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 factsheet provided by the Child Welfare Information Gateway: Selecting and Working with an Adoption 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 clinical issues in adoption, visit the Training for Adoption Competency (TAC) page for information on the certificate program offered by the UConn School of Social Work and Southern Connecticut State University.
Search by County:
Hartford County
Luciano Abbatemarco, LCSW
860-716-0792
Clinical Associates of Greater Hartford, LLC
68 South Main Street
West Hartford, CT 06107
Insurance: None
Languages: English, Spanish, Italian
Working with Adoptive and Foster Families: 10+ years
Clinically trained at Yale Child Study specializing in early childhood development; works closely with local child psychiatrist and APRN; Spanish and Italian speaking.
Emily Agostini, LCSW
Telehealth Only
Licensed in CT and MA
Website: emilyagostini.com
Insurance: Private pay as well as sliding scale and pro bono.
Emily is an individual who has several adopted family members, and has seen adoption and foster care from a variety of lenses. She is trained and certified through the National Adoption Competency 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
Richard Agostinho, LCSW
860-249-1377
Trust Your Process, LLC
664 Prospect Avenue
Hartford, CT 06105
rich@trustyourprocessllc.org
www.trustyourprocessllc.org
Insurances: Anthem, Cigna, Husky, United Health
Languages: English
Jocelyn Bush, LMFT
860-673-0369
16 Vincent Road
Bristol, CT 06010
Insurance: Anthem, Cigna, Husky, Select Aetna Plans, self pay
Languages: English
Has worked with biological, foster care and adoptive children and their families in different settings and capacities over the last 10 years. 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.
Karen Caffrey, LPC
860-313-0039
www.karencaffrey.com
639 Park Road
West Hartford, CT 06107
Insurance: Out of Network Only
Languages: English
Over 20 years of experience working with adult adoptees, birth mothers, and adoptive parents; presenter to professional and public groups on adoption-related issues; member of CT Council on Adoption and American Adoption Congress; Certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. Hosted by The Door Opener, CT’s Spirituality and Holistic Health Resource Guide Online.
Jama R. Colegrove, LMFT
860-881-5333
High Ground Counseling
1155 Silas Deane Highway
Wethersfield, CT 06109
Insurance: Husky, Cigna, Anthem, Aetna, UBH, ConnectiCare, and Medicare
Languages: English
Working with Adoptive and Foster Families: 15+ years
Welcoming clients in person! Extensive work with traumatized and attachment disordered children for 15 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 therapy. Has trained extensively with Daniel Hughes, and in the Emotionally Focused Therapy model. 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
sengellcsw@comcast.net
701 Cottage Grove Road, Suite D-250
Bloomfield, CT 06002
Insurance: Husky, Anthem, Aetna
Languages: English
www.susanengel-lcsw.com
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.
Damion Grasso, Ph.D.
860-523-6439
UConn Health Child & Adolescent Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic
65 Kane Street,
West Hartford, CT 06119
health.uconn.edu/psychiatry/areas-of-care/child-and-adolescent/uconn-health-psychological-trauma-clinic/
Insurance: Husky, most private insurances
Working with Adoptive and Foster Families: 10+ 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 a number of 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.
Jacqueline N. Guajardo, Ph.D.
860-471-9481
2446 Albany Avenue
West Hartford, CT 06117
Insurance: None
Languages: English, polite Spanish
Working with Adoptive and Foster Families:5+ years and 15+ years overall clinical experience
Co-author of curriculum developed for helping foster parents care for high-risk kids and victims of domestic minor sex trafficking. Able to conduct psycho-sexual evaluations and Autism evaluations. Offers groups for grief an loss and LGBQTI families. *Specializes in treatment of physical and sexual abuse, interpersonal violence and grief and loss. Member of CT Adoption Community Network.
Asmahan Liebowitz, LCSW
860-392-9167
152 Simsbury Road, Building #9
Avon, CT 06001
Insurance: Anthem, Husky, Cigna, United Healthcare, Aetna, Harvard Pilgrim, ConnectiCare
Languages: English, Some Spanish
Working with Adoptive and Foster Families: 20+ years
Over the last 20 years, I have worked with biological, foster care 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
emwangibhp@gmail.com
Behavioral Healthcare Pathways
34 Jerome Avenue, Suite 218
Bloomfield, CT 06002
Insurance: Anthem, Cigna, Optum, Prime, Aetna, Medicare, Tricare, ConnectiCare, Husky
Languages: English and Kiswahili
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 young adulthood; helps parents and adoptees understand the difference between typical development and adoption related issues. Christian faith principles are implemented if desired
Renesha Nichols, LCSW
860-706-7592
61 South Main Street, Suite 204
West Hartford, CT 06107
Insurance: Husky, Anthem
Languages: English
Working with Adoptive and Foster Families: 6+ years
Available to advocate within the school system on behalf of clients and families; familiar with the DCF system; has provided support around placement, reunification, adoption and disruption; trained in trauma focuses therapy, sensory processing and play therapy methods; member of the CT Adoption Community Network.
Allyson D. Platt, LPC
Allyson D. Platt
MA, MDiv., LPC/LMHC
South Windsor, CT (Hartford)
860-375-0456
Insurance: Husky, Anthem BCBS, Cigna, Health New England, MBHP
Language: English
Extensive training and work with traumatized and attachment disordered children and their families, including the CASE adoption competency certificate. Treatment is based on the Attachment, Regulation and Competency (ARC) framework.
Laura Renfro, LMFT, LLC
860-493-1467
www.laurarenfro.com
10 North Main Street
West Hartford, CT 06117
Insurance: None
Languages: English
Working with Adoptive and Foster Families: 20+ 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
860-368-0804
Acorn Center for Wellness
270 Farmington Avenue, Suite 365
Farmington, CT
www.acorncw.com
Insurance: Husky, Aetna, Anthem, Cigna, Optum
Sliding Scale: Yes
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
Enfield, CT
Insurance: Husky, Tricare
Sliding Scale: Call for details
Languages: English, Spanish
Working with Adoptive/Foster Families: 8 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 , TAC – adoptions trained clinician.
Julia C. Ruggiero, LCSW
Adoptions From the Heart
1 Regency Dive, # 108
Bloomfield, CT 06002
347-977-0847
juliar@afth.org
Insurance: Husky or private pay
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, parenting 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. Institute). 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.
Alison Cleary Urban, LCSW
Sunflower Counseling, LLC
860-578-4212
638 Prospect Avenue, 3rd Floor
Hartford, CT 06105
www.sunflowercounselingforchildren.com
Insurance: Husky, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, others pending
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
Insurance: Husky, Anthem, Cigna
Sliding Scale: Call for details
Languages: English
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.
Litchfield County
Vanessa Weber, LCSW
860-717-4400
New Milford Counseling
5 Bennitt Street
New Milford, CT
www.VanessaNWeber.com
Insurance: Husky, Anthem, ConnectiCare, United, Cigna, Humana, Optum, Oxford, Tricare
Sliding Scale: Call for information
Languages: English, functional in French
I am an adoptive single parent and adopted my children in 2002 from Kazakhstan. From 2008-2012, I founded and ran a small agency, along with some friends, to help families with post-adoption problems. My goal has always been to provide support, information and referral to families after adoption. Since getting my clinical license, in 2011, I have aimed to help families deal with the many struggles that post-adoption issues can bring.
New Haven County
Scott Abbott, Psy.D.
203-507-4117
Arete Psychological Services
16 Broadway
North Haven, CT 06473
Insurance: None, out of network
Sliding Scale: Yes
Languages: English
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.
Jada Brown, LPC
203-390-1468
Epiphany Counseling Services
30 Beach Road, Suite 3
Wolcott, CT 06716
Insurances: Husky, Anthem
Languages: English
Extensive training in mental health and adoption related issues including UConn’s Training in Adoption Competency. Also trained in creative techniques including expressive arts therapy and therapy through play. Epiphany Counseling Services offers adoption support groups for adoptive parents and youth, attachment-related groups, mentorship, LGBT youth groups, and other services. At Epiphany, we value community and working together to create an individual plan for each client and their families.
Constance Catrone, LCSW
203-795-1118
1 Bradley Road
Woodbridge, CT 06525
Insurance: Husky, Anthem, call for others
Languages: English
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.
Juliette Cole, LPC
203-440-7798
Starfish Family Connections, LLC
1095-B South Main Street (2nd floor)
Cheshire, CT 06410
Insurance: Husky, Optum, Aetna, Cigna, and Self Pay
Languages: English
I am an adoption competent clinician at Starfish Family Connections, LLC. My primary focus has been on helping youth negotiate the, often difficult tasks of growing up, how to improve overall communication, build more adaptive structures, and develop appropriate expectations. I provide Individual, Parent Only, and Family Sessions in office (Cheshire), in-home (Meriden) or Telehealth Services.
Nadiya Dolce, LCSW
203-805-9919
Overcoming Life’s Obstacles Counseling
421 Wolcott Road, Suite 3
Wolcott, CT 06716
Insurance: Cigna, Anthem, Husky
Languages: English, Urdu
Over the past 12 years, I have been working with youth (and their families) in foster care and those who are adopted. My work experiences range from Intensive In Home Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Services (IICAPS), direct care of at-risk youth living in residential facilities and community shelters, clinical supervisor of an outpatient Child and Family Guidance clinic, as well as individual, family, and couples counseling at my private practice. I am also currently a foster parent so I understand first hand the challenges faced by many foster families. My educational background includes a Masters in Social Work from the University of Connecticut and I am also a graduate of the extensive post graduate Training for Adoption Competency (TAC) program. I am nationally certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which is an evidenced based treatment targeted to treat trauma symptoms in children and adolescents. Once a month, my husband and I co-facilitate a confidential Hope After Loss support group for individuals and couples who have suffered the loss of a pregnancy or infant. I have worked with many couples who are facing infertility and help them navigate the complex emotions and options that they are faced with. At my private practice, I have created a safe and welcoming environment that allows children and families to work through difficult issues they are facing both from the past and in the present. I utilize a hypo-allergenic therapy dog to help ease youth into opening up about their thoughts and feelings as well as use the dog to teach them skills such as empathy, following directions, expressing feelings, maintaining boundaries, communication skills (both verbal and non-verbal), and social skills. In addition, I am an Advanced Level Reiki practitioner and can implement Reiki into you or your child’s treatment to as an additional support to promote healing. I use a strengths based, individualized, and culturally sensitive approach in my treatment of each child and family. I am committed to helping others overcome any obstacles they are facing in their lives. I currently offer teletherapy as well as have office hours that include day, evening and weekend appointment times.
Rachel Forbes, LCSW
203-641-0020
rachel@forbespsychotherapy.com
www.forbespsychotherapy.com
Forbes Psychotherapy Practice, LLC
495 Orange Street, 3rd Floor
New Haven, CT
Insurance: Anthem, BCBS, Husky, Cigna, ConnectiCare, United, Optum
Languages: English
Received training from UConn’s Training in Adoption Competency and carry experience in working with children, adolescents, and families facing challenges with adoption and attachment. As a Korean American transracial adoptee, I offer a unique lens to my therapeutic work and adoption advocacy. I firmly believe in the healing work that can happen within a therapeutic relationship as well as its ability to ultimately inspire the collective whole. In my work, I draw from a range of approaches, largely/mostly from Internal Family Systems (IFS), with the additional integration of Mind/Body work, Earth Based Practices, Mindfulness, Attachment-Based Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy. I also offer a Structured Therapeutic Group for Adult Adoptees virtually, please e-mail me for registration.
Lisa Greenleaf, LMFT
203-980-0511
Greenleaf Therapeutic Practice, LLC
214 Amity Road
Woodbridge, CT 06525
Insurance: Husky, Oxford
Languages: English
Certificate in Gestalt Therapy; certified in Levels 1 and 2 EMDR, and Level 3 in Internal Family Systems; training in several modalities of play therapy and extensive training in art which is sometimes integrated into therapy; member of CT Council on Adoption and CT Adoption Community Network.
Twanda Grey, LCSW
203-823-9150
Strategic Resolutions LLC
www.strategicresolutionsct.com
419 Whalley Avenue, Suite 309
New Haven, CT 06511
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: Aetna, BCBS, Beacon, Magellan, Cigna, United Healthcare, Husky A-D, Medicare
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.
Paul Kozodoy, LCSW
203-530-2053
605 Washington Avenue
North Haven, CT 06473
Insurance: Husky, Cigna/Evernorth, Anthem, Beacon Health
Languages: English
Over 40 years of professional experience and over 15 years experience working with foster and adoptive families. Received extensive training on reactive attachment disorder, the effects of trauma on children, and the impact of sexual and physical abuse and neglect on children. Collaborates with schools, pediatricians, and other community providers. Free consultation session. Pro bono is offered to children of parents active in the military.
David Meyers, LCSW
203-260-0647
1095 Main Street
Branford, CT 06405
Insurance: None, will work with out of network providers and victim services for reimbursement as applicable
Languages: English
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.
James E. Pollowitz, LMFT
860-539-4088
2514 Boston Post Road, Suite 8C
Guilford, CT 06437
Insurance: Husky, All major insurance providers.
Languages: English
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; works within a systems perspective which includes the entire family system; a focus of practice has been working with adolescents.
Cara Powers, LPC
203-931-1184 ext. 116
Shoreline Wellness Center
www.shorelinewellnesscenter.com
415 Main Street
West Haven, CT 06516
Insurance: Anthem, Cigna, Oxford, United, Husky
Languages: English
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 together suffering from various mental illnesses, and to help them heal in a safe, nurturing and holistic environment, one which focuses on helping people achieve personal wellness.
Erica Reshard, LADC, LMSW, ADS
203-928-0807
Sankofa Counseling
www.sankofa-counseling.com
1162 Dixwell Avenue
Hamden, CT 06514
Insurance: Husky, Anthem
Languages: English
Working with Adoptive and Foster Families: N/A, foster and adoptive parent and adoptee
At Sankofa Counseling we believe that a strength based, client centered foundation combined with unconditional positive regard are the keys to change and healing. Our mission is to address the needs of inner city residents using a culturally competent approach. Furthermore, we understand the meaning of the Akan word Sankofa. SAN= to return KO = to go FA-= to look, to seek and take. In short to go back and get what was taken. We stand on this principle whether it was ones hope, humanity, innocence, dignity or any other precious life affirming thing that was taken. Especially, if the loss has negatively impacted how we came to be who we are today. We further believe that if we go back and reclaim our past we can move forward and live healthier more abundant lives, just as our Lord and Savior intended.
Virginia Shiller, Ph.D.
203-776-3681
147 Bishop Street
New Haven, CT 06511
Insurance: Husky, Anthem, United Healthcare, Value Options, Magellan, Cigna
Languages: English
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; participated in therapist discussion group through Casey Family Services for several years; received training from Dan Hughes and training in family therapy; extensive reading on trauma and author of a case study of an adopted child with a history of trauma, published in Psychoanalytic Study of the Child; Clinical Instructor, Yale Child Study Center.
Michael Stokes, LPC
203-729-0341
www.stokescounseling.com
Stokes Counseling Services
35 Porter Avenue, Suite 2A
Naugatuck, CT 06770
Insurance: Husky, Anthem, Aetna, Cigna
Languages: English
Extensive experience working with LGBT youth, adults and families; several years of experience working with children and families who have complex symptoms such as depression, anxiety, family conflict, oppositional behaviors, and other disorders that impact functioning.
Middlesex County
Catherine M. Finkeldey, LPC
860-532-0557 or 860-227-7137
59 Old Post Road, H4
Clinton, CT 06413
Insurance: Husky, Anthem, Aetna, Tri-Care, MHN
Languages: English
Working with Adoptive and Foster Families: 15+ 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; extensive training in trauma focused CBT and PTSD.
Ashley Hines Lunt, ATR-BC, LPC
203-533-2351
www.wholeheartarttherapy.com
Whole Heart Art Therapy & Creative Counseling, LLC
955 S. Main Street, #B201
Middletown, CT 06457
Insurance: Husky, Cigna, Optum, United, ConnectiCare, Harvard Pilgrim, Oxford
Languages: English
Working with Adoptive and Foster Families: 10+ 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.
Laura L. Langston, Ph.D., LMFT, RPT (Registered Play Therapist)
203-489-6993
www.touchpointsllc.com
210 S. Main St
Middletown, CT 06457
Insurance: Husky, Anthem, Out of Network, Private Pay, Sliding Scale
Languages: English
New London County
Carol Campbell, LMFT
Peace of Mind
860-984-3190
18 Oneco Street
Norwich, CT
Insurance: Husky, Anthem, and most others
Sliding Scale: Call for details
Languages: English
Over 17 years experience training foster families as well as over eight 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
www.J9counselingandconsultation.com
56 Dean Road
East Lyme, CT 06333
Insurance: Anthem, Cigna, United Healthcare, Optum, Humana/Tricare, Connecticare, Medicaid
Languages: English
Janine Geida, LMFT, is both professionally trained and personally involved with the many facets of adoption. She has worked with parents and children for 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 Heatherington, LCSW
Summit Counseling, LLC
860-917-5054
laurasummitllc@gmail.com
11 Main Street, Suite 11-211A
Mystic, CT 06378
Insurance: Husky, Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, United Behavioral Health
Working with Adoptive and Foster Families: 15+ 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!
Nancy Randall, Psy.D.
860-739-6974
www.eastlymepsych.com
East Lyme Psychological Associates
29 Chesterfield Road
East Lyme, CT 06333
Insurance: Husky, Anthem, call for others
Languages: English
Working with Adoptive and Foster Families: 20+ years
Completed UConn’s Clinical Issues in Adoption Post Master’s Certificate Program; while a part of a larger practice with adoption competent therapists, Dr. Randall primarily does psychological evaluations, which can be beneficial to those seeking to start therapy, or as an adjunct to therapy to more precisely target specific issues; member, American Psychological Association, Connecticut Psychology Associate, Society of Personality Assessment, Connecticut Council on Adoption; Board of Directors, Rainbow Adoptions, Inc.
Kim Shepardson Watson, LCSW
860-739-6974
www.eastlymepsych.com
East Lyme Psychological Associates
29 Chesterfield Road
East Lyme, CT 06333
Insurance: Husky, call for others
Languages: English
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.
Jessica Sormrude, MEd, LCSW
860-303-3777
KAIROS Therapy Center
www.kairostc.com
11 Main Street, Suite 3-G
Mystic, CT 06355
Insurance: Husky, Anthem BC/BS; Aetna; Cigna; Tricare; Medicare; Medicaid; and Out of Network
Sliding Scale: Yes, to be considered for a sliding scale fee client income must be 75% less than the current posted state median income; based on provided documentation of all household income
Languages: English
KAIROS Therapy Center welcomes you on the Mystic river. 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 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.
Fairfield County
Virginia P. Ayres, LPC, LADC, SCPG
Darien Psychotherapy
203-326-1469
www.darienpsychotherapy.com
30 Old Kings Highway South, 2nd Floor
Darien, CT
Insurance: None
Sliding Scale: Call for details
Languages: English
Over eight years experience in private practice working with foster and adoptive families. Completed the 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.
Susan W. Baron, LCSW
203-667-2370
swbaronlcsw@gmail.com
101 Oakview Drive
Trumbull, CT 06611
Insurance: None, sliding scale
Language: English
Working with Adoptive Families 29 years
Co-founder of Touched By Adoption
Offers Tele-Health (Accepting new clients)
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 PPT’s. 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.
Leah Crane, Psy.D.
Certified Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy Practitioner and Consultant
203-697-8399
30 Old King’s Highway South
Darien, CT 06820
Insurance: None
Languages: English
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 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
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; on case-by-case basis, in-home therapy may be available; APRN on staff and affiliations with local psychiatrist.
Vanessa Love, LPC, LCMHC, Registered Art Therapist
203-300-7193
Counseling with Love with Vanessa Love, LLC
76 Progress Drive, 249D
Stamford, CT
www.lovescounseling.com
Insurance: Husky, Anthem
Sliding Scale: Yes, as low as $100, call for further information
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
lisamazz1961@gmail.com
1088 Black Rock Turnpike
Fairfield, CT 06825
Insurance: None
Languages: English
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.
William J. Metzger, LCSW
203-330-9695
451 Stillson Road
Fairfield, CT 06824
Insurance: None
Languages: English
Working with Adoptive and Foster Families: 20+ years
Trained in using the Theraplay Model; trained in Family Centered Practice with Bryan Post and Eric Guy; available to advocate within the school system on behalf of client families and attend treatment provider meetings; member, National Association of Social Workers, Connecticut Council on Adoption, Connecticut Adoption Community Network.
Stephanie Raia, LCSW (Not accepting clients at this time.)
203-921-5305
76 Elm Street, Suite 201
New Canaan, CT 06840
Insurance: Husky, Aetna, Anthem
Languages: English
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; extensive experience working with children and teens with challenging behaviors; prior experience as a school social worker; additional training with Heather Forbes and Ross Greene; parent management training at Yale Conduct Clinic; member, National Association of Social Workers, Connecticut Adoption Community Network.
Caley Schwartz, Ph.D.
203-464-9053
cschwartz@psychologistconnecticut.com
www.psychologistconnecticut.com
Caley Schwartz Psychological Services, LLC
137 Ethan Allen Highway
Ridgefield, CT 06877
Insurance: None
Languages: English
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
Joshua Watson, LMFT, LLC
203-530-2190
533 East Putnam Avenue, Suite 3
Greenwich, CT 06830
www.joshuawatsonlmft.com
Insurance: Out of Network
Languages: English
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.
Tolland County
Susan Frantz, LPC
860-933-5338
www.sfrantztherapy.com
207 Storrs Road
Mansfield Center, CT 06076
Insurance: Anthem, Aetna, Cigna, United Behavioral Health, Husky A, B, D, ConnectiCare, Optum, Out of Network with Tricare
Languages: English
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 her 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).
Virtual Only
Muna Bhandari, LPC
347-687-2214
www.therapywithmuna.com
Telehealth only
Insurances: Aetna, Cigna, Optum (including UMR and United Healthcare)
Languages: English and Nepali
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.
Gayle Weill, LCSW
203-635-9662
gayleweill@gmail.com
Telehealth Only
Insurances: None
Languages: English
Completed UConn’s extensive Adoption Competency training and clinical case consultation and received national accreditation from 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
www.attachmentnewengland.com
51 Union Street
Worcester, MA 01608
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, ATTACH.
Anne F. Malave, Ph.D.
518-789-0016
24 Main Street, Suite A
Millerton, NY 12546
Insurance: Aetna, Medicare, CDPHP
Sliding Scale: $50 – $195; Call for further information
Working with Adoptive Families: 15+ 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.