Adoption Therapists in 94114

Photo of Ginny Pizzardi, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94114, CA
Ginny Pizzardi
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
My areas of expertise include self-esteem, relationships, grief, parenting, adoption, trauma and addiction.
Are you struggling in your relationships or personal connections? Suffering from depression or anxiety? Experiencing loss, grief or sadness? Difficulty with work/life balance? You don't need to struggle alone. I'm a psychotherapist with over 40 years of experience, and I'm here to help. Individuals, couples and families call me when they're ready to tackle the problems that make life difficult.
My areas of expertise include self-esteem, relationships, grief, parenting, adoption, trauma and addiction.
Are you struggling in your relationships or personal connections? Suffering from depression or anxiety? Experiencing loss, grief or sadness? Difficulty with work/life balance? You don't need to struggle alone. I'm a psychotherapist with over 40 years of experience, and I'm here to help. Individuals, couples and families call me when they're ready to tackle the problems that make life difficult.
(415) 787-2980 View (415) 787-2980
Photo of Sandrah Susan Henry, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94114, CA
Sandrah Susan Henry
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114
I have over 40 years of experience helping people face challenges in their lives including loss, adoption related issues, addiction, relationships/couples, life threatening illness, chronic pain, anxiety, mood and bipolar disorder, PTSD, complex trauma, divorce, and other life transitions. I am a warm and caring therapist who is also able to be direct when needed. From the moment you enter my office I do all I can to provide a safe and comfortable environment for us to work collaboratively with whatever issues you are facing in your life today. You will always be treated with respect and compassion throughout our work together.
I have over 40 years of experience helping people face challenges in their lives including loss, adoption related issues, addiction, relationships/couples, life threatening illness, chronic pain, anxiety, mood and bipolar disorder, PTSD, complex trauma, divorce, and other life transitions. I am a warm and caring therapist who is also able to be direct when needed. From the moment you enter my office I do all I can to provide a safe and comfortable environment for us to work collaboratively with whatever issues you are facing in your life today. You will always be treated with respect and compassion throughout our work together.
(415) 687-0429 View (415) 687-0429
Photo of Carrie Johnson, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94114, CA
Carrie Johnson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114
I have specialties in working with attachment/trauma, risky and oppositional behaviors stemming from multiple diagnoses or disorders, the complex issues that arise in foster care or post-adoption, and using a family systems treatment approach.
Is your family navigating significant changes, transitions, or a recent diagnosis or identified learning difference? Is your child struggling with self-esteem, behavior challenges, or anxiety and depression? Do you want to break a cycle of blame and resentment in your intimate relationship, or need a couples tune-up? Are you searching for more fulfillment and less stress in your busy life? These are just a few of the issues I am experienced in treating as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT79984). I offer psychotherapy for children, adolescents, families, couples, and individuals.
I have specialties in working with attachment/trauma, risky and oppositional behaviors stemming from multiple diagnoses or disorders, the complex issues that arise in foster care or post-adoption, and using a family systems treatment approach.
Is your family navigating significant changes, transitions, or a recent diagnosis or identified learning difference? Is your child struggling with self-esteem, behavior challenges, or anxiety and depression? Do you want to break a cycle of blame and resentment in your intimate relationship, or need a couples tune-up? Are you searching for more fulfillment and less stress in your busy life? These are just a few of the issues I am experienced in treating as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT79984). I offer psychotherapy for children, adolescents, families, couples, and individuals.
(415) 969-9429 View (415) 969-9429
Photo of Jan S. Cehn, LCSW,BCD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 94114, CA
Jan S. Cehn, LCSW,BCD
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
I am also very experienced in adoption issues, both personally and professionally.
I am an experienced therapist who has been working with teens, individuals, couples and families for over 30 years. I see therapy as a partnership: you enter this process with your particular issues and uniqueness and together, through building trust, being curious and using specialized techniques, you progress. My approach is based on my client's personal history and their needs and, in general, I am quite interactive. I provide short-term as well as long-term treatment.
I am also very experienced in adoption issues, both personally and professionally.
I am an experienced therapist who has been working with teens, individuals, couples and families for over 30 years. I see therapy as a partnership: you enter this process with your particular issues and uniqueness and together, through building trust, being curious and using specialized techniques, you progress. My approach is based on my client's personal history and their needs and, in general, I am quite interactive. I provide short-term as well as long-term treatment.
(415) 889-8965 View (415) 889-8965
Photo of Rob Dean, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in 94114, CA
Rob Dean
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
I enjoy working with individuals, couples, parents, and teens with a special interest in masculinity, adoption, and life transitions/initiations.
Welcome, glad you're here. Let's be honest, life often is messy and can feel like a struggle. And yet, what if beneath trauma, disappointments, frustrations, or seemingly poor life choices lie seeds of growth that just need some watering? What if you already contain the ingredients essential for thriving? Might your relationships as well? In my view therapy provides a sacred like opportunity where one is offered a chance to experience renewed vitality, meaning, and an invigorated sense of mind, body, spirit, and soul. A space where the genius in you or perhaps the potentials lying in relationships and parenting roles can emerge.
I enjoy working with individuals, couples, parents, and teens with a special interest in masculinity, adoption, and life transitions/initiations.
Welcome, glad you're here. Let's be honest, life often is messy and can feel like a struggle. And yet, what if beneath trauma, disappointments, frustrations, or seemingly poor life choices lie seeds of growth that just need some watering? What if you already contain the ingredients essential for thriving? Might your relationships as well? In my view therapy provides a sacred like opportunity where one is offered a chance to experience renewed vitality, meaning, and an invigorated sense of mind, body, spirit, and soul. A space where the genius in you or perhaps the potentials lying in relationships and parenting roles can emerge.
(510) 901-3796 View (510) 901-3796
Photo of James Lacroce, Psychologist in 94114, CA
James Lacroce
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
As a member of the LGBT community, I have a passion for helping LGBT adults and families manage the challenges particular to our community: identity and esteem issues, relationship challenges, coming out, adoption and parenting, as well as secondary mood and behavioral problems that often emerge from stress and trauma.
My role as a psychologist is to help you navigate through a complex and stressful world. I'm most skilled at addressing issues related to depression and anxiety, relationship challenges, and self-esteem. Additionally, I enjoy helping people manage social and behavioral problems prevent healthy interactions with family, friends, and co-workers. I am experienced in addressing the challenges of both adults and children by drawing upon a few different theoretical perspectives to aid in helping individuals understand themselves, the origin of their problems, and how they can make changes in current life to feel happier.
As a member of the LGBT community, I have a passion for helping LGBT adults and families manage the challenges particular to our community: identity and esteem issues, relationship challenges, coming out, adoption and parenting, as well as secondary mood and behavioral problems that often emerge from stress and trauma.
My role as a psychologist is to help you navigate through a complex and stressful world. I'm most skilled at addressing issues related to depression and anxiety, relationship challenges, and self-esteem. Additionally, I enjoy helping people manage social and behavioral problems prevent healthy interactions with family, friends, and co-workers. I am experienced in addressing the challenges of both adults and children by drawing upon a few different theoretical perspectives to aid in helping individuals understand themselves, the origin of their problems, and how they can make changes in current life to feel happier.
(415) 938-5245 View (415) 938-5245
Photo of Jessica Hegedus, Psychologist in 94114, CA
Jessica Hegedus
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
I specialize in working with adults and couples in the field of fertility and adoption.
I can help you make changes in your life. I work with adults, couples, families and children to address stress, emotion and identity. I provide a nonjudgmental, safe and supportive space for you to explore stuck and challenging relationships, alter unproductive thoughts and behavior patterns and navigate transitions in your life. While therapy doesn't have all the answers, working together on some of these issues can help you to feel more empowered. I enjoy working with LGBTQ families, those who identify as polyamorous, and women of all shapes and sizes.
I specialize in working with adults and couples in the field of fertility and adoption.
I can help you make changes in your life. I work with adults, couples, families and children to address stress, emotion and identity. I provide a nonjudgmental, safe and supportive space for you to explore stuck and challenging relationships, alter unproductive thoughts and behavior patterns and navigate transitions in your life. While therapy doesn't have all the answers, working together on some of these issues can help you to feel more empowered. I enjoy working with LGBTQ families, those who identify as polyamorous, and women of all shapes and sizes.
(415) 914-8923 View (415) 914-8923
Photo of Jo Sopko, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94114, CA
Jo Sopko
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, RDT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114
* ADULTS: I work with issues of loss, stress, anxiety, depression, abuse, sex addiction, spiritual guidance, and developmental life changes.* CHILDREN: I invite their stories that may be troubled due to emotional and academic issues. Through play, art and sand tray, I address issues of divorce, traumatic losses, abuse, adoption, bullying and low self esteem that may be affecting your children. * COUPLES: My passion is to help the couple find a yet unknown way to a compassionate, loving, open communicative relationship; to become vulnerable to the pain and wounds of each other's soul.
* ADULTS: I work with issues of loss, stress, anxiety, depression, abuse, sex addiction, spiritual guidance, and developmental life changes.* CHILDREN: I invite their stories that may be troubled due to emotional and academic issues. Through play, art and sand tray, I address issues of divorce, traumatic losses, abuse, adoption, bullying and low self esteem that may be affecting your children. * COUPLES: My passion is to help the couple find a yet unknown way to a compassionate, loving, open communicative relationship; to become vulnerable to the pain and wounds of each other's soul.
(415) 799-4143 View (415) 799-4143
Photo of Rebecca Gotterer, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 94114, CA
Rebecca Gotterer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW NJ, LCSW NY, LCSW CA, SEP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114
Some of my areas of focus are: identity, anxiety, depression, relationships, trauma, LGBTQ+, self-esteem, adoption, spirituality, transitions, and climate change.
I offer a safe, compassionate space for you to be seen, heard, and supported to become the person you aspire to be. I am a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and also find Internal Family Systems to be a helpful model. With a background in dance, yoga, and meditation, I have a holistic outlook, and rather than focusing on one methodology, I tailor my approach based on your needs. I begin by helping you clarify what you want from therapy and then facilitating your way there as you access your strengths.
Some of my areas of focus are: identity, anxiety, depression, relationships, trauma, LGBTQ+, self-esteem, adoption, spirituality, transitions, and climate change.
I offer a safe, compassionate space for you to be seen, heard, and supported to become the person you aspire to be. I am a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and also find Internal Family Systems to be a helpful model. With a background in dance, yoga, and meditation, I have a holistic outlook, and rather than focusing on one methodology, I tailor my approach based on your needs. I begin by helping you clarify what you want from therapy and then facilitating your way there as you access your strengths.
(973) 755-2235 View (973) 755-2235
Photo of Sandrah Susan Henry, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94114, CA
Sandrah Susan Henry
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114
I have extensive experience in relationship therapy, transracial adoption, EMDR, family therapy and chronic illness and disability.
I am empathic and warm yet direct and challenging in our collaborative relationship. I provide a safe harbor from which to work and together we will identify ways in which your past is preventing you from living the life you want. Some of my hopes are that your tendency to be self-critical will soften and that you will become compassionate towards yourself; that you will gain positive coping skills to deal with stress and anxiety and to decrease perfectionistic tendencies and that you accomplish the goals that you have set for yourself. I will be your guide in this process.
I have extensive experience in relationship therapy, transracial adoption, EMDR, family therapy and chronic illness and disability.
I am empathic and warm yet direct and challenging in our collaborative relationship. I provide a safe harbor from which to work and together we will identify ways in which your past is preventing you from living the life you want. Some of my hopes are that your tendency to be self-critical will soften and that you will become compassionate towards yourself; that you will gain positive coping skills to deal with stress and anxiety and to decrease perfectionistic tendencies and that you accomplish the goals that you have set for yourself. I will be your guide in this process.
(415) 965-8637 View (415) 965-8637
Photo of Lark Nierenberg, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 94114, CA
Lark Nierenberg
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
I also offer caregiving and family support; areas of care might include family conflict, adoption, and family creation.
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a therapeutic focus on gender and sexuality, early trauma, and family and relationship dynamics. My approach is empathic, warm, and thoughtful. My clients often wish to understand their identities more deeply; seek support staying true to themselves in their relationships and community; and pursue healing and meaning-making following trauma. Through our work, you can develop new insights and coping skills to manage overwhelm, anxiety, depression, or life transitions. I'm particularly dedicated to working with queer, transgender, non-binary, and kink communities.
I also offer caregiving and family support; areas of care might include family conflict, adoption, and family creation.
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a therapeutic focus on gender and sexuality, early trauma, and family and relationship dynamics. My approach is empathic, warm, and thoughtful. My clients often wish to understand their identities more deeply; seek support staying true to themselves in their relationships and community; and pursue healing and meaning-making following trauma. Through our work, you can develop new insights and coping skills to manage overwhelm, anxiety, depression, or life transitions. I'm particularly dedicated to working with queer, transgender, non-binary, and kink communities.
(415) 851-8370 View (415) 851-8370
Photo of Jane Lori Peal, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94114, CA
Jane Lori Peal
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114
My work is with individuals and couples who are ready to roll up their sleeves and get down to the task of making transformative shifts in their lives. Often people come to therapy believing that our history makes us who we are. Using the therapy relationship as a secure base from which to explore, clearing away the clutter and loosening a few knots, we often find that our history has obscured who we really are. In some way, most of us are longing for a sense of well-being that is not wholly dependent on external circumstances.
My work is with individuals and couples who are ready to roll up their sleeves and get down to the task of making transformative shifts in their lives. Often people come to therapy believing that our history makes us who we are. Using the therapy relationship as a secure base from which to explore, clearing away the clutter and loosening a few knots, we often find that our history has obscured who we really are. In some way, most of us are longing for a sense of well-being that is not wholly dependent on external circumstances.
(415) 902-5761 View (415) 902-5761
Photo of Christopher Medina Brown, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in 94114, CA
Christopher Medina Brown
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114
Are you or your child constantly finding yourself feeling lost, overwhelmed, exhausted, powerless or helpless in your daily life or in your relationships with others? Navigating the emotional spaces within our relationships, professions and ourselves is a complex and often, scary place to be in. While these spaces can be overwhelming and difficult to navigate, you deserve the space to be heard and met with with empathetic warmth in acknowledging the experiences, beliefs and feelings that have brought you here today. I warmly invite you to begin or continue that journey with me so we can learn, unlearn, explore and grow together.
Are you or your child constantly finding yourself feeling lost, overwhelmed, exhausted, powerless or helpless in your daily life or in your relationships with others? Navigating the emotional spaces within our relationships, professions and ourselves is a complex and often, scary place to be in. While these spaces can be overwhelming and difficult to navigate, you deserve the space to be heard and met with with empathetic warmth in acknowledging the experiences, beliefs and feelings that have brought you here today. I warmly invite you to begin or continue that journey with me so we can learn, unlearn, explore and grow together.
(510) 737-7959 View (510) 737-7959
Photo of Christine Corrigan, Psychologist in 94114, CA
Christine Corrigan
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
As a clinical psychologist I specialize in treating anxiety and depression in the context of trauma, work stress, relationship problems and family conflict. I help people deal with issues including grief and loss, substance abuse, domestic violence, and childhood trauma. My approach is to seek immediate reduction in symptoms while carefully addressing long-term, underlying problems.
As a clinical psychologist I specialize in treating anxiety and depression in the context of trauma, work stress, relationship problems and family conflict. I help people deal with issues including grief and loss, substance abuse, domestic violence, and childhood trauma. My approach is to seek immediate reduction in symptoms while carefully addressing long-term, underlying problems.
(415) 494-7027 View (415) 494-7027
Photo of Pauline Jarakian, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94114, CA
Pauline Jarakian
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
I am a longstanding Marriage Family and Child psychotherapist with extensive experience working with all traumas, depression, anxiety, attachment and relationship difficulties. I'm committed to being a culturally competent therapist, my practice is diverse and includes individuals, families, adults, adolescents, children and couples of all ages, races, genders and sexual orientations. I specialize in working with postpartum depression and infant parent therapy with mothers and babies. I supervise for MFT interns at USF's Family and Child Center and am an Adjunct Professor in USF's Graduate School of Counseling Psychology.
I am a longstanding Marriage Family and Child psychotherapist with extensive experience working with all traumas, depression, anxiety, attachment and relationship difficulties. I'm committed to being a culturally competent therapist, my practice is diverse and includes individuals, families, adults, adolescents, children and couples of all ages, races, genders and sexual orientations. I specialize in working with postpartum depression and infant parent therapy with mothers and babies. I supervise for MFT interns at USF's Family and Child Center and am an Adjunct Professor in USF's Graduate School of Counseling Psychology.
(415) 418-7476 View (415) 418-7476
Photo of Minda Streamer, Associate Clinical Social Worker in 94114, CA
Minda Streamer
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ACSW
Not Verified Not Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
I am an Associate Clinical Social Worker with three years of experience providing individual and group therapy to a wide variety of people through various settings. I earned my Bachelors in American Indian Studies at UCLA and my Masters in Clinical Social Work through a Trauma Responsive program of study at the University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice. I am also an enrolled member of the Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeño Indians.
I am an Associate Clinical Social Worker with three years of experience providing individual and group therapy to a wide variety of people through various settings. I earned my Bachelors in American Indian Studies at UCLA and my Masters in Clinical Social Work through a Trauma Responsive program of study at the University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice. I am also an enrolled member of the Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeño Indians.
(347) 658-1393 View (347) 658-1393
April Suzanne Perkins
Counselor, LMFT
Not Verified Not Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
Going through life's journey is like riding a roller coaster full of ups, downs, twists, and turns. On a roller coaster, you often have someone sitting next to you regardless of if you know the person. Think of life the same way. It is challenging and shouldn't be done alone. My passion is to help clients go through life transitions and challenges with more ease by identifying and rediscovering their strengths to develop a healthy lifestyle.
Going through life's journey is like riding a roller coaster full of ups, downs, twists, and turns. On a roller coaster, you often have someone sitting next to you regardless of if you know the person. Think of life the same way. It is challenging and shouldn't be done alone. My passion is to help clients go through life transitions and challenges with more ease by identifying and rediscovering their strengths to develop a healthy lifestyle.
(209) 255-5266 View (209) 255-5266
Photo of Bloom Therapy, Psychologist in 94114, CA
Bloom Therapy
Psychologist, PsyD, PMH-C
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114
Bloom Therapy specializes in women's mental health across the lifespan. Women face unique stressors in their relationships and career, and experience anxiety, depression, and traumatic stress at twice the rate of men. We offer a compassionate, evidence-based approach to address these challenges and help you reach your goals. Our work focuses on building strengths, enhancing self-confidence, and empowering you with knowledge and tools so that you can thrive in your relationships, work, and life.
Bloom Therapy specializes in women's mental health across the lifespan. Women face unique stressors in their relationships and career, and experience anxiety, depression, and traumatic stress at twice the rate of men. We offer a compassionate, evidence-based approach to address these challenges and help you reach your goals. Our work focuses on building strengths, enhancing self-confidence, and empowering you with knowledge and tools so that you can thrive in your relationships, work, and life.
(415) 598-9316 View (415) 598-9316
Photo of Sarah Voynow Berman, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94114, CA
Sarah Voynow Berman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
Are you having any mental blocks stemming from stress? Would you like to learn creative, evidence-based practical skills that can facilitate positive lasting change? As an active psychotherapist and professional musician I work with motivated clients who want to obtain greater self compassion, acceptance and productive strategies to assist in establishing a healthy balance in their professional and personal lives.
Are you having any mental blocks stemming from stress? Would you like to learn creative, evidence-based practical skills that can facilitate positive lasting change? As an active psychotherapist and professional musician I work with motivated clients who want to obtain greater self compassion, acceptance and productive strategies to assist in establishing a healthy balance in their professional and personal lives.
(415) 578-5358 View (415) 578-5358
Gaylesta, Psych Assn for Gender & Sexual Diversity
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, PsyD, LMFT, LCSW, LPCC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
WELCOME to Gaylesta: The Psychotherapist Association for Gender and Sexual Diversity. Our members provide mental health services including therapist referrals, education, and consultation. We offer a wide range of specializations, allowing us to serve as a unique resource both the LGBTQ communities and to other service providers. Explore our site to find a therapist, learn more about us, or become a valued member.
WELCOME to Gaylesta: The Psychotherapist Association for Gender and Sexual Diversity. Our members provide mental health services including therapist referrals, education, and consultation. We offer a wide range of specializations, allowing us to serve as a unique resource both the LGBTQ communities and to other service providers. Explore our site to find a therapist, learn more about us, or become a valued member.
Adoption Therapists

Does my adopted child need therapy?

Not every adopted child needs therapy. However, many can benefit from seeing an adoption-informed therapist, especially if they were victims of abuse or neglect, appear withdrawn or disconnected, have behavioral or developmental issues (which may or may not be related to their adoption), are struggling with feelings of grief or loss surrounding their birth parents, or find it difficult to establish an identity, a challenge that often becomes most apparent during adolescence.

When should adoptive parents seek therapy?

Prospective parents can benefit from therapy even before an adoption—for example, to voice worries and fears; to reconcile infertility struggles, if relevant; or simply to prepare themselves for parenthood. After the adoption, parents who are struggling to bond with their child; are unsure how to talk about adoption or related issues, such as race; or whose child is dealing with developmental, behavioral, or psychiatric concerns can address these and other issues with the help of an adoption-competent therapist.

Is family therapy appropriate for adoptive families?

Family therapy can be invaluable for strengthening the bond between adoptive parents and children, helping the latter feel more secure in their place in the family. Family therapy can also help adoptive families navigate complex communication issues—for example, parents who feel uncomfortable discussing race with their child, who in turn feels invalidated by their silence, or a child who has questions about his birth parents but avoids asking them out of fear of hurting his adoptive parents’ feelings.

What therapy is not appropriate for adoption issues?

A discredited therapy known as “attachment therapy” (sometimes called “holding therapy” or “rebirthing therapy”) should not be used to treat adopted and foster children, though it was largely designed for this population. Attachment therapy involves restraining, coercing, and punishing the child in order for them to “release” negative emotions and attach to their new caregivers—techniques that are abusive and dangerous and have even proven fatal in some cases.