Fertility Counseling Services, Inc. was founded by Kim Bergman, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist of 16 years, who has specialized in the area of third party assisted reproduction for the last decade. With an extensive background in fertility and parenting, Dr. Bergman is an expert on the historically groundbreaking topic of parenting by choice, particularly within the gay and lesbian community. She has provided services to hundreds of Intended Parents from around the world to assist them in the complex, yet ultimately extraordinary, assisted reproductive process. As founder of Fertility Counseling Services, Dr. Bergman has created an effective psychological screening and support process for both surrogates and egg donors. Dr. Bergman and her team of mental health professionals strive to expertly guide you, and are committed to your success.
Kim Bergman, Ph.D.
Founder and President
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Born in Los Angeles, California, Dr. Kim Bergman completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at UCLA. She then went on to obtain both her Master's degree and Doctorate in Psychology at the California School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles. Dr. Bergman has been a licensed psychologist since 1992, and board certified in clinical hypnosis since 1995. In 1999, Dr. Bergman began working exclusively in the areas of family formation and assisted reproduction. Her practice has provided psychological evaluations and support services to hundreds of surrogates and egg donors, on behalf of clients from more than 18 countries.
As an individual committed to community service programs and associations, Dr. Bergman is currently co-chair of the Family Pride Coalition, the only national non-profit organization solely dedicated to equality for all families.
Dr. Bergman's professional affiliations include the American Psychological Association; the Los Angeles County Psychological Association; the American Society for Reproductive Medicine; Resolve; the American Fertility Association; and the Southern California Society for Clinical Hypnosis. Dr. Bergman and her partner of 22 years have two daughters, ages 10 and 7.
Click here to listen to Dr. Bergman's Interview on the Gay Parenting Show podcast.
Click here to read Dr. Bergman's Article published in the AFA (American Fertility Association).
Dr. Lynne Friedman-Gell
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Dr. Lynne Friedman-Gell currently conducts psychological screening and
provides support services for both surrogates and egg donors, working under
the Supervision of Dr. Kim Bergman as a Registered Psychological Assistant.
Lynne is available for ongoing support to surrogates and donors drawing on
both her professional background and personal experiences with infertility
and assisted reproduction. In addition, Lynne works at the Susan B. Krevoy
Eating Disorder Program at the Wright Institute Los Angeles as the Community
Outreach Coordinator and leads a weekly group for eating disorder patients.
Lynne completed her Bachelor of Arts degree at Antioch University, Los
Angeles. She then went on to obtain both her Master’s degree and Doctorate
in Psychology at the California School of Professional Psychology, Los
Angeles. Lynne received postgraduate training at the Wright Institute Los
Angeles, and has been a certified drug counselor since 1996. Lynne’s
professional affiliations include the American Psychological Association and
the Los Angeles County Psychological Association. Lynne, a native of Los
Angeles, strives to enjoy each day to its fullest, with the companionship
built of a 14-year relationship with her loving husband and 21⁄2 year old son.
Topher Larkin
Administrative Coordinator
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Topher Larkin joined Fertility Counseling Services after two years of working in entertainment publicity at a local Los Angeles PR firm. As a graduate from Emerson College in Boston with a double major in Theatre Studies & Marketing/Public Relations, Topher was thrilled to switch gears and join Fertility Counseling Services in a position where he could become part of a company that truly commits to helping others, in addition of his personal goals of making a difference in the world. As Dr. Kim Bergman’s assistant in addition to his role as the Administrative Coordinator, Topher handles the daily aspects of Fertility Counseling Services and serves as a liaison between Fertility Counseling Services’ psychologist and the surrogates and egg donors. He hopes to incorporate his background of Marketing/PR to Fertility Counseling Services as the company continues to expand on a national network. In his free time, Topher enjoys attending the theatre, taking advantage of being near the beach to perfect his surfing skills, and spending time traveling around the world with his family.
