title: Introduction: Role of mental health professionals in the care of infertile patients.
abstract: The authors of this Views and Reviews describe the evolution of the role of mental health counseling in infertility care. As the use of assisted reproductive technologies and third-party reproduction has grown, so too has the interest and demand for mental health services. A historical perspective is presented that sets the stage for subsequent discussions of key areas where mental health practitioners are able to contribute to the utility and outcomes of infertile patients as well as those involved in their care. This series of articles stresses the value of more comprehensive integration of mental health support into infertility practice and highlights practical opportunities to do so.
authors.affiliation: Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Electronic address: william.schlaff@jefferson.edu.
authors.forename: William D
authors.initials: WD
authors.lastname: Schlaff
authors.affiliation: Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
authors.forename: Andrea Mechanick
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Braverman
mesh_terms: D006282:Health Personnel / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D008603:Mental Health; D005791:Patient Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D024382:Professional Role / Q000523:psychology