Adoption Therapists in Los Angeles, CA
Angela Gee
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90039
Each member of the adoption triad - adoptee, birth mother, adoptive parent, may experience a different set of challenges that affect our relationships within the family, and with the outside world.
Are you looking for a safe space to share your feelings; to better understand your emotional self? If you are experiencing relationship problems, feel stuck or blocked, anxious or depressed, we can work together to understand these issues. Sometimes we know that things don't feel right, but can't put our finger on it. Through guided exploration, we can discover underlying causes for these feelings, and develop a more authentic connection with ourselves and with others. I work with individuals, couples, families, and adolescents.
Each member of the adoption triad - adoptee, birth mother, adoptive parent, may experience a different set of challenges that affect our relationships within the family, and with the outside world.
Are you looking for a safe space to share your feelings; to better understand your emotional self? If you are experiencing relationship problems, feel stuck or blocked, anxious or depressed, we can work together to understand these issues. Sometimes we know that things don't feel right, but can't put our finger on it. Through guided exploration, we can discover underlying causes for these feelings, and develop a more authentic connection with ourselves and with others. I work with individuals, couples, families, and adolescents.
Maureen Donley
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Imagine having new tools to deal with difficult feelings and difficult people. Imagine feeling ready and excited about what might come your way. Therapy offers you the opportunity to move forward in your life towards the goals and dreams that are most important to you. Informed by previous careers in theatre and film along with specialized trauma training (both TRM & EMDR) and my experience as an adoptive parent, I am uniquely positioned to engage challenging issues in the creative professions,trauma (both incident specific and developmental) and adoption along with the anxiety and depression that are too often part of making our way through life.
Imagine having new tools to deal with difficult feelings and difficult people. Imagine feeling ready and excited about what might come your way. Therapy offers you the opportunity to move forward in your life towards the goals and dreams that are most important to you. Informed by previous careers in theatre and film along with specialized trauma training (both TRM & EMDR) and my experience as an adoptive parent, I am uniquely positioned to engage challenging issues in the creative professions,trauma (both incident specific and developmental) and adoption along with the anxiety and depression that are too often part of making our way through life.
Stuart S Riskin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90067
I have worked with individuals from young adolescents to the very elderly; with families facing issues of blending, divorce, adoption, childhood illness and domestic violence; to help individuals with stage-of-life struggles; as well as addressing the many kinds of trauma that people face throughout their lives.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been practicing for over 25 years. My professional experience as a clinician, supervisor, and educator in both the public and private sectors has equipped me with a unique set of skills, a wealth of knowledge, and clinical expertise to support and facilitate my clients’ personal growth and development.
I have worked with individuals from young adolescents to the very elderly; with families facing issues of blending, divorce, adoption, childhood illness and domestic violence; to help individuals with stage-of-life struggles; as well as addressing the many kinds of trauma that people face throughout their lives.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been practicing for over 25 years. My professional experience as a clinician, supervisor, and educator in both the public and private sectors has equipped me with a unique set of skills, a wealth of knowledge, and clinical expertise to support and facilitate my clients’ personal growth and development.
Debra Padmini Bergman Therapy For The Soul
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90041
As an adoptive parent and an adoption focused therapist, I bring a unique understanding of the identity/developmental issues.
Therapy is a process of self-discovery that often entails delving into past relationships and trauma to uncover their affect on our relationships with ourselves, our families and the outside world. My work with children, adolescents, individuals, couples and families is designed to restore trust, joy & zest and to develop meaningful connections and skills to thrive-mindfulness, authenticity & inner strength. As a Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapist, I work with an attachment focused interpersonal neurobiological approach creating a safe space to nurture individuals, couples and families in any orientation or socio-economic status.
As an adoptive parent and an adoption focused therapist, I bring a unique understanding of the identity/developmental issues.
Therapy is a process of self-discovery that often entails delving into past relationships and trauma to uncover their affect on our relationships with ourselves, our families and the outside world. My work with children, adolescents, individuals, couples and families is designed to restore trust, joy & zest and to develop meaningful connections and skills to thrive-mindfulness, authenticity & inner strength. As a Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapist, I work with an attachment focused interpersonal neurobiological approach creating a safe space to nurture individuals, couples and families in any orientation or socio-economic status.
Jeanette Yoffe
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, MA
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90024 (Online Only)
Are you experiencing unresolved childhood trauma, shame, anxiety, or grief and loss related to adoption or foster care? Gently know, you are not alone. I am an adoptee and former foster youth and adoption-foster care competent. I understand how complex the challenges can be. I have a team of adoption foster care competent therapists supporting birth parents, adoptees, foster youth, foster parents, and adoptive parents skilled in reunification, adoption, adoption trauma, open adoption, foster care to adoption, search, and reunion. We have a network of peer support groups so you can be part of a thriving community!
Are you experiencing unresolved childhood trauma, shame, anxiety, or grief and loss related to adoption or foster care? Gently know, you are not alone. I am an adoptee and former foster youth and adoption-foster care competent. I understand how complex the challenges can be. I have a team of adoption foster care competent therapists supporting birth parents, adoptees, foster youth, foster parents, and adoptive parents skilled in reunification, adoption, adoption trauma, open adoption, foster care to adoption, search, and reunion. We have a network of peer support groups so you can be part of a thriving community!
Jennifer Bliss
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PsyD, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Dr. Jennifer Bliss is the Director of Adoptions and Foster Care at Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services. She also maintains a small private practice working with hopeful parents going through fertility treatments, building their family through third party reproduction, and all members of the adoption triad. Both individuals and couples counseling can be provided in-person or via teletherapy.
Dr. Jennifer Bliss is the Director of Adoptions and Foster Care at Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services. She also maintains a small private practice working with hopeful parents going through fertility treatments, building their family through third party reproduction, and all members of the adoption triad. Both individuals and couples counseling can be provided in-person or via teletherapy.
Robyn Harrod
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90004
I have been a practicing LCSW in Los Angeles for close to 30 years. My expertise is in infertility and reproductive counseling and in the field of family building. My goal is to help individuals and couples cope with the challenges of infertility and explore alternative family building options including surrogacy, egg, sperm, or embryo donation, foster care, & adoption. The decision to start your family through alternative means can be one of the most challenging, as well as rewarding experiences in your life. With personal and professional experience, I provide support and compassion, calming the journey's inevitable stresses.
I have been a practicing LCSW in Los Angeles for close to 30 years. My expertise is in infertility and reproductive counseling and in the field of family building. My goal is to help individuals and couples cope with the challenges of infertility and explore alternative family building options including surrogacy, egg, sperm, or embryo donation, foster care, & adoption. The decision to start your family through alternative means can be one of the most challenging, as well as rewarding experiences in your life. With personal and professional experience, I provide support and compassion, calming the journey's inevitable stresses.
Carey Louden
LPC Intern, MA, APCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90064
I am also passionate about helping individuals who are working through their adoption.
Are you struggling with a life transition, not feeling like "you" recently, or looking to gain better insight into yourself and your behaviors? If so, I would love to help you through that process. In therapy, I will be there to support you unconditionally through your journey and listen without judgement.
I am also passionate about helping individuals who are working through their adoption.
Are you struggling with a life transition, not feeling like "you" recently, or looking to gain better insight into yourself and your behaviors? If so, I would love to help you through that process. In therapy, I will be there to support you unconditionally through your journey and listen without judgement.
All About Adoption
PhD, MSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90045 (Online Only)
I hav a unique combination of both professional and personal experience in adoption and infertility, so who better to guide you through your transition, adoption journey or adoptive parenting? If you have experienced infertility or secondary infertility, and are considering growing or expanding your family through adoption and don't know where to start, then I can help. If you are already a prospective adoptive parent, I can provide educational and supportive services. Many of my clients are adoptive parents who need support with an open adoption relationship and/or talking to their child about adoption.
I hav a unique combination of both professional and personal experience in adoption and infertility, so who better to guide you through your transition, adoption journey or adoptive parenting? If you have experienced infertility or secondary infertility, and are considering growing or expanding your family through adoption and don't know where to start, then I can help. If you are already a prospective adoptive parent, I can provide educational and supportive services. Many of my clients are adoptive parents who need support with an open adoption relationship and/or talking to their child about adoption.
Hazel Gonzalez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90037
I have experience with adoption and foster care challenges.
Hi my name is Hazel Gonzalez and I am an LMFT. I have been working with children, teens, families and adult individuals over the last 20 years. I like to get to know my client(s) and determine what approach will best benefit them. I utilize Cognitive Behavior and other modalities that best serve the Client(s). I work with Client to best determine what issue they are wanting to work on. I encourage and motivate Client through to be as active as possible in their treatment. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in my treatment.I work with children, teens, families and individuals.
I have experience with adoption and foster care challenges.
Hi my name is Hazel Gonzalez and I am an LMFT. I have been working with children, teens, families and adult individuals over the last 20 years. I like to get to know my client(s) and determine what approach will best benefit them. I utilize Cognitive Behavior and other modalities that best serve the Client(s). I work with Client to best determine what issue they are wanting to work on. I encourage and motivate Client through to be as active as possible in their treatment. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in my treatment.I work with children, teens, families and individuals.
Jennifer Quirina
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90026 (Online Only)
My particular areas of interest include life transitions, new parenthood, adoption, fertility, anxiety, school issues and career counseling.
People come to therapy at different times, for different reasons, and with different needs. Perhaps you need a space to process current or past events in your life, or maybe you know there is a difficult change you need to make. Maybe both, or maybe you're not sure. My approach to therapy is to provide the specific balance you need between support and challenge. As we develop the therapeutic relationship, it is my hope that you will feel safe and supported to do the kind of work that is most beneficial to you at this time.
My particular areas of interest include life transitions, new parenthood, adoption, fertility, anxiety, school issues and career counseling.
People come to therapy at different times, for different reasons, and with different needs. Perhaps you need a space to process current or past events in your life, or maybe you know there is a difficult change you need to make. Maybe both, or maybe you're not sure. My approach to therapy is to provide the specific balance you need between support and challenge. As we develop the therapeutic relationship, it is my hope that you will feel safe and supported to do the kind of work that is most beneficial to you at this time.
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Marika Gonzalez Reznichek
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90002 (Online Only)
My areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, LGBTQ+ identity, self-esteem, parent-child attachment, and foster care/adoption.
Life can feel overwhelming. An unexpected event can suddenly throw everything off balance, or many smaller stresses can build up and make it hard to cope with everyday tasks. Together we can explore your inner strengths and how to use them moving forward and find healing throughout the process. I am dedicated to social justice and believe that it’s important to find awareness of one’s resilience in the process of self-discovery and acceptance.
My areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, LGBTQ+ identity, self-esteem, parent-child attachment, and foster care/adoption.
Life can feel overwhelming. An unexpected event can suddenly throw everything off balance, or many smaller stresses can build up and make it hard to cope with everyday tasks. Together we can explore your inner strengths and how to use them moving forward and find healing throughout the process. I am dedicated to social justice and believe that it’s important to find awareness of one’s resilience in the process of self-discovery and acceptance.
Carla Keith
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90001
I have a unique combination of professional and personal experience for people who need guidance walking through anxiety, depression, spiritual abuse recovery, codependency, trauma, low self-esteem, ADHD, grief and loss, life transitions, and adoption.
I am passionate about helping people find their own unique fingerprints God has created them with. Throughout life, we develop and collect negative messages about ourselves that get in the way of us walking in true freedom. My purpose is to help people uncover the hidden beliefs that keep them feeling stuck in life and overcome barriers that prevent them from experiencing thriving relationships.
I have a unique combination of professional and personal experience for people who need guidance walking through anxiety, depression, spiritual abuse recovery, codependency, trauma, low self-esteem, ADHD, grief and loss, life transitions, and adoption.
I am passionate about helping people find their own unique fingerprints God has created them with. Throughout life, we develop and collect negative messages about ourselves that get in the way of us walking in true freedom. My purpose is to help people uncover the hidden beliefs that keep them feeling stuck in life and overcome barriers that prevent them from experiencing thriving relationships.
Sarah Sims
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90043 (Online Only)
Life can feel unbelievably challenging and overwhelming at times and you don't have to do it alone. If you are feeling stressed, anxious, are struggling to cope, or need someone to talk to, I can help and am here to support you. I have worked with individuals and families who have experienced complex trauma, loss, adoption, and other challenges. Trauma can impact many areas of our lives including our relationships, our ability to cope, how we function, and how we see and navigate the world. I am currently available for online appointments only.
Life can feel unbelievably challenging and overwhelming at times and you don't have to do it alone. If you are feeling stressed, anxious, are struggling to cope, or need someone to talk to, I can help and am here to support you. I have worked with individuals and families who have experienced complex trauma, loss, adoption, and other challenges. Trauma can impact many areas of our lives including our relationships, our ability to cope, how we function, and how we see and navigate the world. I am currently available for online appointments only.
Julie Roberts Sanders
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90042
Waitlist for new clients
Among the many issues I’ve worked with are family and life transitions; family-of-origin work; loss and grief; anxiety and depression; women’s issues, including fertility, pregnancy and adoption issues; spirituality and faith issues; childhood abuse or neglect and PTSD; premarital and marital therapy.
My goal is to provide a safe and supportive relationship which invites you to honestly explore any issues you are facing. We will discuss current problems, look at any connections to your personal and family history, as well as talk about what is working for you and ways to build on that. My ultimate goal is for positive change in the present, whatever that looks like for you. I encourage the use of outside resources such as workshops, groups, classes, 12-step programs, yoga and mindfulness practices as well as religious involvement as part of the healing process.
Among the many issues I’ve worked with are family and life transitions; family-of-origin work; loss and grief; anxiety and depression; women’s issues, including fertility, pregnancy and adoption issues; spirituality and faith issues; childhood abuse or neglect and PTSD; premarital and marital therapy.
My goal is to provide a safe and supportive relationship which invites you to honestly explore any issues you are facing. We will discuss current problems, look at any connections to your personal and family history, as well as talk about what is working for you and ways to build on that. My ultimate goal is for positive change in the present, whatever that looks like for you. I encourage the use of outside resources such as workshops, groups, classes, 12-step programs, yoga and mindfulness practices as well as religious involvement as part of the healing process.
Roxanna Rahban
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90048
I am passionate about providing the highest quality assessment services for children and adults. My expertise has been cultivated through my assessment research studies, training, and treatment of disabilities and psychological conditions. My assessment services include neuropsychological, psycho-educational, and psychological testing. I also conduct med-legal, immigration, adoption, and forensic examinations. Treatment includes parenting support and ADHD/LD treatment. I guide individuals in building functional skills to cope with challenges that interfere with effective functioning. ADHD therapy provides support, structure, feedback, and the development of skills to increase self-awareness, independence, improve concentration, time-management, planning and organization skills.
I am passionate about providing the highest quality assessment services for children and adults. My expertise has been cultivated through my assessment research studies, training, and treatment of disabilities and psychological conditions. My assessment services include neuropsychological, psycho-educational, and psychological testing. I also conduct med-legal, immigration, adoption, and forensic examinations. Treatment includes parenting support and ADHD/LD treatment. I guide individuals in building functional skills to cope with challenges that interfere with effective functioning. ADHD therapy provides support, structure, feedback, and the development of skills to increase self-awareness, independence, improve concentration, time-management, planning and organization skills.
Psychological Testing & Evaluations - Dr. Dean
Psychologist, PsyD, QME, Author
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90071
I'm Dr. Dean Leav, licensed psychologist and qualified medical evaluator (QME). I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I provide Evaluation Services, including (and not limited to): diagnostics (ADHD, Autism, Learning Dis.), cognitive/neuropsychological evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME), immigration-related evaluations, pre-adoption psychological evaluations, parenting/bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, pre-employment evaluations, and legal/forensics/criminal evaluations. These evaluations may be used to meet eligibility for certain services or accommodations.
I'm Dr. Dean Leav, licensed psychologist and qualified medical evaluator (QME). I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I provide Evaluation Services, including (and not limited to): diagnostics (ADHD, Autism, Learning Dis.), cognitive/neuropsychological evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME), immigration-related evaluations, pre-adoption psychological evaluations, parenting/bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, pre-employment evaluations, and legal/forensics/criminal evaluations. These evaluations may be used to meet eligibility for certain services or accommodations.
Tracy Sondern
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90026
I work with couples on communication, emotional and intimate connection, mismatched libidos, sexual issues, infertility, adoption and issues related to menopause.
I help couples find connection again, so that everything doesn’t have to be so hard. I want to help you communicate more effectively, so that you can locate your friendship and be able to hear, see and support each other. My hope is to create a space for you to have the difficult conversations you avoid the rest of the week. I've been married for over 30 years, and I know firsthand the ups and downs of partnerships.
I work with couples on communication, emotional and intimate connection, mismatched libidos, sexual issues, infertility, adoption and issues related to menopause.
I help couples find connection again, so that everything doesn’t have to be so hard. I want to help you communicate more effectively, so that you can locate your friendship and be able to hear, see and support each other. My hope is to create a space for you to have the difficult conversations you avoid the rest of the week. I've been married for over 30 years, and I know firsthand the ups and downs of partnerships.
Ricki Bernstein
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90025
I have a particular interest in working with adoption related concerns.
I view psychotherapy as a creative, collaborative process between client and therapist. I value the uniqueness of each individual client and strive to create an environment of trust, compassion, respect and empathy. While we cannot change difficult and oftentimes traumatic past experiences, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life.
I have a particular interest in working with adoption related concerns.
I view psychotherapy as a creative, collaborative process between client and therapist. I value the uniqueness of each individual client and strive to create an environment of trust, compassion, respect and empathy. While we cannot change difficult and oftentimes traumatic past experiences, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life.
Mavida Health
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90049 (Online Only)
Mavida Health is a deeply specialized, comprehensive mental health platform for the path to parenthood - including those trying to conceive, pregnant - including adoption and surrogacy, experiencing pregnancy loss, or in the postpartum. We offer 1:1 therapy, couples/family therapy, group therapy, prescribing, and medication management.
Mavida Health is a deeply specialized, comprehensive mental health platform for the path to parenthood - including those trying to conceive, pregnant - including adoption and surrogacy, experiencing pregnancy loss, or in the postpartum. We offer 1:1 therapy, couples/family therapy, group therapy, prescribing, and medication management.
See more therapy options for Los Angeles
Adoption Therapists
Does my adopted child need therapy?
Not every adopted child needs therapy. However, many can benefit from seeing an adoption-informed therapist, especially if they were victims of abuse or neglect, appear withdrawn or disconnected, have behavioral or developmental issues (which may or may not be related to their adoption), are struggling with feelings of grief or loss surrounding their birth parents, or find it difficult to establish an identity, a challenge that often becomes most apparent during adolescence.
When should adoptive parents seek therapy?
Prospective parents can benefit from therapy even before an adoption—for example, to voice worries and fears; to reconcile infertility struggles, if relevant; or simply to prepare themselves for parenthood. After the adoption, parents who are struggling to bond with their child; are unsure how to talk about adoption or related issues, such as race; or whose child is dealing with developmental, behavioral, or psychiatric concerns can address these and other issues with the help of an adoption-competent therapist.
Is family therapy appropriate for adoptive families?
Family therapy can be invaluable for strengthening the bond between adoptive parents and children, helping the latter feel more secure in their place in the family. Family therapy can also help adoptive families navigate complex communication issues—for example, parents who feel uncomfortable discussing race with their child, who in turn feels invalidated by their silence, or a child who has questions about his birth parents but avoids asking them out of fear of hurting his adoptive parents’ feelings.
What therapy is not appropriate for adoption issues?
A discredited therapy known as “attachment therapy” (sometimes called “holding therapy” or “rebirthing therapy”) should not be used to treat adopted and foster children, though it was largely designed for this population. Attachment therapy involves restraining, coercing, and punishing the child in order for them to “release” negative emotions and attach to their new caregivers—techniques that are abusive and dangerous and have even proven fatal in some cases.