My Child is Struggling with Post-Adoption Issues. What Should I Do?

A reader asks:
I have a 16-year-old who is struggling with post-adoption issues relating to self-esteem. I’m looking for counselors in my area with this kind of experience.

Seeking a counselor for your child is a wise decision. Most, if not all teenagers struggle with self-esteem issues, and adoption tends to compound those issues. Therapists who specialize in adoption issues can be found in many communities.

Before seeking a therapist, learn what types of mental health care your health insurance provider includes in your benefits plan. Ask your insurance company for a list of providers in your area who specialize in adoption.

You can also get recommendations from local adoption agencies, adoptive family support groups, your state’s adoption office, and mental health associations.

Types of therapists to consider contacting:

• Child and family therapist
• Clinical Neuropsychologist
• Licensed clinical psychologist
• Licensed clinical social worker
• Licensed professional counselor
• Pastoral counselor
• Pediatrician experienced in working with adopted children (for referrals)
• Psychiatrist

When seeking a counselor/therapist, look for the following specialties:

• Adoption
• Anxiety
• Attachment
• Behavior issues
• Depression
• Grief and loss
• Identity development
• Multicultural families
• Non-traditional families
• Pre- and post-reunion
• Post-adoption adjustment
• Transitions
• Trauma/Abuse recovery

Types of therapy:

• Art therapy
• Behavior modification
• Cognitive therapy
• Family therapy
• Group therapy
• Individual psychotherapy
• In-home counseling
• Parent coaching
• Play therapy

A few questions to ask when choosing a therapist:

• How long have you been in practice?
• What type of specialized training or certification do you have?
• What continuing training do you participate in?
• What experience do you have working with adoptive families?
• What is your interest in adoption?
• Do you belong to any adoption-related organizations?
• What is your philosophy about adoption (tailor questions to your situation)

National Resource Organizations for locating therapists:

The American Academy of Pediatrics
847.434.4000

The American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy
703.838.9808

The American Association of Pastoral Counselors
703.385.6967

The American Psychiatric Association
703.907.7300

The American Psychological Association (APA)
800.374.2721

The Association for Play Therapy
559.252.2278

The Association for Treatment and Training in the Attachment of Children (ATTACh)
866.453.8224

The National Association of Social Workers
202.408.8600

For contact information on State adoption offices and local adoptive parent support groups, access Child Welfare Information Gateway's National Foster Care & Adoption Directory.

Source:
Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2005). Selecting and Working With an Adoption Therapist: A Factsheet for Families. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Additional posts in this series:
Part 1: How to choose an adoption agency
Part 2: Am I too old to adopt?
Part 3: Can I adopt if I’m on a limited income?
Part 4: Why is it so difficult for singles to adopt?
Part 5: When should I tell my child he/she was adopted?
Part 6: What should I do when my child wants to find his/her birth family?

For more information creating a support system for your child, get my books, The Adoption Decision: 15 Things You Want to Know Before Adopting, and The Adoption Network: Your Guide to Starting a Support System.

Do you have a question about adoption you'd like me to address on the Exploring Adoption blog? Please e-mail me. 

For more news and information about adoption, visit www.laurachristianson.com, and check out my Exploring Adoption bookstore.