Adoption Therapists in Pittsburgh, PA
The Children's Home & Lemieux Family Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Pittsburgh, PA 15224
Are you looking for support in the areas of adoption, foster care, infertility, assisted reproductive technology, donor conception, pregnancy loss, pregnancy decision making, or a related area?
Erika Schmitt has been at The Children's Home since 2006 and has provided counseling since that time. She has experience working with all races as well as LGBTQIA+ population. She can see clients virtually or in person. She especially enjoys counseling in the realm of infertility, pregnancy, donor conception, grief, and reproductive trauma.
Are you looking for support in the areas of adoption, foster care, infertility, assisted reproductive technology, donor conception, pregnancy loss, pregnancy decision making, or a related area?
Erika Schmitt has been at The Children's Home since 2006 and has provided counseling since that time. She has experience working with all races as well as LGBTQIA+ population. She can see clients virtually or in person. She especially enjoys counseling in the realm of infertility, pregnancy, donor conception, grief, and reproductive trauma.
I help clients heal the loss associated with adoption; transracial adoptees dealing with identity issues; and adoptees working through all of the complex emotions related to search and reunion.
Or maybe you're in a relationship where you're just not connecting. You seem to "speak" two different love languages. Couples therapy will not just help you have a happier, more fullfilling relationship, it will also heal many of your childhood wounds. I work with couples to increase intimacy, improve communication and learn to have hard conversations.
I help clients heal the loss associated with adoption; transracial adoptees dealing with identity issues; and adoptees working through all of the complex emotions related to search and reunion.
Or maybe you're in a relationship where you're just not connecting. You seem to "speak" two different love languages. Couples therapy will not just help you have a happier, more fullfilling relationship, it will also heal many of your childhood wounds. I work with couples to increase intimacy, improve communication and learn to have hard conversations.
I have 10 years of experience working with youth and families in the foster care system and adoption.
The goal I support with my clients is empowering them to learn the skills and techniques to be their healthiest self and live that in their own life through action.
I have 10 years of experience working with youth and families in the foster care system and adoption.
The goal I support with my clients is empowering them to learn the skills and techniques to be their healthiest self and live that in their own life through action.
I work with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, burnout, imposter syndrome, performance anxiety, or challenges related to migration, identity formation, and transracial adoption.
Life’s challenges can feel overwhelming and isolating, especially when you’re navigating complex emotions, societal pressures, or the weight of systemic inequities. Maybe you’re feeling stuck between who you are and who the world expects you to be, longing for a deeper connection to yourself or relief from the stress that keeps piling up. You don’t have to face this alone. Together, we can untangle the chaos, ease the overwhelm, and help you find clarity, balance, and purpose.
I work with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, burnout, imposter syndrome, performance anxiety, or challenges related to migration, identity formation, and transracial adoption.
Life’s challenges can feel overwhelming and isolating, especially when you’re navigating complex emotions, societal pressures, or the weight of systemic inequities. Maybe you’re feeling stuck between who you are and who the world expects you to be, longing for a deeper connection to yourself or relief from the stress that keeps piling up. You don’t have to face this alone. Together, we can untangle the chaos, ease the overwhelm, and help you find clarity, balance, and purpose.
I have 15 + years of experience in a variety of settings and capacities including foster care, adoption, residential treatment, wrap around, family preservation, outpatient, and school based mental health.
I provide a comprehensive approach to treatment and utilize a variety of modalities based on a clients specific needs. When working to engage young children I utilize art, play, and music therapy techniques in session. I utilize many techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused, and Motivational Interviewing in session to develop goals.
I have 15 + years of experience in a variety of settings and capacities including foster care, adoption, residential treatment, wrap around, family preservation, outpatient, and school based mental health.
I provide a comprehensive approach to treatment and utilize a variety of modalities based on a clients specific needs. When working to engage young children I utilize art, play, and music therapy techniques in session. I utilize many techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused, and Motivational Interviewing in session to develop goals.
My experience includes attachment , adoption issues, addiction & recovery, ACOA/codependency, trauma, women’s issues, and mood disorders.
Have you heard the phrase "If you're going through Hell, keep going”? Sometimes in our darkest moments, we need cheerleaders. We need people who recognize that what we are going through seems unbearable and that the simple act of going forward takes courage. Therapy can be the vehicle to help us move forward. When treatment is non-judgmental, supportive and encouraging, you and your therapist can make an unstoppable team. I believe that people want to be "well," but we just don't know an effective way to achieve it. Together, we can work on identifying your personal path to wellness and improved confidence in your strengths.
My experience includes attachment , adoption issues, addiction & recovery, ACOA/codependency, trauma, women’s issues, and mood disorders.
Have you heard the phrase "If you're going through Hell, keep going”? Sometimes in our darkest moments, we need cheerleaders. We need people who recognize that what we are going through seems unbearable and that the simple act of going forward takes courage. Therapy can be the vehicle to help us move forward. When treatment is non-judgmental, supportive and encouraging, you and your therapist can make an unstoppable team. I believe that people want to be "well," but we just don't know an effective way to achieve it. Together, we can work on identifying your personal path to wellness and improved confidence in your strengths.
Fai 郟 Knudson
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MS
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Waitlist for new clients
I aim to support those impacted by queerphobia, racism, ableism, fatphobia, adoption, and other oppressive systems which contribute to mental health difficulties, poor self-regard, and complex trauma.
I primarily work with the queer/trans community, people of color, adoptees, and neurodivergence (ADHD/ASD/etc). I am especially interested in seeing adoptees and transracial adoptees to unpack the effects of adoption trauma. I'm also trained in evaluating and writing letters for gender-affirming surgery, and can provide this service on a sliding scale.
I aim to support those impacted by queerphobia, racism, ableism, fatphobia, adoption, and other oppressive systems which contribute to mental health difficulties, poor self-regard, and complex trauma.
I primarily work with the queer/trans community, people of color, adoptees, and neurodivergence (ADHD/ASD/etc). I am especially interested in seeing adoptees and transracial adoptees to unpack the effects of adoption trauma. I'm also trained in evaluating and writing letters for gender-affirming surgery, and can provide this service on a sliding scale.
My specialty is in support of children, adolescents and transition-age young adults with stress due to anxiety, depression, Autism, ADHD, grief/loss, divorce, and adoption.
Therapy is a brave and admirable choice to make for yourself, your child, or for your family. In my work with children, families, and individuals, I believe that everyone holds the unique ability to learn, grow and change, and become more accepting of things they cannot change within themselves. An important part of my work is to create a safe and comfortable environment. I aim to always provide non-judgmental and supportive therapy in a way that fits each person's uniqueness. I believe therapy is a place to explore how one best expresses themselves, not just through words, but also through play, art, and movement.
My specialty is in support of children, adolescents and transition-age young adults with stress due to anxiety, depression, Autism, ADHD, grief/loss, divorce, and adoption.
Therapy is a brave and admirable choice to make for yourself, your child, or for your family. In my work with children, families, and individuals, I believe that everyone holds the unique ability to learn, grow and change, and become more accepting of things they cannot change within themselves. An important part of my work is to create a safe and comfortable environment. I aim to always provide non-judgmental and supportive therapy in a way that fits each person's uniqueness. I believe therapy is a place to explore how one best expresses themselves, not just through words, but also through play, art, and movement.
In my career I have worked in a variety of settings, such as crisis counseling, community mental health and adoption counseling.
I love working with adults and teenagers, couples and families. I focus on helping individuals to feel more comfortable in their own skin and to resolve long standing issues. My goal is to help client to meet his/her needs in personal, professional and spiritual aspects of life.
In my career I have worked in a variety of settings, such as crisis counseling, community mental health and adoption counseling.
I love working with adults and teenagers, couples and families. I focus on helping individuals to feel more comfortable in their own skin and to resolve long standing issues. My goal is to help client to meet his/her needs in personal, professional and spiritual aspects of life.
The Children's Home & Lemieux Family Center
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Pittsburgh, PA 15224
Or, in the areas of adoption, infertility, assisted reproductive technology, donor conception, pregnancy loss or pregnancy decision making?
Joe Ritacco has been at The Children's Home since 2001. He enjoys working with individuals, couples, families, and children in the areas of adoption and infertility. He has experience working with all races as well as LGBTQIA+ population. He can see clients virtually or in person.
Or, in the areas of adoption, infertility, assisted reproductive technology, donor conception, pregnancy loss or pregnancy decision making?
Joe Ritacco has been at The Children's Home since 2001. He enjoys working with individuals, couples, families, and children in the areas of adoption and infertility. He has experience working with all races as well as LGBTQIA+ population. He can see clients virtually or in person.
Whether they're a caregiver, young adult, part of the adoption community, or LGBTQ+, they desire understanding, guidance, and a non-judgmental ally in their journey towards wellness and self-acceptance.
I specialize in parenting support, young adult counseling, adoption and foster care issues, and LGBTQ+ concerns. I offer empathetic therapy, identity exploration, coping skills, and a safe, non-judgmental space for healing and growth.
Whether they're a caregiver, young adult, part of the adoption community, or LGBTQ+, they desire understanding, guidance, and a non-judgmental ally in their journey towards wellness and self-acceptance.
I specialize in parenting support, young adult counseling, adoption and foster care issues, and LGBTQ+ concerns. I offer empathetic therapy, identity exploration, coping skills, and a safe, non-judgmental space for healing and growth.
My passion lies in supporting survivors, those connected to adoption, and individuals in LGBTQIA+ and other non-traditional relationships.
I work in ways that honor and respect who they are within their relationships, communities, and society as a whole (collectivist). This integrative approach ensures that therapy is both personalized and grounded in the best available practices, fostering growth and healing on an individual and relational level.
My passion lies in supporting survivors, those connected to adoption, and individuals in LGBTQIA+ and other non-traditional relationships.
I work in ways that honor and respect who they are within their relationships, communities, and society as a whole (collectivist). This integrative approach ensures that therapy is both personalized and grounded in the best available practices, fostering growth and healing on an individual and relational level.
Areas of focus include:OCD, PTSD, Trauma, Addictions, LGBTQ+, Special Needs Parenting, Neurodiversity, PANS / PANDAS, FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder), Grief & Loss, Adoption, Relationship issues, Chronic & severe mental illness, and Mind-body Wellness.
THE ONLY WAY OUT IS THROUGH (Robert Frost)... It is human to suffer and it is human to face challenges. When the suffering becomes too great, and the challenges too large, good therapy can play a key role in bringing about change. If you decide to work with me, I would consider it an honor to become part of your journey towards increased health and well-being. When you come to therapy, you will be treated with respect. I bring many years of experience as a therapist, providing both brief evidence-based interventions and long term psychodynamic approach. I will work carefully with you to define and achieve your personal goals.
Areas of focus include:OCD, PTSD, Trauma, Addictions, LGBTQ+, Special Needs Parenting, Neurodiversity, PANS / PANDAS, FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder), Grief & Loss, Adoption, Relationship issues, Chronic & severe mental illness, and Mind-body Wellness.
THE ONLY WAY OUT IS THROUGH (Robert Frost)... It is human to suffer and it is human to face challenges. When the suffering becomes too great, and the challenges too large, good therapy can play a key role in bringing about change. If you decide to work with me, I would consider it an honor to become part of your journey towards increased health and well-being. When you come to therapy, you will be treated with respect. I bring many years of experience as a therapist, providing both brief evidence-based interventions and long term psychodynamic approach. I will work carefully with you to define and achieve your personal goals.
I particularly work with individuals going through life transitions, healing from childhood trauma and/or abuse, divorce, adoption and addiction recovery.
As an Advanced Eden Energy Medicine Practitioner part of my practice has evolved into an integrative trauma healing modality. I have found that in healing complex and acute PTSD this combination of hands on energy healing with trauma informed care has achieved the best results for the individual's healing. Due to the nature of this work, it is self-pay.
I particularly work with individuals going through life transitions, healing from childhood trauma and/or abuse, divorce, adoption and addiction recovery.
As an Advanced Eden Energy Medicine Practitioner part of my practice has evolved into an integrative trauma healing modality. I have found that in healing complex and acute PTSD this combination of hands on energy healing with trauma informed care has achieved the best results for the individual's healing. Due to the nature of this work, it is self-pay.
My practice uniquely focuses on sexuality and reproduction: relationships/sex therapy, sexual dysfunctions, pelvic pain conditions, infertility and ARTs/third party parenting (& evaluations), adoption, reproductive traumas, peri/postpartum issues, transition to parenthood and gender identity.
Each of us is a complex product of our past and present environments and experiences. Generally, we act or cope in ways that are adaptive or necessary under given circumstances. When our default methods of coping are no longer effective or our circumstances change, we begin experiencing distress in specific realms of our lives. This distress might manifest as anxiety, depression, anger, pain, relationship or sexual difficulties, social isolation, declining performance and/or impairment in daily functioning. As there is an undeniable connection between our psychological and physical wellbeing, I approach treatment in an integrative, collaborative and personality-based manner.
My practice uniquely focuses on sexuality and reproduction: relationships/sex therapy, sexual dysfunctions, pelvic pain conditions, infertility and ARTs/third party parenting (& evaluations), adoption, reproductive traumas, peri/postpartum issues, transition to parenthood and gender identity.
Each of us is a complex product of our past and present environments and experiences. Generally, we act or cope in ways that are adaptive or necessary under given circumstances. When our default methods of coping are no longer effective or our circumstances change, we begin experiencing distress in specific realms of our lives. This distress might manifest as anxiety, depression, anger, pain, relationship or sexual difficulties, social isolation, declining performance and/or impairment in daily functioning. As there is an undeniable connection between our psychological and physical wellbeing, I approach treatment in an integrative, collaborative and personality-based manner.
In the words of Mr. Rogers, “Play is really the work of childhood." I see kids who have prenatal, preverbal, or early childhood trauma; attachment and behavioral issues; or struggle with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and anger. I will work with you to create a flexible treatment plan tailored to your child's individual needs, using techniques like prescriptive play therapy, filial therapy, expressive arts, sandtray, geek therapy, and attachment-based activities to directly address and heal the impact of stress on the body and brain. I help identify the reasons for children’s behavior and healthier ways to meet those needs.
In the words of Mr. Rogers, “Play is really the work of childhood." I see kids who have prenatal, preverbal, or early childhood trauma; attachment and behavioral issues; or struggle with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and anger. I will work with you to create a flexible treatment plan tailored to your child's individual needs, using techniques like prescriptive play therapy, filial therapy, expressive arts, sandtray, geek therapy, and attachment-based activities to directly address and heal the impact of stress on the body and brain. I help identify the reasons for children’s behavior and healthier ways to meet those needs.
You're busy. You're pulled in a million different directions and you have a million more responsibilities. Sometimes you have someone to share this with, and sometimes not. Sometimes you feel lost under all of the pressure to "be better." I'm here to help. Let's peel away the layers of stress, grief, trauma, and pressure to reveal the very best version of you. Let's take journey of self-discovery together. I'm here to listen, support, and help.
You're busy. You're pulled in a million different directions and you have a million more responsibilities. Sometimes you have someone to share this with, and sometimes not. Sometimes you feel lost under all of the pressure to "be better." I'm here to help. Let's peel away the layers of stress, grief, trauma, and pressure to reveal the very best version of you. Let's take journey of self-discovery together. I'm here to listen, support, and help.
Daytime availability only. Erika is an experienced psychotherapist with a diverse background in the mental health field. She has treated a range of clients such as toddlers, school-age children, teenagers, children in foster care, adoptees, college-age students, and adults in counseling settings. Erika works with both adults and children on healing the wounds that trauma has created in their lives, as well as those experiencing other symptoms that are impacting their lives. When working with clients, Erika utilizes an integrative approach to best meet the needs of the client. This therapeutic space is LGBTQIA+-affirming.
Daytime availability only. Erika is an experienced psychotherapist with a diverse background in the mental health field. She has treated a range of clients such as toddlers, school-age children, teenagers, children in foster care, adoptees, college-age students, and adults in counseling settings. Erika works with both adults and children on healing the wounds that trauma has created in their lives, as well as those experiencing other symptoms that are impacting their lives. When working with clients, Erika utilizes an integrative approach to best meet the needs of the client. This therapeutic space is LGBTQIA+-affirming.
I am a mother, creative, historian, writer, and identity navigation specialist working in the clinical mental health space. I am passionate about our pasts, our brains, anti-racism, justice, relationships, and identity. I received my Masters in Clinical Mental Health and Applied Psychology from Antioch New England. I like to take big-picture societal and systemic issues and ground them down to our everyday experiences. I believe that building strong, equitable, and informed relationships, with ourselves first, can begin to shift toxic societal narratives that have created cycles of trauma and suffering for far too long.
I am a mother, creative, historian, writer, and identity navigation specialist working in the clinical mental health space. I am passionate about our pasts, our brains, anti-racism, justice, relationships, and identity. I received my Masters in Clinical Mental Health and Applied Psychology from Antioch New England. I like to take big-picture societal and systemic issues and ground them down to our everyday experiences. I believe that building strong, equitable, and informed relationships, with ourselves first, can begin to shift toxic societal narratives that have created cycles of trauma and suffering for far too long.
As someone who is also neurodivergent, I help my clients learn how neurodiversity shows up for them in their spaces. I also support clients with their adoptee journey in whatever that means for them. I often work with clients who are trying to make sense and navigate their complex experiences as an adoptee. Sometimes, this looks like helping clients learn to be authentically themselves even when their childhood/environment require(d) them to assimilate. My work also extends to members of the LGBTQIA+ community in providing validating/ affirming care. I am interested in helping you find your voice even in the discomfort of others.
As someone who is also neurodivergent, I help my clients learn how neurodiversity shows up for them in their spaces. I also support clients with their adoptee journey in whatever that means for them. I often work with clients who are trying to make sense and navigate their complex experiences as an adoptee. Sometimes, this looks like helping clients learn to be authentically themselves even when their childhood/environment require(d) them to assimilate. My work also extends to members of the LGBTQIA+ community in providing validating/ affirming care. I am interested in helping you find your voice even in the discomfort of others.
See more therapy options for Pittsburgh
Nearby Adoption Therapists Searches for Pittsburgh
- Allison Park
- Bethel Park
- Bridgeville
- Canonsburg
- McMurray
- Monroeville
- Mount Lebanon
- Sewickley
- Swissvale
- Upper Saint Clair
- Venetia
- Wexford
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.