How To Find An Adoption Competent Therapist in Miami and Online
Finding an adoption competent therapist or someone who trained specifically in adoption issues in Miami, FL or online can be tricky. An adoption competent therapist will know how adoption may impact parents and children and assist you with the transitions, issues, and bumps they may show up in the road as you become a family unit.
Here are some of the best ways to find an adoption competent therapist for you, your family, or your child in Miami, FL or online.
Ask the experts in your community.
If you worked with an adoption agency or social worker during the adoption process, they are likely connected with adoption competent therapists in your community. If your adoption agency wasn’t local, they may be able to refer you to another agency in your area or to someone online.
2. Ask the adoption community
The local or online adoption community is typically a great place to start. You can ask local adoptive or foster parents for suggestions or feedback on names you already have on your list. We recommend asking people that you really trust and who know you well enough to make an accurate referral. If you’re asking an online group of strangers, that’s ok! Just take their suggestions with a grain of salt and do your own research if they don’t know you personally.
3. Ask your healthcare team.
Your doctor, pediatrician, the local children’s hospital, or a school counselor are typically very familiar with mental health professionals in the area. You can call them up and ask them if they have an adoption specific referrals.
4. Contact your insurance company.
Your insurance company keeps a list of all the providers that are in network with your plan. You can call or email them for a list of providers. Unfortunately, specialties are often not listed. You will likely need to ask your insurance company if they know of any adoption informed providers or research their names on your own.
5. Google might be your best friend.
Simply Googling, “Miami adoption therapist” or “Online adoption competent therapist” might lead some great results. Here are some other sources that are well respected in the adoption community:
The Karyn Purvis Institute for Child Development. Their TBRI Practitioner list is updated frequently and searchable by region.
The Child Welfare Information Gateway. They also offer this guide to finding and working with an adoption therapist.
Finding The Right Adoption Competent Therapist in Miami, FL or Online
Once you find a provider that specializes in adoption, you’ll want to make sure they’re right for you. Don’t be afraid to interview them, ask questions, and schedule a first session or call just to get to know them. Finding a therapist can be a lot like dating and it often takes some time to find the right one.
This week on Instagram, we’re doing an entire adoption series. Check out our page for more on:
what is adoption related trauma?
how to find an adoption competent therapist
best books about adoption for parents
You can follow along on Instagram @thecollaborativemiami.