Adoption Therapist Near Me: Tips for Choosing the Best Support in LA

If you’re searching for an adoption therapist in Los Angeles, you’ve probably noticed how many options there are—and how hard it can be to figure out who actually gets what adoption/foster care is. Maybe you’re a parent trying to find the right therapy for adopted children, or maybe you’re an adoptee or former foster youth looking for someone who gets what it feels like to grow up with mixed feelings and not feeling understood by others. Finding the right fit isn’t just about credentials. It’s about connection, trust, and feeling like your story doesn’t have to be explained from scratch. Below are a few tips that can help you find the kind of support that really fits.

Look for real experience with adoption and foster care

Not every therapist understands the unique layers that come with adoption—grief, identity, loyalty, loss, and belonging. When you’re reaching out for help, ask about their background. Have they worked with adoptees or foster youth before? Do they understand what it’s like to rebuild trust after early separation or loss? An adoptee therapist in Los Angeles - someone with lived experience can often connect in ways that go beyond theory. They don’t just “know about” adoption; they get it

The best therapy is collaborative

Therapy for adopted children or teens isn’t about “fixing” behaviour. It’s about understanding where that behaviour comes from and helping both the child and caregivers make sense of it together. When looking for a therapist for adopted teens in LA, notice how the therapist talks about family involvement. Do they include parents or caregivers in the process? Do they emphasize relationships, trust, and shared understanding? Do they shy away from talking about culture or race? A good adoption therapist doesn’t work in isolation—they build bridges.

Ask about their approach and tools

Different therapists bring different methods. Some therapists use art therapy to help kids and teens express feelings that are too hard to say out loud. Others focus on trauma-informed or attachment-based work to create safety and stability. Some therapists also use play therapy. Ask how they approach topics like identity, culture, or race—especially if your family includes a transracial or cross-cultural adoption. These conversations matter.

Pay attention to how it feels

"Credentials are important, but so is your gut. During a first session or consultation, notice how you and your child feel. Do you feel heard and understood? Does your child relax a little? Does the therapist seem patient and grounded? You’ll know when it feels right."

Make sure it’s sustainable

Sure, credentials matter but sometimes the “best” therapist on paper isn’t the best match in practice. Think about location, scheduling, and financial fit. Many adoption therapists in Los Angeles now offer online sessions, which can make ongoing therapy more accessible and consistent, especially for busy families. Finding the right adoption therapist near me is more than a search term. It’s about finding someone who can meet you and your family where you are—without judgment, without assumptions, and with room for the full story. Whether you’re looking for therapy for adopted children or an adoptee therapist in Los Angeles, the goal is the same: to create space for healing, identity, and connection.

Contact L. Patty now
L. Patty Flores, MSW, ASW
Supervised by Christina Dixon, LCSW
Call: (213) 222-8794
Email: patty@defyinglabels.com