Counselling is a legal requirement for surrogates under the 2024 Act, and strongly recommended for all intended parents. Here's how to find AHRRA-approved counselling in Ireland.
Surrogacy is emotionally complex for everyone involved — intended parents carrying the weight of years of infertility, and surrogates navigating the profound experience of carrying a pregnancy for someone else. Counselling is not a formality; it's a genuine support that helps all parties understand their motivations, process their feelings, and prepare for challenges ahead.
Under the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act 2024, surrogates must complete mandatory independent counselling before an arrangement can be approved by AHRRA. This counselling must be provided by a counsellor approved by AHRRA — not just any therapist. Intended parents are also strongly encouraged (and in many clinic pathways effectively required) to complete psychosocial assessment sessions before treatment begins.
The good news: finding an accredited fertility counsellor in Ireland is increasingly straightforward, and many now offer online sessions as well as in-person appointments.
AHRRA (the Assisted Human Reproduction Regulatory Authority) is responsible for approving and maintaining a register of counsellors authorised to provide pre-arrangement surrogacy counselling under the 2024 Act. As this register develops, the most authoritative way to find a qualified counsellor is to contact AHRRA directly.
Visit AHRRA's Website for Current GuidanceThe professional bodies below maintain registers of accredited fertility counsellors in Ireland. These counsellors have specialist training in fertility, donor conception, and assisted reproduction — the foundation of AHR-specific counselling competency required under the 2024 Act.
The Irish Fertility Counsellors Association is the specialist professional body for fertility counsellors in Ireland. IFCA members have trained specifically in the psychological dimensions of fertility treatment, donor conception, surrogacy, and pregnancy loss. Their member directory is the primary resource for finding a qualified fertility counsellor — many of whom are likely to be among those AHRRA approves for pre-arrangement surrogacy counselling as the regulatory framework matures.
Most of Ireland's established IVF clinics (Sims IVF, Beacon CARE, ReproMed, Waterstone, Galway Fertility) have in-house or affiliated counsellors who work specifically with fertility and AHR patients. For intended parents already working with a clinic, their own counsellor is often the most practical first step — they'll be familiar with your treatment plan and may already be registered with AHRRA for surrogacy assessments.
The IACP is Ireland's largest professional body for counsellors and psychotherapists. While not fertility-specific, their member directory allows you to search by specialism — look for practitioners with listed experience in fertility, reproductive health, or perinatal counselling. The IACP's accreditation standards ensure a minimum level of professional training and ethical practice.
Pre-arrangement counselling for surrogacy typically covers:
Sessions are typically 60–90 minutes, and you may need more than one. Some counsellors also offer ongoing support throughout the pregnancy and after the birth — this is recommended even when not legally required.
Counselling isn't just a checkbox — it's one of the most valuable investments you can make in your surrogacy journey. Get in touch and we'll help you understand what's required and what's recommended for your situation.
Talk to Surrogacy.ie