Monash IVF recognises that infertility and reproductive loss can be emotionally debilitating and can have an enormous impact on one's life at many levels. The national counselling team provides psychological support and services to all Monash IVF patients throughout Australia and internationally.
The counselling team comprises of psychologists and social workers with specialised skills and experience in the field of infertility and reproductive grief and loss. Every member of the team is tertiary qualified and is registered with the Australian Psychological Society or the Australian Association of Social Workers, all are members of the Australian and New Zealand Infertility Counsellors Association.
Monash IVF is a world leader in pre-implantation genetic testing and has its own team of highly skilled genetic scientists and genetic counsellors. Genetic counselling is available for people prior to the commencement of any infertility treatment to assist in the decision making process and to offer psychological support in highly stressful times.
Pre-treatment counselling
It is a regulatory requirement throughout Australia that all donors and people requiring treatment with a donor egg, sperm or embryo must undergo counselling prior to the act of donation and donor treatment.
In Victoria state legislation requires counselling for all people undergoing assisted reproductive treatment.
Pre-treatment counselling is an opportunity to prepare emotionally and psychologically for the challenges of the treatment ahead and to develop helpful coping mechanisms to minimise the effects associated with stress and anxiety. It gives people the opportunity to map out their own stress management plan and to work out how to best utilise the resources offered by the organisation.