A note to parents
The purpose of the Adoption Community Network (ACN) Therapist Directory is to identify local clinicians who indicate special training to work with adoptive families. Providers in this directory have completed the “Provider Application for Inclusion in the Adoption Community Network’s Directory of Therapy Providers.” The ACN does not endorse the resources listed nor any of the external links provided on this site. It is not responsible for accuracy or completeness of information. Parents should carefully choose a therapist based on the individual needs of their family. For additional information, please refer to the following article provided by the National Council For Adoption (NCFA): I Spy Helpful Help: How To Find An Adoption-Competent Therapist
A note to therapists
If you would like to be considered for inclusion in this directory, please download the Application for Therapist Directory. If you are currently listed and your description needs to be updated, please email us at adoption@uchc.edu. If you are interested in learning more about adoption competency training offered through the UConn Health Adoption Assistance Program, in partnership with the Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.), visit the Training for Adoption Competency (TAC) page.
Search by County:
Hartford County
Luciano Abbatemarco, LCSW
860-716-0792
Clinical Associates of Greater Hartford, LLC
68 South Main Street, Suite 200
West Hartford, CT 06107
abbatemarcol@yahoo.com
Insurance: None
Languages: English, Spanish, Italian
In-Person and Virtual Availability
Attends PPT/School Meetings: Yes
Preferred Population: Children, adolescents, and adults
Working with Adoptive and Foster Families: 20+ years
Clinically trained at Yale Child Study, specializing in early childhood development; works closely with local child psychiatrist and APRN.
Richard Agostinho, LCSW
860-249-1377
Trust Your Process, LLC
664 Prospect Avenue
Hartford, CT 06105
rich@trustyourprocessllc.org
www.trustyourprocessllc.org
Insurances: Husky, Anthem, Cigna, United Health
Languages: English
In-Person and Virtual Availability
Attends PPT/School Meetings: Yes
Preferred Population: Ages 10+
Working with Adoptive and Foster Families: 15+ years
Rich began working in the social work field nearly 25 years ago. He was a former board member of True Colors and a current volunteer for the SOGIEcon Youth Conference. Rich is a past graduate and current trainer for the Training for Adoption Competency (TAC) course offered by AAP.
Jocelyn Bush, LMFT
860-673-0369
16 Vincent Road
Bristol, CT 06010
jbushlmft@gmail.com
Insurance: Husky, Anthem, Cigna, Select Aetna Plans, self pay
Languages: English
In-Person and Virtual Availability
Attends PPT/School Meetings: No
Working with Adoptive and Foster Families: 10+ years
Jocelyn has worked with biological, foster and adoptive children, and their families in different settings and capacities over the last 10 years. She received hands on training from working directly with children/families and from clinical supervision, as well as attending various trainings. Private practice with experience in attachment, birth family/open adoption issues, early childhood development, impact of trauma, grief and loss, foster care, and multi-racial families. Offers collaboration with schools, families who are involved with DCF, Intensive In Home Child and Adolescents Psychiatric Services (IICAPS) and the Juvenile Court system.
Jama R. Colegrove, LMFT
860-881-5333
High Ground Counseling
1155 Silas Deane Highway
Wethersfield, CT 06109
rowenasgirl@gmail.com
Insurance: Husky, Anthem, Aetna, Cigna, UBH, ConnectiCare, and Medicare
Languages: English
In-Person Only
Attends PPT/School Meetings: Yes
Working with Adoptive and Foster Families: 25+ years
Jama has extensive work experience with traumatized and attachment disordered children for 25 years, 7 of these in a sub-acute residential setting. Relies heavily on the theoretical framework and clinical interventions of Daniel Hughes’s dyadic developmental psychotherapy (DDP). She has trained extensively with Daniel Hughes, and in the Emotionally Focused Therapy model. She has attended numerous trainings on child trauma, attachment, play therapy, therapeutic art, improvisational games, sand tray work, and other expressive modalities. Available to advocate within the school system and attend treatment provider meetings on behalf of client families. Available to adoptive parents for phone support between sessions.
Susan Engel, LCSW
860-269-3104
701 Cottage Grove Road, Suite D-250
Bloomfield, CT 06002
sengellcsw@comcast.net
www.susanengel-lcsw.com
Insurance: Husky, Anthem, Aetna
Languages: English
Attends PPT/School Meetings: Yes
Certified EMDR Clinician, Facilitator, and Consultant
Working with Adoptive and Foster Families: 12+ years
Completed UConn’s Clinical Issues in Adoption Post Master’s Certificate Program; available to advocate within the school system on behalf of client families and attend treatment provider meetings; collaborates with psychiatrists and other professionals in the field to make appropriate referrals; extensive training in complex trauma, PTSD, grief and loss, attachment, and other clinical adoption issues; member of CT Adoption Community Network. Susan is a certified EMDR therapist, facilitator, and consultant. She is also a trainer in the Heather Forbes’ “Beyond Consequences” model as well as Circle of Security.
Susan Frantz, LPC
860-933-5338
46 West Avon Road, Suite 202
Avon, CT 06001
susan@sfrantztherapy.com
www.sfrantztherapy.com
Insurance: HUSKY/Medicaid (CT only), Aetna, Cigna, OPTUM and Tri-Care. Out of network for all other insurances.
In-Person and Virtual Availability
Languages: English
Attends PPT/School Meetings: In Avon Only
Languages: English
Specializes in sexual trauma.
Preferred Population: LGBTQ+
Working with Adoptive and Foster Families: 20+ years
I have over 20 years of experience and training in all phases of adoption, reunification, and permanency for children and their families. I find that I work best with adolescent to adult adoptees, especially those with history of trauma, gender, identity or sexuality issues. I am happy to work with individuals or teams and am dedicated to supporting children from pre- to post-adoption in either individual, family or group formats. I use a strength based, culturally sensitive, family system approach to establish and maintain healthy relationships while recognizing the profound impact that trauma, loss, and grief can have on an adoptee and their family. I completed post-grad advanced Training for Adoption Competency (TAC), basic Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART, for trauma), and doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology and Clinical Supervision (2019). I am a member of Connecticut Counseling Association, Adoption Community Network, Adoptive Families, and the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT).
Damion Grasso, Ph.D.
860-523-6439
UConn Health Child & Adolescent Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic
65 Kane Street,
West Hartford, CT 06119
dgrasso@uchc.edu
health.uconn.edu/psychiatry/areas-of-care/child-and-adolescent/uconn-health-psychological-trauma-clinic/
In-Person and Virtual Availability
Attend PPTs/School Meetings: Upon request
Insurance: Husky, most private insurances
Language: English
Preferred Population: Adolescents
Working with Adoptive and Foster Families: 15+ years
The UConn Health Psychological Trauma Clinic offers evidence-based trauma-specific psychotherapeutic services to children, youth, and their families. The clinic is operated by the UConn Department of Psychiatry faculty who are licensed clinical psychologists with expertise in trauma-specific assessments and behavioral treatments. The clinic also hosts several clinical psychology and psychiatry trainees who conduct assessments and psychotherapy under the direct supervision of faculty. In addition, we enjoy a close working relationship with the child psychiatrists at the UConn Child and Adolescent Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic. Because this is a small, faculty-run clinic, openings can vary. We do maintain a waitlist.
Asmahan Liebowitz, LCSW
860-392-9167
152 Simsbury Road, Building #9
Avon, CT 06001
asmahanliebowitz40@gmail.com
Insurance: Husky, Aetna, Anthem, Cigna, ConnectiCare, Harvard Pilgrim, and United Healthcare
Languages: English, some Spanish
In-Person and Virtual Availability
Attends PPT/School Meetings: Yes
Offers Individual and Family Therapy and Parenting Support
Preferred Population: Children, Families and Some Adults Depending on Needs
Working with Adoptive and Foster Families: 20+ years
Over the last 20 years, I have worked with biological, foster, and adoptive children and their families in different settings and capacities. I have received hands on training from working directly with children/families and from clinical supervision as well as attending various trainings. I have experience in attachment, birth family/open adoption issues, early childhood development, impact of trauma, grief and loss, foster care, multi-racial families, sensory integration and trauma. I am an adoption competent therapist and trained in trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT). Flexible appointment times and availability to attend school and other clinical meetings.
Esther Mwangi, LCSW
860-205-2157
Behavioral Healthcare Pathways
34 Jerome Avenue, Suite 218
Bloomfield, CT 06002
emwangibhp@gmail.com
www.bhpservice.com
Insurance: Husky, Aetna, Anthem, Cigna, ConnectiCare, Medicare, Optum, Prime, and Tricare
Languages: English and Kiswahili
In-Person and Virtual Availability
Attends PPT/School Meetings: Yes (virtually)
Offers various groups – call for more information
Working with Adoptive and Foster Families: 25+ years
Esther Mwangi, LCSW is a professionally trained therapist, she has completed UConn’s Clinical Issues in Adoption Post Master’s Certificate Program. She provides a Christian based therapy space for foster and adoptive families. She has been involved with adoption work for over twenty years both in the faith community and working with DCF. She enjoys working with young children through adulthood; helps parents and adoptees understand the difference between typical development and adoption related issues. Christian faith principles are implemented, if desired
Renesha Nichols, DSW, LCSW
860-864-4704
Reset & Restart, LLC
Bloomfield, CT 06002
rnichols@resetrestartrr.com
www.resetrestartrr.com
Insurance: Husky, Anthem
Languages: English
In-Person and Virtual Availability
Offers Parenting and Reunification Support
Preferred Population: Adults Only
Working with Adoptive and Foster Families: 15+ years
Available to advocate within the school system on behalf of clients and families. Familiar with the DCF system. She provides support around placement, reunification, adoption and disruption. Trained in trauma focused therapy, sensory processing, and play therapy methods. Member of the CT Adoption Community Network.
Laura Renfro, LMFT, LLC
860-493-1467
10 North Main Street
West Hartford, CT 06117
www.laurarenfro.com
Insurance: None
Languages: English
In-Person and Virtual Availability – Family Based Attachment Therapy In-Person Only
Attends PPT/School Meetings: Yes
Working with Adoptive and Foster Families: 25+ years
Working in the field of attachment and attachment disorders for over 20 years. Passionate about helping those who have experienced loss, trauma, and disrupted attachments. Recipient of DCF’s Outstanding Work with Children in Care Award in 2010. Strong advocate for her clients and families. Worked extensively with DCF and with children and families during and after foster care, adoption and reunification. Able to assist families working together within the framework of open adoption agreements. Member of the CT Adoption Community Network along with many other professional associations.
Megan Rock, LCSW
860-831-4305
Room To Grow Counseling, LLP
915 Sullivan Avenue, Suite 4A
South Windsor, CT 06074
megan.rock@roomtogrowcounseling.com
www.roomtogrowncounseling.com
Insurance: Husky, Aetna, Anthem, Cigna, Optum
Languages: English
Sliding Scale: Yes
In-Person and Virtual Availability
Attends PPT/School Meetings: Yes
Offers family therapy for existing clients.
Preferred Population: Foster, adoptive parents, older teens and young adults.
Working with Adoptive/Foster Families: 10 years
After working in the field of adoption and foster care for many years, I am thrilled to be offering individual therapy to individuals and families impacted by adoption. Adoption is my passion and I have pursued numerous trainings and experiences to broaden my understanding and expertise in this field. I have many years of experience with foster care, and foster care adoption and reunification and enjoy working both with foster and adoptive children and their family members.
Maria Enid Roman, DCC, LPC/LCSW
860-698-0782
Holistic TeleMental Health, LLC
174 South Road, Suite 112
Enfield, CT 06082
holistictmh@yahoo.com
Insurance: Husky, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Tricare, and United Healthcare
Languages: English, Spanish
Sliding Scale: Call for details
In-Person and Virtual Availability
Attends PPT/School Meetings: Yes
Offers Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
Working with Adoptive/Foster Families: 15+ years
Licensed Professional Counselor with expertise in trauma, substance abuse, depression, anxiety and behavioral problems. Distance credential counselor – provide services through telehealth. Fully bilingual (English and Spanish). TF-CBT certification, Post Masters degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis, Substance abuse training , Training for Adoption Competency (TAC) graduate.
Alison Cleary Urban, LCSW
860-578-4212
Sunflower Counseling, LLC
638 Prospect Avenue, 3rd Floor
Hartford, CT 06105
Sunflowercounselingforchildren@gmail.com
www.sunflowercounselingforchildren.com
Insurance: In Network with Optum Insurances (ConnectiCare, United Healthcare, United Medical Resources). Super Bill provided for Out of Network Visits
Languages: English
Primarily In Person
Attends PPT/School Meetings: Case by case.
Preferred Population: 0-10 years old
Working with Adoptive/Foster Families: 16+ years
Alison is a child therapist specializing in ages 0-12, dedicated to making therapy both healing and fun! After 14 years of serving young children and families in Baltimore and New Britain, in clinic, community and school settings, she founded Sunflower Counseling: a warm and supportive therapy space away from stressors. Just as children cope both verbally and nonverbally, we will use a combination of verbal and nonverbal approaches (including therapeutic play, art and music) to meet your child’s individual needs. Our time will be spent playing, exhaling, releasing emotions, learning simple skills, being silly, and healing from hard things – in partnership and without pressure.
Melanie Winkler, LPC
860-878-5991
85 Felt Road, Suite 605
South Windsor, CT
melanie@melaniewinklerllc.com
www.melaniewinklerllc.com
Insurance: Anthem, Cigna
Languages: English
Sliding Scale: Call for details
Preferred Population: Families, Teens and Adults
In private practice since 2008. Extensive experience working with local foster and adoptive families. Earned an MS in Art Therapy from Springfield College, and completed a Clinical Issues in Adoption Post-Master’s Certificate program from the UConn. Available to coordinate with school systems and with other family-selected providers. Member of the CT Counseling Association and the CT Council on Adoption.
New Haven County
Scott Abbott, Psy.D.
203-507-4117
Arete Psychological Services
16 Broadway, 1st Floor
North Haven, CT 06473
www.aretepsych.com
Insurance: None, out of network
Languages: English
Sliding Scale: Yes
In-Person and Virtual Availability
Attends PPT/School Meetings: Yes
Preferred Population:13+, young adults up to 35
Working with Adoptive/Foster Families: 15+ years
Since writing a nationally recognized dissertation on post-modern approaches to psychotherapy with adopted adolescents and completing a post-doctoral training with adolescents at the Institute of Living’s Intensive Outpatient Program, I have served adolescents, young adults, and their families in private practice for 15 years. As an adopted person, my interest in adoption issues began early and has been a focus of my research and practice since 1989. In my private practice, the focus has been on helping teens adopted at or near birth cope with concerns, questions, and feelings that adoption can add to the process of maturation. I have many years of experience also in bringing culturally competent counseling methods to bear in assisting international adoptees manage the special concerns this situation can engender.
Constance Catrone, DSW, MA, LCSW
203-795-1118
1 Bradley Road
Woodbridge, CT 06525
ccatrone@collaborativementalhealthassociates.com
www.collaborativementalhealthassociates.com
Insurance: Husky, Anthem, call for others
Languages: English
In-Person and Virtual Availability
Attends PPT/School Meetings: Yes
Preferred Population:12+
Working with Adoptive and Foster Families: 25+ years
Available to advocate within the school system on behalf of client families and attend treatment provider meetings. A 3-4 session assessment is completed to determine goals, structure, and treatment frequency. Extensive experience working with childhood trauma, grief and loss. Completed several trainings with Beverly James, Dan Hughes, and Bessel van der Kolk. Assisted in the development of a local agency’s post adoption program.
Rachel Forbes, LCSW
203-641-0020
Forbes Psychotherapy Practice, LLC
625 Central Avenue, Suite 1
New Haven, CT 06515
rachel@forbespsychotherapy.com
www.forbespsychotherapy.com
Insurance: Husky, Aetna, Anthem, BCBS, Cigna, ConnectiCare, and UnitedHealthCare
Languages: English
In-Person and Virtual Availability
Attends PPT/School Meetings:No
Preferred Population:18+
Working with Adoptive and Foster Families: 9+ years
As a Korean American transracial and transcultural adoptee, I offer a unique lens to my therapeutic work and adoption advocacy. My therapeutic approach is holistic and mind-body integrated, with an intention of increasing self-awareness, self-leadership and inner harmony.
In my work, I draw from a range of approaches, mostly from Internal Family Systems (IFS), with the additional integration of Polyvagal Theory, Mindfulness, and Attachment-Based Therapy. I also incorporate a meditative and mind-body experience, as we get to know the feelings we carry in our bodies. While I work with an array of challenges, I specialize in attachment trauma and adoption, helping adoptees and adoptive families understand and care for the many layers that exist within the adoption experience. I have also completed the Training for Adoption Competency (TAC) course. My role as a therapist is to honor your reality – whatever that may be – so you can begin your healing process. With compassion and curiosity, my role is to help you nurture and strengthen that which encourages you to feel heard, liberated, and fulfilled.
Twanda Grey, LCSW
203-823-9150
Strategic Resolutions LLC
419 Whalley Avenue, Suite 309
New Haven, CT 06511
tgrey@strategicresolutionsct.com
www.strategicresolutionsct.com
Insurance: Husky, Anthem
Languages: English
I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 27 years of extensive experience as a social worker. Twenty-two of those years were spent as a social worker/supervisor at Department of Children and Families working with biological, foster care and adoptive children and their families in different settings and capacities. Extensive training in the arena of Circle of Security (Theory of Attachment) and prenatal and postnatal (perinatal mood disorders). In addition, I am a college professor with 13 years of experience teaching in the discipline of social work and early childhood education. Private practice with experience in attachment, impact of trauma, early childhood development, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, foster care and multi-racial families.
Lisa Hardy-Gardner, LMSW
203-439-5555
Reliant Behavioral Health and Community Services
www.reliantbehavioralhealthcs.org
419 Whalley Avenue, Suite 101
New Haven, CT 06511
Insurance: Husky, Aetna, Anthem BCBS, Beacon, Cigna, Magellan, Medicare, United Healthcare
Languages: English and Spanish
At Reliant Behavioral Health and Community Services we provide wrap around services to urbanized and/or at risk communities need of therapeutic counseling and basic needs.
Robin Knight, LCSW
203-641-9315
Robin Knight Counseling
203 Broad Street, Suite C-4
Milford, CT 06460
rknight04@snet.net
Insurance: Husky, Private Pay
Languages: English
In-Person and Virtual Availability
Attends PPT/School Meetings: Yes
Preferred Population: 7+
Working with Adoptive and Foster Families: 20+ years
I have been a part of the adoption world for many years, working at DCF for 30 plus years doing permanency work, and I have also been a foster parent and am an adoptive parent. My work and personal experiences with adoption help me to look at children’s challenging and sometimes confusing behaviors differently; helping you find different ways to respond to help heal some of the earlier losses and start to believe that they are worthy of being loved and cared for.
David Meyers, LCSW
203-260-0647
1095 Main Street
Branford, CT 06405
davidmmeyers@yahoo.com
www.davidmeyerslcsw.com
Insurance: None, will work with out of network providers and victim services for reimbursement as applicable
Languages: English
Primarily In-Person sessions, but willing to provide virtual sessions for parents or consults
Offers evaluations and treatment of sexual and physical abuse
Preferred Population: Child and adolescent, parent consultation
Working with Adoptive and Foster Families: 15+ years
Available to advocate within the school system on behalf of client families and attend treatment provider meetings. Extensive knowledge in early childhood development with former experience as a preschool teacher and therapeutic preschool clinical director. Advanced training certificate in family therapy and ongoing training in trauma. Specializes in evaluations and treatment of sexual and physical abuse.
Cara Powers, LPC
203-931-1184 ext. 116
Shoreline Wellness Center
415 Main Street
West Haven, CT 06516
cpowers@sbhw.org
www.shorelinewellnesscenter.com
Insurance: Anthem, Cigna, Oxford, United, Husky
Languages: English
In-Person and Virtual Availability
Attends PPT/School Meetings: Yes
Offers group counseling and medication management
Preferred Population: All ages
Working with Adoptive and Foster Families: 15+ years
Cara is the founder and director of the Shoreline Wellness Center, LLC and its affiliated companies, Shoreline Behavioral Health & Learning Center, LLC and Shoreline Wellness Behavioral Health Outreach, Inc. Cara specializes in the treatment of adult, child and adolescent anxiety and phobia disorders, including the treatment of Selective Mutism. Cara also specializes in blended family, foster, adoptive and step family issues and divorce, as well as adolescent development issues. She is currently trained and becoming certified in EMDR and Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP). Her vision for creating Shoreline Wellness Center and its affiliated companies is to bring people suffering from various mental illnesses together, and to help them heal in a safe, nurturing and holistic environment, one which focuses on helping people achieve personal wellness.
Lisa Spearman, LCSW
203-931-1184
Shoreline Wellness Center & Behavioral Health Clinic
415 Main Street
West Haven, CT 06156
lspearman@sbhw.org
www.shorelinewellnesscenter.com
Insurance: Husky, Aetna, Anthem, Cigna/Evernorth, Magellan, Medicare, Railroad Medicare, Tricare, United Behavioral Health, Wellcare/Medicare and Fee for Service
Languages: English
In-Person and Virtual Availability
Attends PPT/School Meetings: Yes (virtually)
Working with Adoptive and Foster Families: 10+ years
Lisa is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Shoreline Wellness Center, who obtained her Master’s degree in Social Work and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Southern Connecticut State University. With over 7 years of experience providing psychotherapy, Lisa has had the pleasure of working together with all age groups, from varying backgrounds, including individuals, couples, and families and helping them reach their goals. Lisa is also a graduate of the accredited Training for Adoption Competency (TAC) program from the Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.). With this training, she has been afforded the knowledge to help children, adults and families who have been impacted by foster care and adoption. Lisa’s goal is your goal. Her mission is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space which allows the client to express oneself freely. Lisa is a passionate, dedicated clinician who believes that with patience, empathy, and a healthy therapeutic relationship, one can learn the tools to implement change and have a more fulfilling and rewarding life. Lisa utilizes strength-based approaches as well as person-centered strategies, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Lisa is committed to working with you side-by-side on your journey through life.
Middlesex County
Ashley Hines Lunt, ATR-BC, LPC
203-533-2351
Whole Heart Art Therapy & Creative Counseling, LLC
955 S. Main Street, #B201
Middletown, CT 06457
ashley@wholehearttherapy.com
www.wholeheartarttherapy.com
Insurance: Husky, Aetna, Cigna, ConnectiCare, Optum, Oxford, UMR, and United Healthcare
Languages: English
In-Person and Virtual Availability
Attends PPT/School Meetings: No
Offers Art Therapy
Preferred Population: Children aged 10+, Teens and Adults
Working with Adoptive and Foster Families: 15+ years
As a registered and board-certified Art Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor, I have a passion for using a creative approach to help people move towards healing, greater insights, and self-expression. Since 2010 I have been using Art Therapy to help children aged 7 and older, teens, and young adults who are dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, adoption and foster care, life transitions, grief and loss, selective mutism, developmental disabilities, and autism. I am also an adoption-competent therapist certified by the Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E). No art experience is needed to benefit from art therapy.
New London County
Carol Campbell, LMFT
Peace of Mind
860-984-3190
18 Oneco Street
Norwich, CT 06360
carolc.lmft@yahoo.com
Insurance: Husky and Private Pay
Sliding Scale: Call for details
Languages: English
In-Person and Virtual Availability
Attends PPT/School Meetings: Yes
Offers Pre-Adoption Counseling
Preferred Population: Adolescents, Teens and Parents
Working with Adoptive and Foster Families: 25+ years
Over 25 years of experience training and working with foster families as well as over 17 years’ experience working in private practice with foster and adoptive families. Completed the University of Connecticut’s Clinical Issues in Adoption Post Master’s Certificate program. Works collaboratively with other providers to ensure child and family receives comprehensive care. Has personal experience as a foster and adoptive parent.
Janine Geida, LMFT
860-325-0904
J9 Counseling and Consultation
56 Dean Road
East Lyme, CT 06333
j9@j9candc.com
www.J9counselingandconsultation.com
Insurance: Husky, Anthem, Cigna, Connecticare, Optum, United Healthcare, Humana/Tricare
Languages: English
In-Person and Virtual Availability
Attends PPT/School Meetings: No
Preferred Population: Parents
Working with Adoptive and Foster Families: 20+ years
Janine Geida, LMFT, is both professionally trained and personally involved with the many facets of adoption. She has worked with parents and children for over twenty years, helping them overcome various challenges such as family conflict, depression, addiction, trauma, suicidality, and more. She is also the mother of an adopted child in a multi-racial family. She has a private practice out of East Lyme, Connecticut and welcomes the opportunity to continue helping people find and achieve their goals.
Laura L. Langston, Ph.D., LMFT, RPT (Registered Play Therapist)
203-489-6993
Touch-Points
4 Fort Hill Road, #4
laura@touchpointsllc.com
www.touchpointsllc.com
Insurance: Husky, Anthem, Out of Network, Private Pay, Sliding Scale
Languages: English
In-Person and Virtual Availability
Attends PPT/School Meetings: On a case by case basis
Offers Play Therapy
Preferred Population: Children with Developmental Trauma Disorder
Working with Adoptive and Foster Families: 15+ years
I am an adoptive parent and registered play therapist. I specialize in children with Developmental Trauma Disorder and developed by own model for working with the adoption population and their families.
Kim Shepardson Watson, LCSW
860-739-6974
East Lyme Psychological Associates
29 Chesterfield Road
East Lyme, CT 06333
kwatson@eastlymepsych.com
www.eastlymepsych.com
Insurance: Husky, call for others
Languages: English
In-Person and Virtual Availability
Attends PPT/School Meetings: Yes
Offers Attachment Focused Therapy, Parent Support, and Supervision on Post-Adoption Issues
Preferred Population: Young children, however, willing to work with anyone in their life span.
Working with Adoptive and Foster Families: 20+ years
Completed UConn’s Clinical Issues in Adoption Post Master’s Certificate Program. Available to advocate within the school system on behalf of client families and attend treatment provider meetings. Certified in Infant Mental Health Level IV. Member: National Association of Social Work, Connecticut Association of Infant Mental Health, Connecticut Council on Adoption. Practice includes APRN and Psychiatrist.
Fairfield County
Virginia P. Ayres, LPC, LADC, SCPG
203-326-1469
Darien Psychotherapy
30 Old Kings Highway South, 2nd Floor
Darien, CT 06820
ginny@darienpsychotherapy.com
www.ginnyayres.com
Insurance: None
Languages: English
In-Person and Virtual Availability
Attends PPT/School Meetings: No
Preferred Population: Teens and older
Working with Adoptive and Foster Families: 15+ years
Over 15 years of experience in private practice working with foster and adoptive families. Completed UConn’s Clinical Issues in Adoption Post-Master’s Certificate program. Expert in dealing with disrupted attachment. Trained with Dan Hughes, Peter Leine, Terry Levy, Michael Orlans, Bessel Van der Kalk, Diana Fosha, and John Baylin.
Leah Crane, Psy.D.
203-697-8399
The Family Collaborative
30 Old King’s Highway South
Darien, CT 06820
lc@thefamilycollaborative.com
www.thefamilycollaborative.com
Insurance: None
Languages: English
In-Person and Virtual Availability
Offers Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) and Consultation
Dr. Crane offers a continuum of services throughout the adoption process to support your family in her practice in Connecticut. Dr. Crane is also the Director of Adoptive Family Services at Rennicke & Associates in New York City. She is a Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) certified practitioner and consultant and has training in Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy. She finds the integration of these two models to be particularly effective in supporting families.
Sarah Katrulya, LCSW
203-240-5572
87 South Main Street, Unit #13
Newtown, CT 06470
skatrulya@gmail.com
Insurance: Husky, Anthem, Cigna
Languages: English
In-Person and Virtual Availability
Attends PPT/School Meetings: Yes
EMDR and DBT Certified
Working with Adoptive and Foster Families: 20+ years
Completed UConn’s Clinical Issues in Adoption Post-Master’s Certificate Program. Available to advocate within the school system on behalf of client families and attend treatment provider meetings. DBT and EMDR certified. In-home therapy may be available on a case by case basis. APRN on staff and affiliations with local psychiatrist.
Vanessa Love, LPC, LCMHC, Registered Art Therapist
203-300-7193
1266 East Main Street at Regus, 7th Floor
Stamford, CT 06902
vanessalovelpc@gmail.com
www.lovescounseling.com
Insurance: Husky, Anthem
Sliding Scale: Yes, as low as $100, call for further information
In-Person on Thursdays Only, Other times – Virtual
Attends PPT/School Meetings: Yes – Virtual Only
Preferred Population: 11+, Individual unless the child struggles to talk about weekly issues, then adding parent(s) would be preferred.
Working with Adoptive Families: 11+ years
I started private practice in 2011 and have been working since then with a multitude of issues with adoptive and foster kids, as well as adults.
Lisa A. Mazzeo, LCSW, BCD
203-556-7974
1088 Black Rock Turnpike
Fairfield, CT 06825
lisamazz1961@gmail.com
Insurance: None
Languages: English
In-Person and Virtual Availability
Attends PPT/School Meetings: Depending on area.
Preferred Population: Latency Age, Adolescents, and Family
Working with Adoptive and Foster Families: 15+ years
Completed several trainings with Dan Hughes. Author of the book, Who Can Catch the Moon, which is a compilation of stories from children in foster care and who have been adopted. Worked in the field of foster care and adoption for 30 years, and has a unique understanding of the issues specific to this population. Earned both a BSW and MSW in social work and have spent the majority of her career in child welfare. Aside from having a private practice and working full time, Ms. Mazzeo has taught social work at SCSU in the past and have been a field supervisor for social work students.
Caley Schwartz, Ph.D.
203-464-9053
Caley Schwartz Psychological Services, LLC
137 Ethan Allen Highway
Ridgefield, CT 06877
cschwartz@psychologistconnecticut.com
www.psychologistconnecticut.com
Insurance: None
Languages: English
In-Person and Virtual Availability
Attends PPT/School Meetings: Yes
Offers Psychological and Diagnostic Evaluations, Social Development, Autism Specific Interventions, Executive Functioning Interventions, Educational Support and Instruction
Working with Adoptive and Foster Families: 10+ years
Completed UConn’s Clinical Issues in Adoption Post Master’s Certificate Program; experience working with young children through young adults; provides parent support and guidance.
Joshua Watson, LMFT
203-530-2190
Joshua Watson, LMFT, LLC
533 East Putnam Avenue, Suite 3
Greenwich, CT 06830
josh@joshuawatsonlmft.com
www.joshuawatsonlmft.com
Insurance: Out of Network
Languages: English
In-Person and Virtual Availability
Attends PPT/School Meetings: Yes
Preferred Population: Males
Offers Individual, Couples and Family Work
Working with Adoptive and Foster Families: 15+ years
Joshua Watson is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). He has been in private practice since 2010 with families in Greenwich and Westport, Connecticut. He works with individuals, couples and families and is a graduate of CASE’s Training for Adoption Competency (TAC) program.
Virtual Only
Emily Agostini, LCSW
203-699-6459
Telehealth Only
Licensed in CT and MA
agocare@emilyagostini.com
www.emilyagostini.com
Insurance: Private Pay, Sliding Scale, and pro bono.
Languages: English
Attends PPT/School Meetings: Yes
Preferred Population: Any age that works well with telehealth
Offers Support/Advocacy for birth children of foster parent experience
Emily has several adopted family members and has seen adoption and foster care from a variety of lenses. She is trained and certified through Training for Adoption Competency (TAC) Course and has significant experience advocating for foster and adoptive families, working as a social worker for a therapeutic foster care program, supervised visitation worker, as well as a child trauma therapist. She has also led trainings on trauma and foster care and adoption and assists in training new foster parents. Her work around adoption spans from working with children and adolescents, to adults, parents and family members, focusing on supporting the entire family unit. She utilizes a strength based, trauma focused, supportive lens to help children, families and adults navigate foster care and adoption and is trained in EMDR and TF-CBT. Additional Training includes: FASD, sexual abuse, attachment, ambiguous loss, sensory processing.
Susan W. Baron, LCSW
203-667-2370
Telehealth Only
swbaronlcsw@gmail.com
Insurance: None, sliding scale
Language: English
Attends PPT/School Meetings: Yes- Fairfield County in person, all other counties – virtually
Preferred Population: Adoption Triad
Working with Adoptive and Foster Families: 30+ years
Since 1995, I have been involved in the field of adoption. For the first twelve years, I worked with families adopting internationally and domestically. I realized that adoptive families face unique challenges that have their roots in adoption. I will provide you with sensitive, adoption-competent therapy that addresses these challenges. I work with all members of the adoption triad and have extensive experience supporting you and your adoptee in the process of search and reunion. My work is short-term and cognitive behaviorally based. I provide extensive psycho-education around normative adoption developmental stages, as well as the unique challenges you face. I am available to advocate with schools and attend PPTs. If you are considering adopting, I can help you demystify the process. I am a member of The Connecticut Council on Adoption, Connecticut Adoption Community Network, NASW, The Connecticut Society of Psychoanalytic Psychologists. I offer you wisdom gained from extensive experience, compassion, perspective and optimism. I look forward to connecting with you. Co-founder of Touched By Adoption.
Muna Bhandari, LPC
347-687-2214
Telehealth Only
therapywithmuna@proton.me
www.therapywithmuna.com
Insurances: Aetna, Cigna, Optum (including UMR and United Healthcare)
Languages: English and Nepali
Working with Adoptive and Foster Families: 5+ years
As an Asian American immigrant therapist, I bring a unique perspective to my therapeutic work and adoption
advocacy. In my practice, I use a psychodynamic lens, integrating trauma-informed care, culture, attachment
theory, and neurobiology, all while grounding my work in empathy, compassion, and authenticity. I am
dedicated to honoring your story with compassion and curiosity. Additionally, I am a graduate of the
accredited Training for Adoption Competency (TAC) program and hold a C.A.S.E. Training for Adoption
Competency certificate.
Laura Heatherington, LCSW
860-917-5054
Summit Counseling, LLC
Telehealth Only
laurasummitllc@gmail.com
Insurance: Husky, Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, United Behavioral Health
Languages: English
Attends PPT/School Meetings: Yes
Preferred Population: High School +
Working with Adoptive and Foster Families: 20+ years
I am clinically trained as an adoption competent therapist and I am also an adoptive mother myself. I understand what it is like to raise a child who has experienced trauma. I am knowledgeable and trained in grief and loss in regards to the adoption triad. I am looking forward to guiding and supporting you through your adoption journey!
Becca Leitman, LCSW
Becca Leitman Therapy
917-207-3431
Telehealth Only. Licensed in CT, NY and WA.
hello@beccaleitmantherapy.com
www.BeccaLeitmanTherapy.com
Insurances: BCBS, Premera
Languages: English
Attends PPT/School Meetings: On a case-by-case basis
Working with Adoptive and Foster Families: 15+ years
I am an adoptee in a mixed family of adoptive and biological children and I have spent the past 15 years supporting families formed through adoption, whether that was through foster care or private adoption. Often times, adoptees struggle with trauma and attachment issues, even if they were adopted at birth. That primal wound is a tricky one to heal. When entering adolescence, adoptees tend to question their identity and part of my job is to help support them in this search. I hold a certification in Attachment and Trauma Therapy as well as Internal Family Systems.
Allyson D. Platt, LPC/LMHC, MA, MDiv.
Allyson D. Platt
860-375-0456
Telehealth Only
plattallysond@gmail.com
Insurance: Husky, Anthem BCBS, Cigna, Health New England, MBHP
Language: English
Attends PPT/School Meetings: Yes – virtual only
Preferred Population: 11+, currently only working with parents
Extensive training and work with traumatized and attachment disordered children and their families, including the Training for Adoption Competency (TAC) certificate. Treatment is based on the Attachment, Regulation and Competency (ARC) framework.
Julia C. Ruggiero, LCSW
347-977-0847
JCR Therapy
Telehealth Only
julia@jcrtherapy.org
Insurance: Husky or private pay
Language: English
Attends PPT/School Meetings: No
Preferred Population: 18+ Adopted Population
Working with Adoptive and Foster Families: 5+ years
Julia is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Connecticut. Julia has been providing therapeutic services for folks of all ages for over 5 years. She earned her Master’s degree in social work from New York University and went on to achieve her Clinical level licensure in Connecticut. Her professional experience includes providing individual and family treatment using evidence-based practices for various mental health and behavioral health issues, such as trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, ADHD, parent coaching, and emotional regulation skills. Julia is also an adoption-competent therapist and has completed accredited training with the Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.). As an adoption-competent therapist, she has the education, skills, and experience to provide effective therapeutic treatment to those impacted by adoption. As a Colombian American transracial and international adoptee, Julia also understands what it can be like to be adopted and how difficult it can be to find professional support that honors the complexities and nuances of adoption. Julia’s lived experience gives her a deeper level of understanding and compassion that helps her clients feel safe and understood as they share and explore their unique adoption stories fully and freely. Julia’s approach to therapy is warm, nonjudgmental, and focused on building meaningful connections.
Jessica Sormrude, MEd, LCSW
860-303-3777
KAIROS Therapy Center
Telehealth Only
info@kairostc.com
www.kairostc.com
Insurance: Husky, Aetna, Anthem BCBS, Cigna, ConnectiCare, Medicare, Optum, and Out of Network
Languages: English
Preferred Population: Ages 18-99
Working with Adoptive and Foster Families: 16+ years
KAIROS Therapy Center welcomes you. We remain committed to the wellness of individuals, their families, and the community, through prevention, intervention, treatment, and education in a therapeutic and culturally inclusive environment. We look forward to beginning your journey with you, ensuring compassion, acceptance, respect, empowerment, and an opportunity to achieve greatness. Prior to establishing KAIROS, Jessica worked in CPS for over 12 years. Clinically she participated in the Training for Adoption Competency (TAC) program, is EMDR trained and has personal experience with adoption and foster care, all of which has contributed to her work with others involved in the experience. Jessica has had extensive training in trauma and considers herself a “trauma informed” provider.
Gayle Weill, LCSW
203-635-9662
Telehealth Only
gayleweill@gmail.com
www.gayleweillcsw.com
Insurances: None
Languages: English
Attends PPT/School Meetings: No
Preferred Population: Birth and Adoptive Mothers
Offers Hypnosis and Therapy for Anxiety Relief
Working with Adoptive and Foster Families: 12+ years
Completed the nationally accredited Training for Adoption Competency (TAC) course created by the Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E). I have years of experience working with children in foster care, pre-adoptive families, birth parents, adoptive parents, and foster parents. My work included family therapy, individual therapy, hands on parent-training to help parents understand how to answer difficult questions and learn how to better respond to difficult behaviors. I’ve also worked on lifebooks with children to help them understand and process their history, and I made recommendations to family court in regards to termination of parental rights cases. I often find that parents have fear regarding their children’s curiosity about their birth parents. Children often feel nervous and/or guilty to speak with their parents about being curious about their birth parents. There’s also often complaints from parents about their children’s behaviors, or not understanding why their children can’t follow the same directives a child who was not adopted can follow. This is among just a few prevalent issues that often come up in sessions, and I am available to help navigate these difficult issues.
Out of State
Attachment Institute of New England, Inc.
508-799-2663
51 Union Street
Worcester, MA 01608
www.attachmentnewengland.com
Insurance: Possible Single Case Agreement, depending on insurance company
Specializes in treating children with PTSD and reactive attachment disorder. Therapy sessions are typically two hours long with two clinicians. Course of treatment tends to be 14 sessions. Local and national trainers/presenters on adoption and trauma related issues. Members of ATTACH.
Anne F. Malave, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist-Psychoanalyst, Faculty and Supervisor, William Alanson White Institute, Past Chair, Mental Health Professional Group of The American Society for Reproductive Medicine
347-677-2927
220 5th Avenue, 11th Floor
New York, NY 10001
Licensed in NY
drannemalave@gmail.com
www.drannemalave.com
Insurance: Aetna
Sliding Scale: Call for further information
Working with Adoptive Families: 35+ years
Experience working with birth families and multiracial families. Provides psychological evaluations for prospective adoptive families and third party reproduction participants. Speaker/presenter/author on adoption, infertility, and third-party reproduction.