The experience of infertility is profoundly emotional. Clients usually have experienced long periods of disappointment and sadness over difficulties conceiving children before they are ever referred to the Ottawa Fertility Centre. Infertility can result in depression, feelings of isolation, relationship stress, problems with friends and family, and interference with work and social relationships. It has been described as an emotional roller coaster.

Dr. Patricia Gervaize, the consultant clinical psychologist at the Ottawa Fertility Centre, has over twenty years experience working with the emotional aspects of infertility and its treatment. She can help you to understand the emotions you are experiencing and find strategies for coping as you proceed through diagnosis and treatment. This can include decision making around treatment, coping with treatment itself, and managing the experience of infertility while living in a fertile world. She sees both individuals and couples in her practice.

If you wish to see her, please contact her directly at (613) 686-3378, ext. 315 or by email, pgervaize@conceive.ca for an appointment. These services are entirely confidential.

Individuals who are participating in donor sperm or donor egg programmes are required by the Ottawa Fertility Centre to spend one hour with a counsellor to discuss the potential psychosocial ramifications of the use of donor gametes, especially for the children who might be conceived through their use. This is an opportunity to explore in depth questions you might have about this method of family building and will not influence your medical care in any way.

There is a fee for psychological service which is usually covered by third party health insurance. Please check your policy to determine whether a physician referral is required in order to be reimbursed. This referral can be obtained from your physician's office.