pay $0.” betterhelp.com
- TalkspaceAverage copay $15 per session
Stated as an average; high-deductible plans pay deductible first
“Average Talkspace member copay per session $15*” talkspace.com
- Britta Dinsmore, PhD (insurance FAQ)Donor/carrier evaluations: Britta Dinsmore states insurance cannot be used
Evaluations of donors and carriers are not billed to insurance at this practice
“Can insurance be used for the Donor or Gestational Carrier Psychological Evaluation? No---the purpose of the evaluation is assessing the candidate's understanding of and suitability to fulfill the role of donor or carrier” brittadinsmore.com
Common questions about fertility counseling
How much does fertility counseling cost?
Therapists who specialize in infertility post $150 to $295 for a 45 to 55 minute session, and some offer sliding scales. Online therapy runs $69 to $109 a week self-pay, and RESOLVE's peer-led support groups are free.
Is counseling required for donor eggs, donor sperm or surrogacy?
ASRM strongly recommends counseling for every egg and sperm donor, a psychological evaluation for donors under 21, an evaluation of every gestational carrier before she takes part, and counseling for intended parents. Clinics and agencies turn those recommendations into requirements, so most third-party journeys include at least one evaluation.
How much does a psychological evaluation for egg donation or surrogacy cost?
In the practices' and agencies' own fee lists: $400 to $800 for a donor evaluation, $600 to $950 for a gestational carrier evaluation, and $225 to $550 for an intended parent consultation. Intended parents usually pay for the donor's or carrier's evaluation too.
Does insurance cover fertility counseling?
Therapy for depression or anxiety is covered under federal mental health parity like other mental health care on plans that cover it, so your usual therapy copay applies: services that bill plans directly state averages of $15 (Talkspace's copay; Rula) to $28 (Octave) a session out of pocket, with Alma at $20, Grow Therapy at $21 and SonderMind at $25. The screening evaluations of donors and carriers are not treatment, and at least one practice states insurance cannot be used for them.