Module 2
The Role of the Reproductive Mental Health Professional in Third-Party Reproduction
Guiding families through surrogacy, egg/sperm donation, and other third-party pathways with expertise, compassion, and ethical care. 1 CE Credit
Purchase for $75This training explores the unique role reproductive mental health professionals play in donor and surrogacy processes.
Third-party reproduction—such as egg and sperm donation, embryo donation, and gestational surrogacy—is increasingly common. Each pathway involves multiple parties, legal and ethical considerations, and complex emotional dynamics.
Mental health professionals are essential to this process. They ensure intended parents, donors, and gestational carriers are supported, informed, and prepared for the journey ahead.
This module equips you with the knowledge and tools to:
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Understand evaluations for donors and gestational carriers.
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Navigate ethical dilemmas and relational complexities.
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Provide affirming support that safeguards emotional wellbeing and promotes successful outcomes for all parties involved.
Recommended Prerequisite Course
We recommend completing Module 1: Foundations of Practice in Reproductive Mental Health before beginning Module 2. Module 1 provides the essential concepts and frameworks that Module 2 builds upon, ensuring you get the most out of your training.
Explore Module 1 →
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Accredited Training
Earn 1 CE credit
Understand the processes and partnerships that define third-party reproduction and discover how reproductive mental health professionals support ethical decision-making, emotional wellbeing, and successful outcomes for all parties involved.
Learning Objectives:
- Review the evolution of practices utilizing mental health expertise across third-party arrangements.
- Distinguish between the role of gatekeeper and educator when working with third-party arrangements.
- Understand core elements of evaluations/consultations conducted with egg donors, sperm donors, embryo donors, and gestational surrogates along with gamete/embryo recipients/intended parents.
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In-Demand Expertise
Address the growing need for mental health professionals in fertility care
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Clinical Skills
Learn practical strategies you can apply in donor and surrogacy evaluations
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Professional Growth
Expand your credibility in reproductive mental health
Meet Your Instructor
Dr. Mary Riddle, PhD is a psychologist with over 20 years of experience specializing in reproductive mental health. She has trained thousands of providers worldwide, served on key professional boards, and authored multiple publications shaping the field. Her expertise bridges clinical excellence with real-world practice, making her a trusted voice in reproductive mental health.
Read Full BioDr. Mary Riddle received her Ph.D. in Clinical Health Psychology from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology of Yeshiva University. She completed her pre-doctoral clinical internship at the Postgraduate Center for Mental Health (of New York’s Psychoanalytic Institute). She completed a post-doctoral fellowship at Manhattan’s VA Hospital.
Dr. Riddle is an Associate Teaching Professor of Psychology at The Pennsylvania State University. She is also a course author for Penn State University’s World Campus and authored and teaches a Senior Seminar in Reproductive Psychology. Dr. Riddle also has private practice (Dr. Mary P. Riddle, Ph.D., LLC) dedicated to assessment, evaluation, and psychoeducation in Third Party Reproduction.
Dr. Riddle’s research has focused on topics related to infertility and family building, with an emphasis on the psychological assessment process in gestational surrogacy. She has published in a number of leading medical journals including Fertility and Sterility, Human Fertility, Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology, Journal of Religion and Health, Journal of Infant, Child, and Adolescent Psychotherapy, and the Journal of Medical and Pediatric Oncology. She also recently published 2 book chapters in Fertility Counseling, 2nd Edition (2023).
Dr. Riddle was selected by the American Psychological Association to attend the 2015-2016 Leadership Institute for Women in Psychology. She is the past Chair of the Mental Health Professional Group of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Dr. Riddle serves on the Editorial Board of Fertility and Sterility. In both 2022 and 2023, Dr. Riddle was named Star Reviewer for her work in Fertility and Sterility. She also serves as a medical expert consultant for Carrot Fertility.
Dr. Mary Riddle received her Ph.D. in Clinical Health Psychology from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology of Yeshiva University. She completed her pre-doctoral clinical internship at the Postgraduate Center for Mental Health (of New York’s Psychoanalytic Institute). She completed a post-doctoral fellowship at Manhattan’s VA Hospital.
Dr. Riddle is an Associate Teaching Professor of Psychology at The Pennsylvania State University. She is also a course author for Penn State University’s World Campus and authored and teaches a Senior Seminar in Reproductive Psychology. Dr. Riddle also has private practice (Dr. Mary P. Riddle, Ph.D., LLC) dedicated to assessment, evaluation, and psychoeducation in Third Party Reproduction.
Dr. Riddle’s research has focused on topics related to infertility and family building, with an emphasis on the psychological assessment process in gestational surrogacy. She has published in a number of leading medical journals including Fertility and Sterility, Human Fertility, Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology, Journal of Religion and Health, Journal of Infant, Child, and Adolescent Psychotherapy, and the Journal of Medical and Pediatric Oncology. She also recently published 2 book chapters in Fertility Counseling, 2nd Edition (2023).
Dr. Riddle was selected by the American Psychological Association to attend the 2015-2016 Leadership Institute for Women in Psychology. She is the past Chair of the Mental Health Professional Group of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Dr. Riddle serves on the Editorial Board of Fertility and Sterility. In both 2022 and 2023, Dr. Riddle was named Star Reviewer for her work in Fertility and Sterility. She also serves as a medical expert consultant for Carrot Fertility.
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View Full ProgramContinuing Education Information
ACE Approved Provider of Continuing Education Contact Hours: Adelphi University School of Social Work: Continuing Education and Professional Development, #1786, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. Adelphi University School of Social Work: Continuing Education and Professional Development maintain responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 03/03/2022 – 03/03/2026. ACE is not an approved Continuing Education Provider in the states of New York and West Virginia unless the event is outside of West VA. Adelphi University School of Social Work is an approved NYSED CE provider in New York State. 55 states/jurisdictions accept ACE-approved provider CE contact hours.
American Psychological Association / Postpartum Support International:Â This activity is co-sponsored by Postpartum Support International and the Seleni Institute. Postpartum Support International is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Postpartum Support International maintains responsibility for the program and its content.
DONA International: This continuing education training can be utilized for DONA International recertification requirements and is approved for four CEUs for doulas.
National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC):Â Seleni Psychology Counseling and Support PLLC has been approved by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6950. Seleni Psychology Counseling and Support PLLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
New York State Education Department
Psychologists: Seleni Psychology Counseling and Support, PLLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0095.
Social Workers: Seleni Psychology Counseling and Support, PLLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0477.
Mental Health Practitioners: This activity is co-sponsored by Adelphi University School of Social Work and the Seleni Institute. Adelphi University School of Social Work is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors #MHC-0068, licensed marriage and family therapists #MFT-0038, and licensed creative arts therapists #CAT-0032. Adelphi University School of Social Work maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
New York State Office of Addiction and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) Education and Training:Â Program information has been submitted to the New York State Office of Addiction and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) Education and Training for earning or re-credentialing for CASAC training hours. Adelphi University School of Social Work maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Please connect with your state or professional board for reciprocity eligibility.
Obtaining CE/CME Credit
Continuing education (CE) and continuing medical education (CME) credit will only be provided to participants who meet full participation requirements: 1) Complete the program in its entirety, 2) Complete a post-test with a minimum score of 80%, and 3) Complete a post-activity evaluation. After successfully completing the post-test and post-activity evaluation, participants can generate their certificate of credit.
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