Child Adoption Therapist Selection

In looking for a therapist to assist your family and adopted child in resolving some adoption related problems, you should select a professional who has experience in the unique issues involved in adoption.

Tips on Selecting an Adoption Therapist

Adoption has life-long effects on the adopted child and on all those around him/her and as concerns arise, you or your child may need professional help. It is often helpful to sort out those problems that are common to all children and adolescents from those that are related more specifically to adopted persons. Competent psychological intervention by a skilled adoption professional can help and can prevent adoption concerns from becoming more serious problems.

The type and duration of therapy depends on many variables and finding a therapist that has good therapeutic skills combined with adoption experience can be difficult. In the best of all worlds, the therapist will have professional training in psychology, knowledge about adoption, how adoption impacts on a child at different ages, and be aware of the different types of therapeutic help and intervention. Typically, such a professional will fall into one of several professional categories (see Psychologist Anywhere Anytime).

Resources to help you find a qualified mental health professional include your local mental health center, adoption support groups, the state child welfare agency, the state Department of Education or state professional associations.

The search for a therapist can be complicated by the limitations of insurance companies and the therapist's willingness to accept insurance coverage. Make sure to check with your insurance company to find out the extent of your coverage for mental health treatment.

You may find it helpful to read the Child Welfare Information Gateway article Tips on Selecting an Adoption Therapist.