Adoption is a beautiful journey, but it can also present unique challenges for families. Understanding the resources available is crucial for a smooth and supportive adoption process. If you’re exploring adoption or are already an adoptive family, knowing about adoption assistance programs, particularly those related to your health insurance, can be incredibly beneficial. This guide focuses on adoption support, with an emphasis on how programs like adoption assistance through United Health Care can play a vital role in your family’s journey.
Many families seek guidance and professional support to navigate the complexities of adoption. This directory serves as a starting point for families in Connecticut and surrounding areas looking for therapists specializing in adoption-related issues. These dedicated clinicians understand the nuances of adoption and are equipped to provide tailored support for children, adolescents, adults, and families at every stage of the adoption process.
This resource aims to connect you with therapists who have demonstrated a commitment to adoption competency. These providers have undertaken specific training to better serve adoptive families, ensuring they are sensitive to the unique dynamics and potential challenges that may arise. While this directory is a valuable tool, it is essential to remember that choosing a therapist is a personal decision. We encourage you to carefully consider your family’s individual needs when selecting a provider.
For further information on selecting and working with an adoption therapist, you may find the factsheet provided by the Child Welfare Information Gateway a helpful resource: Selecting and Working with an Adoption Therapist.
For Therapists Seeking Inclusion:
This directory also serves as a network for therapists specializing in adoption. If you are a therapist with specialized training in adoption and would like to be considered for inclusion in this directory, please download the Application for Therapist Directory. For current listings needing updates, please reach out to [email protected]. To enhance your expertise in clinical adoption issues, we recommend exploring the Training for Adoption Competency (TAC) program offered by the UConn School of Social Work and Southern Connecticut State University.
A map highlighting the counties of Connecticut, useful for navigating the therapist directory by location.
Search for Therapists by County:
Hartford | Fairfield | Litchfield | Middlesex | New Haven | New London | Tolland | Virtual Only | Out of State
Hartford County: Adoption Competent Therapists
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
Experience with Adoptive and Foster Families: 10+ years
Specializing in early childhood development with clinical training from Yale Child Study. Mr. Abbatemarco collaborates with child psychiatrists and APRNs and offers services in Spanish and Italian.
Emily Agostini, LCSW
Telehealth Only (Licensed in CT and MA)
Website: emilyagostini.com
Insurance: Private pay, sliding scale, and pro bono options.
Ms. Agostini brings both professional and personal understanding to adoption and foster care, having adopted family members. Certified through the National Adoption Competency Course, she has extensive experience advocating for foster and adoptive families, providing therapy for children and adults, and leading trainings on trauma and adoption. Trained in EMDR and TF-CBT, with additional training in FASD, sexual abuse, attachment, and trauma-focused care.
Richard Agostinho, LCSW
860-249-1377
Trust Your Process, LLC
664 Prospect Avenue
Hartford, CT 06105
[email protected]
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
Ms. Bush has over a decade of experience working with biological, foster, and adoptive families. Her practice focuses on attachment, open adoption issues, early childhood development, trauma impact, grief and loss, and multi-racial families. She offers collaboration with schools, DCF, 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
With over 20 years of experience, Ms. Caffrey specializes in adult adoptees, birth mothers, and adoptive parents. A presenter on adoption-related issues and member of the CT Council on Adoption and American Adoption Congress, she is also a Certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner.
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
Experience with Adoptive and Foster Families: 15+ years
Ms. Colegrove specializes in traumatized and attachment-disordered children, drawing on Dyadic Developmental Therapy (DDT) and Emotionally Focused Therapy. She has extensive training in child trauma, attachment, play therapy, and expressive modalities. Available for school advocacy and parent phone support.
Susan Engel, LCSW
860-269-3104
[email protected]
701 Cottage Grove Road, Suite D-250
Bloomfield, CT 06002
Insurance: Husky, Anthem, Aetna
Languages: English
www.susanengel-lcsw.com
Experience with Adoptive and Foster Families: 12+ years
Ms. Engel has completed UConn’s Clinical Issues in Adoption program and is a certified EMDR therapist, facilitator, and consultant. She is trained in complex trauma, PTSD, grief and loss, and attachment, and is a trainer in the Heather Forbes’ “Beyond Consequences” model and 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
Experience with Adoptive and Foster Families: 10+ years
The UConn Health Psychological Trauma Clinic, led by Dr. Grasso and faculty psychologists, provides evidence-based trauma-specific psychotherapeutic services for children, youth, and families. They offer assessments and treatments under faculty supervision and collaborate with UConn Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
Jacqueline N. Guajardo, Ph.D.
860-471-9481
2446 Albany Avenue
West Hartford, CT 06117
Insurance: None
Languages: English, polite Spanish
Experience with Adoptive and Foster Families: 5+ years (15+ years overall clinical experience)
Dr. Guajardo co-authored a curriculum for foster parents of high-risk children and victims of domestic minor sex trafficking. She conducts psycho-sexual and Autism evaluations and offers groups for grief and loss and LGBTQI families. Specializes in physical and sexual abuse, interpersonal violence, and grief.
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
Experience with Adoptive and Foster Families: 20+ years
Ms. Liebowitz has extensive experience working with biological, foster, and adoptive families, with expertise in attachment, trauma, grief, sensory integration, and early childhood development. An adoption-competent therapist trained in TF-CBT, she offers flexible appointments and school meeting attendance.
Esther Mwangi, LCSW
860-205-2157
[email protected]
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
Ms. Mwangi, a UConn Clinical Issues in Adoption program graduate, provides Christian-based therapy for foster and adoptive families. With over 20 years in adoption work, she helps families understand the distinction between typical development and adoption-related issues, integrating Christian faith principles if desired.
Renesha Nichols, LCSW
860-706-7592
61 South Main Street, Suite 204
West Hartford, CT 06107
Insurance: Husky, Anthem
Languages: English
Experience with Adoptive and Foster Families: 6+ years
Ms. Nichols offers advocacy within the school system and is familiar with the DCF system, providing support for placement, reunification, adoption, and disruption. Trained in trauma-focused therapy, sensory processing, and play therapy.
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
Ms. Platt has extensive training in working with traumatized and attachment-disordered children and families, including the CASE adoption competency certificate. Her treatment approach 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
Experience with Adoptive and Foster Families: 20+ years
Ms. Renfro has over 20 years of experience in attachment and attachment disorders. Recipient of DCF’s Outstanding Work with Children in Care Award, she is a strong advocate for clients and families, extensively working with DCF, foster care, adoption, and reunification. Assists with open adoption agreements.
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
Experience with Adoptive/Foster Families: 10 years
Ms. Rock specializes in therapy for individuals and families impacted by adoption. With years of experience in foster care, foster care adoption, and reunification, she works with both foster and adoptive children and 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
Experience with Adoptive/Foster Families: 8 years
Ms. Roman is a bilingual (English/Spanish) Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in trauma, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and behavioral problems. She is Distance Credential Counselor certified, TF-CBT certified, and TAC-trained in adoptions.
Julia C. Ruggiero, LCSW
Adoptions From the Heart
1 Regency Dive, # 108
Bloomfield, CT 06002
347-977-0847
[email protected]
Insurance: Husky or private pay
Ms. Ruggiero, an adoption-competent therapist with CASE Institute training, has over 5 years of experience providing individual and family therapy for trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, ADHD, and parenting. As a Colombian American transracial and international adoptee, she offers unique understanding and compassion.
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
Ms. Urban is a child therapist specializing in ages 0-12, using verbal and nonverbal approaches, including therapeutic play, art, and music. She focuses on creating a warm and supportive space for children to heal and learn.
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
Ms. Winkler, in private practice since 2008, has extensive experience with foster and adoptive families. With an MS in Art Therapy and UConn adoption certificate, she coordinates with schools and other providers and is a member of the CT Counseling Association and CT Council on Adoption.
Litchfield County: Adoption Support Services
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
Ms. Weber, an adoptive single parent, founded an agency to support families with post-adoption issues from 2008-2012. Since 2011, she has focused on helping families navigate post-adoption challenges, providing support, information, and referrals.
New Haven County: Therapists for Adoptive Families
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
Dr. Abbott, an adoptee, specializes in adolescents, young adults, and families, with a focus on adoption issues since 1989. His dissertation focused on post-modern psychotherapy with adopted adolescents, and he has expertise in culturally competent counseling for international adoptees.
Jada Brown, LPC
203-390-1468
Epiphany Counseling Services
30 Beach Road, Suite 3
Wolcott, CT 06716
Insurances: Husky, Anthem
Languages: English
Ms. Brown is trained in mental health and adoption-related issues, including UConn’s TAC program, and creative techniques like expressive arts and play therapy. Epiphany Counseling Services offers adoption support groups for parents and youth, attachment groups, mentorship, and LGBT youth groups.
Constance Catrone, LCSW
203-795-1118
1 Bradley Road
Woodbridge, CT 06525
Insurance: Husky, Anthem, call for others
Languages: English
Experience with Adoptive and Foster Families: 25+ years
Ms. Catrone has over 25 years of experience working with adoptive and foster families. She conducts 3-4 session assessments and has extensive experience in childhood trauma, grief, and loss. Trained by Beverly James, Dan Hughes, and Bessel van der Kolk, she helped develop a 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
Ms. Cole is an adoption-competent clinician at Starfish Family Connections, LLC, focusing on youth and family communication, adaptive structures, and expectations. She provides individual, parent-only, family, in-office, in-home, and telehealth sessions.
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
Ms. Dolce has 12 years of experience working with foster and adopted youth and families. A foster parent and TAC program graduate, she is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and uses a therapy dog in sessions. She also offers Reiki and facilitates a Hope After Loss support group.
Rachel Forbes, LCSW
203-641-0020
[email protected]
www.forbespsychotherapy.com
Forbes Psychotherapy Practice, LLC
625 Central Avenue, Suite 1
New Haven, CT 06515 – Virtual and In-person available
Insurance: Aetna, Anthem, BCBS, Cigna, ConnectiCare, Husky, and UnitedHealthCare
Languages: English
Ms. Forbes, a Korean American transracial adoptee, offers a holistic and mind-body integrated approach, drawing from Internal Family Systems (IFS), Polyvagal Theory, Mindfulness, and Attachment-Based Therapy. She specializes in attachment trauma and adoption and is TAC-trained.
Lisa Greenleaf, LMFT
203-980-0511
Greenleaf Therapeutic Practice, LLC
214 Amity Road
Woodbridge, CT 06525
Insurance: Husky, Oxford
Languages: English
Ms. Greenleaf is certified in Gestalt Therapy, EMDR (Levels 1 & 2), and Internal Family Systems (Level 3). She has training in play therapy modalities and integrates art into therapy. Member of the 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
Ms. Grey has over 27 years of social work experience, including 22 years with DCF working with biological, foster, and adoptive families. Extensive training in Circle of Security and perinatal mood disorders. She is also a college professor in social work and early childhood education.
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
Reliant Behavioral Health and Community Services provides wrap-around services to urbanized and at-risk communities, offering therapeutic counseling and basic needs support.
Paul Kozodoy, LCSW
203-530-2053
605 Washington Avenue
North Haven, CT 06473
Insurance: Husky, Cigna/Evernorth, Anthem, Beacon Health
Languages: English
Mr. Kozodoy has over 40 years of experience, with 15+ years working with foster and adoptive families. He is trained in reactive attachment disorder and the effects of trauma, abuse, and neglect. Collaborates with schools and pediatricians. Offers free consultations and pro bono services for children of active military parents.
David Meyers, LCSW
203-260-0647
1095 Main Street
Branford, CT 06405
Insurance: None, will work with out of network providers and victim services
Languages: English
Experience with Adoptive and Foster Families: 15+ years
Mr. Meyers offers school advocacy and treatment provider meeting attendance. With expertise in early childhood development (former preschool teacher and clinical director), he has advanced training in family therapy and trauma and specializes in sexual and physical abuse evaluations and treatment.
James E. Pollowitz, LMFT
860-539-4088
2514 Boston Post Road, Suite 8C
Guilford, CT 06437
Insurance: Husky, All major insurance providers.
Languages: English
Experience with Adoptive and Foster Families: 12+ years
Mr. Pollowitz, a UConn Clinical Issues in Adoption program graduate, offers school advocacy and treatment provider meeting attendance. He works from a systems perspective, focusing on the family system, with a practice focus on 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
Experience with Adoptive and Foster Families: 15+ years
Ms. Powers, founder and director of Shoreline Wellness Center, specializes in anxiety and phobia disorders, including Selective Mutism. She also focuses on blended, foster, adoptive, and stepfamily issues, divorce, and adolescent development. Trained in EMDR and Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP).
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
Experience with Adoptive and Foster Families: N/A, foster and adoptive parent and adoptee
Sankofa Counseling uses a strength-based, client-centered, and culturally competent approach, rooted in the principle of reclaiming the past to move forward. Ms. Reshard is a foster and adoptive parent and adoptee.
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
Experience with Adoptive and Foster Families: 15+ years
Dr. Shiller offers school advocacy and treatment provider meeting attendance and participated in a Casey Family Services therapist discussion group. Trained by Dan Hughes and in family therapy, she has extensive trauma knowledge and authored a case study of an adopted child with trauma.
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
Mr. Stokes has extensive experience working with LGBT youth, adults, and families and with children and families facing complex issues like depression, anxiety, family conflict, and oppositional behaviors.
Middlesex County: Adoption Therapy Resources
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
Experience with Adoptive and Foster Families: 15+ years
Ms. Finkeldey, a UConn Clinical Issues in Adoption program graduate, offers school advocacy and treatment provider meeting attendance. She has 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
Experience with Adoptive and Foster Families: 10+ years
Ms. Hines Lunt, a Registered and Board-Certified Art Therapist and LPC, uses creative approaches, particularly Art Therapy, to help children (7+), teens, and young adults with anxiety, depression, trauma, adoption, foster care, and more. She is CASE-certified as adoption-competent.
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: Adoption-Focused Mental Health Professionals
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
Ms. Campbell has over 17 years of experience training foster families and 8 years in private practice with foster and adoptive families. A UConn Clinical Issues in Adoption program graduate and foster/adoptive parent, she works collaboratively with other providers.
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
Ms. Geida has 20 years of experience working with parents and children facing various challenges. The mother of an adopted child in a multi-racial family, she has a private practice in East Lyme, CT.
Laura Heatherington, LCSW
Summit Counseling, LLC
860-917-5054
[email protected]
11 Main Street, Suite 11-211A
Mystic, CT 06378
Insurance: Husky, Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, United Behavioral Health
Experience with Adoptive and Foster Families: 15+ years
Ms. Heatherington is a clinically trained adoption-competent therapist and an adoptive mother. Knowledgeable in grief and loss related to adoption, she guides and supports families through their adoption journeys.
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
Experience with Adoptive and Foster Families: 20+ years
Dr. Randall, a UConn Clinical Issues in Adoption program graduate, primarily conducts psychological evaluations at East Lyme Psychological Associates, beneficial for therapy initiation or adjuncts. She is a member of APA, CPA, SPA, and CT Council on Adoption.
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
Experience with Adoptive and Foster Families: 20+ years
Ms. Shepardson Watson, a UConn Clinical Issues in Adoption program graduate, offers school advocacy and treatment provider meeting attendance. Certified in Infant Mental Health Level IV, she is a member of NASW, CAIMH, and CT 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 (income-based)
Languages: English
KAIROS Therapy Center, founded by Ms. Sormrude (TAC program, EMDR trained, personal adoption/foster care experience, 12 years in CPS), is committed to wellness through prevention, intervention, treatment, and education in a culturally inclusive environment. Trauma-informed provider.
Fairfield County: Adoption and Foster Care Therapists
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
Ms. Ayres has over 8 years of private practice experience with foster and adoptive families and is a UConn Clinical Issues in Adoption program graduate. An expert in disrupted attachment, she trained with Dan Hughes, Peter Leine, and others.
Susan W. Baron, LCSW
203-667-2370
[email protected]
101 Oakview Drive
Trumbull, CT 06611
Insurance: None, sliding scale
Language: English
Experience with Adoptive Families: 29 years
Ms. Baron, co-founder of Touched By Adoption, has been involved in adoption since 1995. She provides adoption-competent therapy, addressing unique challenges, working with all triad members, and supporting search and reunion. Short-term, cognitive-behavioral, and psycho-educational approach.
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 adoption support services in CT and is Director of Adoptive Family Services at Rennicke & Associates in NYC. Certified in Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy and trained in AEDP, she integrates these models to support families.
Sarah Katrulya, LCSW
203-240-5572
87 South Main Street, Unit #13
Newtown, CT 06470
[email protected]
Insurance: Husky, Anthem, Cigna
Languages: English
Experience with Adoptive and Foster Families: 20+ years
Ms. Katrulya, a UConn Clinical Issues in Adoption program graduate, offers school advocacy and treatment provider meeting attendance. DBT and EMDR certified, in-home therapy may be available case-by-case. APRN on staff.
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
Experience with Adoptive Families: 11+ years
Ms. Love has been in private practice since 2011, working with adoptive and foster children and adults on various issues.
Lisa A. Mazzeo, LCSW, BCD
203-556-7974
[email protected]
1088 Black Rock Turnpike
Fairfield, CT 06825
Insurance: None
Languages: English
Experience with Adoptive and Foster Families: 15+ years
Ms. Mazzeo, author of “Who Can Catch the Moon,” has 30 years in foster care and adoption. Trained by Dan Hughes, she has unique understanding of this population and taught social work at SCSU.
William J. Metzger, LCSW
203-330-9695
451 Stillson Road
Fairfield, CT 06824
Insurance: None
Languages: English
Experience with Adoptive and Foster Families: 20+ years
Mr. Metzger is trained in Theraplay and Family Centered Practice. He offers school advocacy and treatment provider meeting attendance and is a member of NASW, CT Council on Adoption, and CT 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
Experience with Adoptive and Foster Families: 20+ years
Ms. Raia, a UConn Clinical Issues in Adoption program graduate, offers school advocacy and treatment provider meeting attendance. Extensive experience with children and teens with challenging behaviors, former school social worker, trained by Heather Forbes and Ross Greene.
Caley Schwartz, Ph.D.
203-464-9053
[email protected]
www.psychologistconnecticut.com
Caley Schwartz Psychological Services, LLC
137 Ethan Allen Highway
Ridgefield, CT 06877
Insurance: None
Languages: English
Experience with Adoptive and Foster Families: 10+ years
Dr. Schwartz, a UConn Clinical Issues in Adoption program graduate, works with young children through young adults and 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
Mr. Watson, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice since 2010, is a graduate of CASE’s Training for Adoption Competency (TAC) program.
Tolland County: Adoption and Permanency Support
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
Ms. Frantz has over 20 years of experience in all phases of adoption, reunification, and permanency. Specializes in adolescent to adult adoptees with trauma, gender, identity, or sexuality issues. TAC and ART trained, doctorate in Counseling Psychology and Clinical Supervision.
Virtual Only: Telehealth Adoption Therapy Services
Muna Bhandari, LPC
347-687-2214
www.therapywithmuna.com
Telehealth only
Insurances: Aetna, Cigna, Optum (including UMR and United Healthcare)
Languages: English and Nepali
Ms. Bhandari, an Asian American immigrant therapist, integrates trauma-informed care, culture, attachment theory, and neurobiology in her psychodynamic approach. TAC program graduate with CASE certificate.
Gayle Weill, LCSW
203-635-9662
[email protected]
Telehealth Only
Insurances: None
Languages: English
Ms. Weill, a UConn Adoption Competency training graduate with CASE accreditation, has years of experience with foster care, pre-adoptive, birth, and adoptive parents. Expertise in family therapy, parent training, and lifebooks.
Out of State: Adoption Therapy Resources
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)
Specializes in PTSD and reactive attachment disorder in children. Two-hour therapy sessions with two clinicians, typically 14 sessions. Trainers on adoption and trauma. Members of 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
Experience with Adoptive Families: 15+ years
Dr. Malave works with birth and multiracial families and provides psychological evaluations for prospective adoptive families and third-party reproduction participants. Speaker/author on adoption, infertility, and third-party reproduction.
This directory is provided as a public service by obdcarscantool.store. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we recommend verifying details directly with the listed therapists. For questions about adoption assistance programs and your United Health Care benefits, please contact United Health Care directly or your HR department if applicable. Seeking professional support is a sign of strength, and we hope this resource helps you find the right therapist for your family’s adoption journey.
