At the UCSF Center for Reproductive Health

We recognize that the treatment of infertility can affect people in many different ways.  Both individually and together, couples often face emotional or personal challenges in their efforts to resolve their fertility issues and build a family.  Because infertility can affect all aspects of life, the team at the Center for Reproductive Health has developed a range of services to provide you with the personalized support you may need before, during, or even after your fertility treatment.

The Center for Reproductive Health’s services for patients include individual and couples counseling, support programs, and comprehensive educational material.  This emotional support provides help and guidance in many important areas, including:

• Managing stress
• Coping with depression or anxiety
• Handling relationship issues
• Dealing with family and friends
• Making treatment decisions
• Coping with pregnancy loss

The Fertility Journey

What often makes infertility so challenging is not knowing when or how it will end.  Many patients say the hardest part is not the shots and doctor visits, but the uncertainty that they will never be able to get pregnant or become a parent.  While we can’t guarantee how the process will go or how it will end, we can offer you support every step of the way. There can be comfort in knowing that all this uncertainty will eventually resolve.  Many people will find a way to become parents after exploring a variety of available options.  We are committed to providing all the support and guidance you may need on your journey.

Seek counseling when you notice:

• Infertility is affecting your normal functioning and relationships with others
• Persistent sadness and tearfulness
• Increased levels of anxiety or worry
• Isolating yourself from others
• Strained relationships
• Difficulty making decisions
• Change in appetite, weight, or sleep patterns
• Increased feelings of bitterness or anger
• Thoughts of death or suicide
• Continuing feelings of pessimism, guilt or worthlessness

Dr. Lauri Pasch

Dr. Lauri Pasch is a licensed clinical psychologist with the UCSF Center for Reproductive Health.  With more than 10 years of experience, she specializes in the psychological aspects of reproductive medicine and the treatment of infertile couples.  Dr. Pasch helps with decision-making concerning treatment and family-building options and is available for individual or couples consults. She can also make referrals to mental health professionals in the community for patients who want ongoing mental health care.

Dr. Pasch is a member of the Mental Health Professional Group of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine and RESOLVE, the national support, education and advocacy group for infertility.

To schedule an in-person or telephone appointment with Dr. Pasch, contact your doctor’s nurse coordinator at .