Adoption Therapists in San Jose, CA

Photo of Carey Gil, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Carey Gil
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95119
Feel overwhelmed with navigating parenting in the 21st century? Does the stress and trauma from your own childhood show up in your relationships and you wish that you could break the cycles and do better for yourself and for your family? Want to feel more confident in meeting both your needs and the needs of your loved ones? Whether you are parenting a special needs child, experiencing family stress (like adoption, divorce, foster care, challenging interpersonal relationships) or looking to better understand how your life experiences have lead you here, together we can help you create the life you are dreaming of!.
With over 20 years of expertise in the mental health field helping people through stress and trauma, I know that everyone can "bloom" into a better version of themselves no matter what they have been through. As a family trauma and stress specialist I use TBRI, CBT, DBT, IFS & somatic and experiential modalities to reach your goals.
Feel overwhelmed with navigating parenting in the 21st century? Does the stress and trauma from your own childhood show up in your relationships and you wish that you could break the cycles and do better for yourself and for your family? Want to feel more confident in meeting both your needs and the needs of your loved ones? Whether you are parenting a special needs child, experiencing family stress (like adoption, divorce, foster care, challenging interpersonal relationships) or looking to better understand how your life experiences have lead you here, together we can help you create the life you are dreaming of!.
With over 20 years of expertise in the mental health field helping people through stress and trauma, I know that everyone can "bloom" into a better version of themselves no matter what they have been through. As a family trauma and stress specialist I use TBRI, CBT, DBT, IFS & somatic and experiential modalities to reach your goals.
(669) 758-2193 View (669) 758-2193
Photo of Samantha Severin, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Samantha Severin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Online Only
In addition, I am an adoption competent therapist that is able to treat families that are going through the foster care/ adoption process.
I am a mental health expert committed to helping people learn how their family systems and relationships impact their sense of self. I treat couples, parents, and families whether biological or adoptive through a whole systems approach. I believe in taking a family systems, collaborative approach to helping clients/families reach their goals.
In addition, I am an adoption competent therapist that is able to treat families that are going through the foster care/ adoption process.
I am a mental health expert committed to helping people learn how their family systems and relationships impact their sense of self. I treat couples, parents, and families whether biological or adoptive through a whole systems approach. I believe in taking a family systems, collaborative approach to helping clients/families reach their goals.
(510) 272-7241 View (510) 272-7241
Photo of Debbie Denise Hanson, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Debbie Denise Hanson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95126
I help people learn skills and strategies to more effectively cope with relationship issues, anxiety, depression, trauma, life-transitions, stress, health, grief/loss, infertility, adoption, and a healthy work-life balance.
I believe all people have innate abilities and strengths that can help us lead meaningful and satisfying lives. Engaging in therapy allows us the possibility of gaining insight and clarification about ourselves and our relationships. In a warm and supportive environment, my goal is to help you connect with your authentic self, find solutions to on-going issues, work through emotional difficulties, cultivate resilience, and most importantly, to create the life you want to live.
I help people learn skills and strategies to more effectively cope with relationship issues, anxiety, depression, trauma, life-transitions, stress, health, grief/loss, infertility, adoption, and a healthy work-life balance.
I believe all people have innate abilities and strengths that can help us lead meaningful and satisfying lives. Engaging in therapy allows us the possibility of gaining insight and clarification about ourselves and our relationships. In a warm and supportive environment, my goal is to help you connect with your authentic self, find solutions to on-going issues, work through emotional difficulties, cultivate resilience, and most importantly, to create the life you want to live.
(408) 837-4598 View (408) 837-4598
Photo of Alisha Ready, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Alisha Ready
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Online Only
I specialize in working with individuals and couples who may be experiencing anxiety, depression, family conflict, infertility, issues related to adoption, new life transitions, postpartum mood disorders, past trauma, or disrupted attachment.
My initial passion that led me to become a therapist was to work with individuals and couples experiencing infertility as I found this was a lacking component in my community. Over the years I've expanded my practice to work with primarily women during the prenatal and postnatal journey as well as women experiencing anxiety and depression.
I specialize in working with individuals and couples who may be experiencing anxiety, depression, family conflict, infertility, issues related to adoption, new life transitions, postpartum mood disorders, past trauma, or disrupted attachment.
My initial passion that led me to become a therapist was to work with individuals and couples experiencing infertility as I found this was a lacking component in my community. Over the years I've expanded my practice to work with primarily women during the prenatal and postnatal journey as well as women experiencing anxiety and depression.
(650) 880-6241 View (650) 880-6241
Photo of Robert Sperring, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Robert Sperring
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Online Only
I also work with adolescents and Adoption related issues such as attachment.
Hello. My therapeutic approach honors the past but points to now, and to the future. My goal for you is the, "restoration of self" before the pain, with more happiness, and higher functioning in all aspects of your life. Together we will walk through your struggles, and we will come to the other side back to who you are; stronger, happier, and better able to deal with this thing called life. whether is it for you, as a couple, or family. Give yourself a chance to reclaim who you are and want to be.
I also work with adolescents and Adoption related issues such as attachment.
Hello. My therapeutic approach honors the past but points to now, and to the future. My goal for you is the, "restoration of self" before the pain, with more happiness, and higher functioning in all aspects of your life. Together we will walk through your struggles, and we will come to the other side back to who you are; stronger, happier, and better able to deal with this thing called life. whether is it for you, as a couple, or family. Give yourself a chance to reclaim who you are and want to be.
(408) 668-0154 View (408) 668-0154
Photo of Laura Plottier-Ramirez, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Laura Plottier-Ramirez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95126
My specialty areas include high-acuity trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, relationship issues, parenting, substance use/dependency, & foster-care and adoption.
Accepting NEW Clients! I'm a LMFT, first-gen immigrant, mother of 2 beautiful biracial children, a creative artist & a director of a crisis program at a nonprofit org. Through my personal experience, I've navigated the challenges of adapting to a new culture after moving from France at 12. I experienced the struggles of displacement, longing, & searching for belonging that many first-gen immigrants face. I'm dedicated to helping you overcome obstacles, embrace your identity and find wholeness. Together, we'll explore narratives, uncover puzzle pieces, and embark on a transformative journey towards self-acceptance & resilience
My specialty areas include high-acuity trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, relationship issues, parenting, substance use/dependency, & foster-care and adoption.
Accepting NEW Clients! I'm a LMFT, first-gen immigrant, mother of 2 beautiful biracial children, a creative artist & a director of a crisis program at a nonprofit org. Through my personal experience, I've navigated the challenges of adapting to a new culture after moving from France at 12. I experienced the struggles of displacement, longing, & searching for belonging that many first-gen immigrants face. I'm dedicated to helping you overcome obstacles, embrace your identity and find wholeness. Together, we'll explore narratives, uncover puzzle pieces, and embark on a transformative journey towards self-acceptance & resilience
(408) 901-8072 View (408) 901-8072
Photo of Jessica Miller, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jessica Miller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Online Only
I specialize in supporting children and adults who have experienced childhood trauma, other trauma, foster care, and adoption; as well as parents of children with these experiences.
My purpose is to walk alongside you and support you as you face your challenges and work towards your goals. Often facing anxiety, depression, PTSD, relationship problems, behavioral challenges, and self-harm, people will find a warm and understanding environment to address what is bothering them, find hope and work towards the healthier life they want.
I specialize in supporting children and adults who have experienced childhood trauma, other trauma, foster care, and adoption; as well as parents of children with these experiences.
My purpose is to walk alongside you and support you as you face your challenges and work towards your goals. Often facing anxiety, depression, PTSD, relationship problems, behavioral challenges, and self-harm, people will find a warm and understanding environment to address what is bothering them, find hope and work towards the healthier life they want.
(408) 668-1526 View (408) 668-1526
Photo of Ruben Gabriel Colon, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ruben Gabriel Colon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Online Only
I have served children, youth and adults in various settings such as adoption and foster care; child welfare services; outpatient mental health and services for developmentally disabled individuals.
My specialties and clinical interests are in childhood trauma, therapy to support academics, cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, fostering healthy identity, Native American/Indigenous wellness concepts, creative arts and music in therapy and treatment of depression and anxiety. I always strive to base my services in evidence based practices.
I have served children, youth and adults in various settings such as adoption and foster care; child welfare services; outpatient mental health and services for developmentally disabled individuals.
My specialties and clinical interests are in childhood trauma, therapy to support academics, cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, fostering healthy identity, Native American/Indigenous wellness concepts, creative arts and music in therapy and treatment of depression and anxiety. I always strive to base my services in evidence based practices.
(855) 731-7060 View (855) 731-7060
Photo of Angela Hicks, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Angela Hicks
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Online Only
I have experience with people from diverse cultures and families that have gone through adoption process.
I am passionate about supporting clients who are recovering from trauma, want to become more award of self and rediscovering your own potential in order to lead happier more fulfilled lives.
I have experience with people from diverse cultures and families that have gone through adoption process.
I am passionate about supporting clients who are recovering from trauma, want to become more award of self and rediscovering your own potential in order to lead happier more fulfilled lives.
(626) 610-4017 View (626) 610-4017
Photo of Frances Echeverria Logan, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Frances Echeverria Logan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Online Only
I've worked as a county Mental Health Clinician, Social Worker at a Foster Family/ Adoption Agency, and Program Manager at an outpatient addiction treatment facility.
Therapy is an integral part of healing past trauma, validating one's thoughts/feelings/emotions, identifying dysfunctional patterns of engagement and learning new skills to cope. It is my belief that we generally want to feel safe, secure and connected to ourselves, our families, friends and our communities. Obstacles to doing so can include circumstances outside of our control and also the results of our own learned patterns and behaviors. Through work with a therapist, it is possible to shape a life and relationships that include confidence, calm and presence that is so often missed in the busyness of society today.
I've worked as a county Mental Health Clinician, Social Worker at a Foster Family/ Adoption Agency, and Program Manager at an outpatient addiction treatment facility.
Therapy is an integral part of healing past trauma, validating one's thoughts/feelings/emotions, identifying dysfunctional patterns of engagement and learning new skills to cope. It is my belief that we generally want to feel safe, secure and connected to ourselves, our families, friends and our communities. Obstacles to doing so can include circumstances outside of our control and also the results of our own learned patterns and behaviors. Through work with a therapist, it is possible to shape a life and relationships that include confidence, calm and presence that is so often missed in the busyness of society today.
(415) 767-1802 View (415) 767-1802
Photo of Jamie Hammond, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jamie Hammond
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Online Only
I have been a therapist for 21 years specializing in adoption, families, children, individuals, couples, and substance abuse, and am adept with people diagnosed with anxiety and depression, mood disorders, and life transitions.
I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health provider group in-network with Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth. For my availability, please reach out to Octave’s team by emailing or calling.
I have been a therapist for 21 years specializing in adoption, families, children, individuals, couples, and substance abuse, and am adept with people diagnosed with anxiety and depression, mood disorders, and life transitions.
I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health provider group in-network with Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth. For my availability, please reach out to Octave’s team by emailing or calling.
(650) 502-5508 View (650) 502-5508
Photo of Kelli Mosley, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kelli Mosley
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Online Only
While I greatly enjoy working with a wide variety of individuals; I do specialize in working with First Responders and their support systems, those within the adoption/foster community and/or justice systems, and professional athletes.
Hello, I'm Kelli! I have been working within the social services field since 2001 and completed my master's degree in counseling psychology from California Baptist University in 2005. I have been fully licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist since 2018 and hold a license in both Nevada and California. If you are going to invest your time and resources, you want to know that you will be meeting with a therapist who is competent to address your needs and who truly sees you as the unique person you are.
While I greatly enjoy working with a wide variety of individuals; I do specialize in working with First Responders and their support systems, those within the adoption/foster community and/or justice systems, and professional athletes.
Hello, I'm Kelli! I have been working within the social services field since 2001 and completed my master's degree in counseling psychology from California Baptist University in 2005. I have been fully licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist since 2018 and hold a license in both Nevada and California. If you are going to invest your time and resources, you want to know that you will be meeting with a therapist who is competent to address your needs and who truly sees you as the unique person you are.
(707) 405-3908 View (707) 405-3908
Photo of Michelle Allee, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Michelle Allee
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Online Only
I have specialized training in Adoption Competency to work with the specific needs of the adoptive child, biological parent, or adoptive parent.
Hello! I am Michelle Allee, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Sacramento, CA, providing telehealth to individuals across California. I take a trauma-informed eclectic approach to therapy, centering on the client as the expert on their own life and desire for growth and healing. I believe what happens to us doesn't define us. Together, we will create a partnership, giving you the opportunity to find techniques that fit your concerns and goals, pulling from different approaches.
I have specialized training in Adoption Competency to work with the specific needs of the adoptive child, biological parent, or adoptive parent.
Hello! I am Michelle Allee, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Sacramento, CA, providing telehealth to individuals across California. I take a trauma-informed eclectic approach to therapy, centering on the client as the expert on their own life and desire for growth and healing. I believe what happens to us doesn't define us. Together, we will create a partnership, giving you the opportunity to find techniques that fit your concerns and goals, pulling from different approaches.
(323) 524-2814 View (323) 524-2814
Photo of Amanda Saylor, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Amanda Saylor
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Online Only
Hi there, I'm Amanda! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California and a Certified School Psychologist in the States of California and Kentucky. I have been working with a variety of client issues for over six years, with a specialty working in the school system with kids with learning disabilities and their parents. I specialize in treating teens and adults who experience grief, trauma, depression, and anxiety. I have spent many years working with the foster system and helping foster children to overcome their negative experiences.
Hi there, I'm Amanda! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California and a Certified School Psychologist in the States of California and Kentucky. I have been working with a variety of client issues for over six years, with a specialty working in the school system with kids with learning disabilities and their parents. I specialize in treating teens and adults who experience grief, trauma, depression, and anxiety. I have spent many years working with the foster system and helping foster children to overcome their negative experiences.
(408) 404-5417 View (408) 404-5417
Photo of Hannah Eileen Dawley Ly - Hannah Ly - Therapist for Children and Teens, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Hannah Ly - Therapist for Children and Teens
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Jose, CA 95128
I am a child therapist that specializes in helping children and teen with anxiety and trauma heal and thrive. If your child struggles with anxiety, shutting down, or tantrums, I get it. I understand how parenting children with anxiety is draining, and tiring. You want to help your child but you feel like you don’t have the proper tools or support. Here, I can help your child heal and grow through the power of play. As a Play Therapist, I use a child-centered approach that allows children to express themselves in their own unique way, using the language of play.
I am a child therapist that specializes in helping children and teen with anxiety and trauma heal and thrive. If your child struggles with anxiety, shutting down, or tantrums, I get it. I understand how parenting children with anxiety is draining, and tiring. You want to help your child but you feel like you don’t have the proper tools or support. Here, I can help your child heal and grow through the power of play. As a Play Therapist, I use a child-centered approach that allows children to express themselves in their own unique way, using the language of play.
(510) 422-0185 View (510) 422-0185
Photo of Melissa O'Keefe, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Melissa O'Keefe
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Online Only
Hi there, I'm Melissa! I am here to listen and to offer support. I focus on strengthening self-esteem through fostering self-compassion. Many people struggle with balancing the demands of life. You don't need to suffer alone. I practice with a person-centered approach and have extensive education in the field of Marriage and Family Therapy. I am trained in Attachment Theory and strive to create a secure and nurturing environment. I am kind and compassionate and offer guidance as I walk with you on your journey through life.
Hi there, I'm Melissa! I am here to listen and to offer support. I focus on strengthening self-esteem through fostering self-compassion. Many people struggle with balancing the demands of life. You don't need to suffer alone. I practice with a person-centered approach and have extensive education in the field of Marriage and Family Therapy. I am trained in Attachment Theory and strive to create a secure and nurturing environment. I am kind and compassionate and offer guidance as I walk with you on your journey through life.
(424) 484-1909 View (424) 484-1909
Photo of Janine Monson- Savage, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Janine Monson- Savage
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Online Only
Hello, My name is Janine Monson and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have over 20 years of experience providing mental health services to individuals, couples, families, and youth. I enjoy working with clients to navigate through life's many challenges and transitions in the healthiest way possible. I find that working with motivated clients who show up and are willing to put in the work are the most rewarding. I enjoy working with clients who want to get to know themselves at a deeper level and make positive changes.
Hello, My name is Janine Monson and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have over 20 years of experience providing mental health services to individuals, couples, families, and youth. I enjoy working with clients to navigate through life's many challenges and transitions in the healthiest way possible. I find that working with motivated clients who show up and are willing to put in the work are the most rewarding. I enjoy working with clients who want to get to know themselves at a deeper level and make positive changes.
(408) 900-6328 View (408) 900-6328
Photo of Lisa Thanh Thu Gleason, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lisa Thanh Thu Gleason
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95125
Life can be difficult when we face unexpected circumstances and challenges. Help is available and change IS possible. I believe in a compassionate, genuine and traditional therapy approach - collaborating with you, meeting you where you are at and being a pro-active and supportive companion on your journey to success. By partnering with you, I treat you wholly - not only focusing just on the symptoms - and help you set and achieve all your goals. Together, each session’s intention is to create meaningful progress and change that is inline with your ultimate goal. We can do this in either Vietnamese and/or English.
Life can be difficult when we face unexpected circumstances and challenges. Help is available and change IS possible. I believe in a compassionate, genuine and traditional therapy approach - collaborating with you, meeting you where you are at and being a pro-active and supportive companion on your journey to success. By partnering with you, I treat you wholly - not only focusing just on the symptoms - and help you set and achieve all your goals. Together, each session’s intention is to create meaningful progress and change that is inline with your ultimate goal. We can do this in either Vietnamese and/or English.
(408) 688-9165 View (408) 688-9165
Photo of Christie Pfalzgraf, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Christie Pfalzgraf
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Online Only
I believe change takes courage and deeply respect the choice to seek therapy, whether it is to assist in working on relationships, life challenges or self exploration. I respect the uniqueness of each individual and strive to assist people in reconnecting to their inherent wholeness. I provide mindful oriented awareness and act as a guide in the journey of exploring the complexities of life while increasing self-awareness, self-acceptance, and self-love. It is my hope that our work together will strengthen your ability to find your innermost truths and become able to express yourself with greater authenticity.
I believe change takes courage and deeply respect the choice to seek therapy, whether it is to assist in working on relationships, life challenges or self exploration. I respect the uniqueness of each individual and strive to assist people in reconnecting to their inherent wholeness. I provide mindful oriented awareness and act as a guide in the journey of exploring the complexities of life while increasing self-awareness, self-acceptance, and self-love. It is my hope that our work together will strengthen your ability to find your innermost truths and become able to express yourself with greater authenticity.
(408) 412-5604 View (408) 412-5604
Photo of Tricia J Mlnarik, MA, LMFT, LPCC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Tricia J Mlnarik
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
San Jose, CA 95126
Are you easily overwhelmed by emotions? Do you find that you frequently try to snuff out or avoid sadness, anger, shame, or other strong feelings? If your experience is that your mood or emotions are in the drivers' seat on the road of your life (or holding the remote control to your mind) I can help you regain power and develop greater freedom and flexibility within. As your therapist and guide, I can help you learn strategies and tools for managing difficult life problems and the intense emotions they create. I can help you overcome painful circumstances and build the life you want to live.
Are you easily overwhelmed by emotions? Do you find that you frequently try to snuff out or avoid sadness, anger, shame, or other strong feelings? If your experience is that your mood or emotions are in the drivers' seat on the road of your life (or holding the remote control to your mind) I can help you regain power and develop greater freedom and flexibility within. As your therapist and guide, I can help you learn strategies and tools for managing difficult life problems and the intense emotions they create. I can help you overcome painful circumstances and build the life you want to live.
(408) 520-0886 View (408) 520-0886
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.