Guide to Vetting Surrogate Partners

Disclaimer: The Embrace Resource Group does not endorse specific Surrogate Partners, but we seek to share resources in the spirit of increasing access to quality SPT.  We encourage those seeking Surrogate Partners to vet practitioners using the following metrics.

Green Flags

Look for Surrogate Partners who:

  • Have relevant, professional references (therapists, peers, trainers, etc)

  • Demonstrate clear professional boundaries, refers to ethical guidelines, and understands their importance

  • Show discernment between their wants/feelings, goals of the client, and goals of the work

  • Utilize informed consent (in documents and discussion)

  • Work in a measured fashion at a pace that is mutually attuned and respectful

  • Have completed comprehensive training and professional mentorship

  • Adhere to a professional Code of Conduct

  • Demonstrate professionalism (Contract/agreement, ROI, discussing money, clinical discussions)

  • Know limitations (of themself, the modality, and their role for this client)

  • Engage in a standardized practice of recording session observations and communicating with clinician between each session

Red Flags

Be cautious about Surrogate Partners who:

  • Offer Surrogate Partner Therapy not in a triad 

  • Promise a specific and preset pace of progression in their work with clients

  • Have unprofessional boundaries with clients (e.g. take trips with clients, exchange inappropriate gifts, casual texting unrelated to scheduling, etc)

  • Charge an hourly rate significantly higher than therapists in their area

  • Change cost for different phases of the work or for different activities within the work

  • Claim status, title, or expertise that is disingenuous 

Each of these points could certainly be discussed in greater detail, depth, and nuance.  The Embrace Resource Group is available for consultation.  Should you have questions, please reach out via our contact page or join us at an Info Session (for clients) or Clinical Collaboration Group (for clinicians and collaborators).