title: When treatment appears futile: the role of the mental health professional and end-of-treatment counseling.
abstract: The end of treatment, whether initiated by the medical team or by the patient, represents a difficult transition for the patient. The mental health professional, as part of a multidisciplinary team, can offer important assistance and support to the patient as they move through the end of their infertility treatment. A description of the topics covered in exit counseling is provided, as well as indications for referral.
authors.affiliation: Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Psychiatry, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois. Electronic address: sck318@northwestern.edu.
authors.forename: Susan C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Klock
mesh_terms: D003376:Counseling / Q000379:methods*; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D018447:Medical Futility / Q000523:psychology*; D008603:Mental Health; D024382:Professional Role / Q000523:psychology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Psychology; counseling; ending treatment