Author Archives: Jamen

Every family is built differently. Some come together through birth, others through choice—and some through the deeply meaningful process of adoption.
At its heart, adoption isn’t about replacing what was lost; it’s about expanding love. It’s about creating a safe, nurturing home where a child can belong, and where parents—biological, adoptive, or otherwise—can grow through the beautiful, sometimes challenging realities of connection.

At Here Counseling, we understand that adoption brings both joy and complexity. Families built through adoption often navigate layers of emotion, identity, and belonging that deserve compassion and understanding. Let’s explore what “adoptive families” truly are—and how therapy can help families thrive at every stage of the journey.

Defining Adoptive Families

An adoptive family is any family in which one or more children are legally and permanently placed with parents who are not their biological parents.
But beyond the legal definition lies something much deeper: the emotional bond that forms when people choose to care for and commit to one another.

Adoptive families come in many forms:

• Single parents adopting independently
  
• Couples adopting domestically or internationally
  
• Step-parents formalizing bonds with their stepchildren
  
• Families adopting children from foster care

Each story is unique, but all share the same foundation—a conscious decision to open one’s home and heart to a child.

The Emotional Landscape of Adoption

Adoption is both a beginning and a continuation. For adoptive parents, it often follows a long process—filled with hope, waiting, uncertainty, and sometimes grief. For adoptees, it involves transitions that can stir questions about identity, belonging, and self-worth.

Adoptive parents may feel a mix of gratitude and fear, joy at becoming parents, and concern about whether they’ll “do it right.”
Children may wrestle with questions like “Why was I adopted?” or “Where do I belong?”
And birth parents, when present in the process, may carry their own complex emotions of loss, hope, and love.

Understanding and supporting each perspective helps create a foundation for resilience and connection.

Read Also: Counseling for Adopted Adults

How Adoptive Families Form

There isn’t just one path to becoming an adoptive family. The process can differ based on the type of adoption and the people involved.

Domestic Adoption

This occurs when adoptive parents adopt a child born in the same country. It may be an open adoption—where birth parents and adoptive parents share contact—or closed, where identities remain confidential.

International Adoption

In international adoptions, families welcome children from other countries. This often involves navigating cultural differences, language barriers, and adjustment to a new environment—all of which can affect family identity and connection.

Foster-to-Adopt

Many children in foster care are waiting for permanent homes. Foster-to-adopt families provide both temporary care and, in many cases, long-term stability through adoption.

Relative and Stepparent Adoption

Sometimes adoption occurs within an extended family. A relative or stepparent may adopt a child to provide legal stability while preserving existing family ties.

Challenges Adoptive Families May Face

Every family encounters challenges, but adoptive families may face some unique emotional and relational dynamics.

1. Identity and Belonging

Adopted children may struggle with understanding their origins or balancing dual identities—biological and adoptive. They might wonder, “Who am I, really?”
These feelings are normal and deserve space, compassion, and validation.

2. Attachment and Trust

Some children—especially those who’ve experienced early trauma, neglect, or multiple placements—may find it hard to trust. Building a secure attachment takes time, patience, and consistency.

3. Talking About Adoption

Parents often wonder when or how to talk about adoption. Should it be an ongoing conversation? How much information should a child know?
Most experts agree that openness and honesty—delivered in age-appropriate ways—help children feel secure in their identity.

4. Managing Expectations

Sometimes, adoption doesn’t look like the dream people imagined. Emotional or behavioral challenges, complicated relationships with birth families, or systemic barriers can feel overwhelming. Recognizing that these challenges are not failures—but natural parts of the journey—can be healing.

The Role of Therapy for Adoptive Families

Adoption doesn’t just bring people together—it reshapes lives. Therapy can help families process those changes and strengthen bonds.

For Adoptive Parents

Therapy offers space to explore feelings of uncertainty, guilt, or overwhelm that can accompany parenting an adopted child. It can also help parents learn tools for communication, attachment-building, and navigating relationships with birth families.

For Adoptees

Therapists trained in adoption issues help children and teens express emotions safely—whether it’s sadness, confusion, or anger—and begin building healthy self-esteem. Over time, therapy can foster a sense of identity that honors both their past and present.

For the Whole Family

Family counseling helps everyone work together—understanding each other’s experiences and learning to communicate in ways that foster empathy and connection.

At Here Counseling, our therapists work with adoptive families in Pasadena and beyond, offering both in-person and online sessions. We create a safe, nonjudgmental space for each family member to feel heard, supported, and valued.

What Healthy Adoptive Families Have in Common

While each adoptive family’s story is unique, thriving families often share some common threads:

• Openness – They talk about adoption openly, without shame or secrecy.
• Patience – They understand that connection takes time and healing happens gradually.
• Flexibility – They adapt to the child’s needs, not just their expectations.
• Empathy – They honor each person’s feelings—including the birth family’s.
• Support – They seek help when needed, whether through therapy, community groups, or education.

No family gets everything “right.” But families who approach adoption with honesty, love, and willingness to grow often build lasting bonds that go far beyond biology.

How Counseling Can Support the Adoption Journey

Adoption is not just a legal process—it’s an emotional one. Counseling offers tools to navigate that emotional terrain, both before and after adoption.

• Pre-adoption counseling helps prospective parents prepare emotionally for adoption—the expectations, challenges, and changes it brings.
  
• Post-adoption counseling supports adjustment once the child is home, helping families manage transitions and strengthen relationships.
  
• Attachment-based therapy can help heal early wounds and promote secure relationships between parent and child.

At Here Counseling, our therapists approach every session with empathy and deep understanding. We don’t see families as needing to be “fixed”—we see them as human beings learning how to love each other better.

Celebrating Adoptive Families

At its core, adoption is about belonging. It’s about redefining family as a place where love isn’t limited by blood, but expanded by choice.

Adoptive families demonstrate every day that love can be built, that connection can grow, and that every child deserves a place to call home. While the journey may include moments of pain or uncertainty, it also carries extraordinary potential for healing and joy.

If you or someone you know is part of an adoptive family—or considering adoption—know that you don’t have to navigate it alone. Compassionate support is available to help you understand, connect, and thrive together.

Support for Adoptive Families at Here Counseling

If you’re seeking adoption counseling or family therapy in Pasadena, Here Counseling provides a warm, trauma-informed space where families can heal and grow.
Whether you’re in the early stages of the adoption process or navigating complex emotions years later, our therapists are here to help you find clarity, resilience, and connection.

Reach out today to schedule an appointment—either in-office or online—and take the next step toward a deeper sense of belonging in your family’s journey.

Adoption is not just a one-time event—it’s a lifelong journey that continues to shape people in unique ways. While adoption often brings stability, love, and opportunities, many adopted adults still carry questions, emotions, or memories that can feel confusing or heavy. Some struggle with identity, others with grief or relationships, and some simply feel “different” without fully understanding why.

That’s where counseling comes in. Therapy for adopted adults isn’t about labeling or pathologizing—it’s about creating a safe, supportive space where your whole story is welcome. Whether you’re searching for clarity, healing, or simply someone who understands, counseling can help adopted adults navigate complex feelings and build a stronger sense of self.

Why Adopted Adults May Seek Counseling

Adopted adults may look “fine” from the outside. Many have loving families, fulfilling careers, and strong social networks. Yet beneath the surface, adoption often leaves invisible imprints that surface during certain stages of life.

For example, some people only begin to grapple with adoption-related questions when they start their own families, become parents, or hit big milestones like marriage or career changes. Others may notice patterns in relationships—difficulty trusting, fear of abandonment, or avoiding closeness—that can be traced back to early attachment wounds.

It’s not about being “broken.” It’s about recognizing that adoption shapes identity and relationships in ways that deserve attention and care. Therapy gives adoptees a chance to explore these layers without judgment.

Common Challenges Adopted Adults Face

Every adopted adult’s story is different, but many share similar experiences:

1. Identity and Self-Understanding

Adoption often leaves people with questions about their roots: Where do I come from? Who am I beyond my adoption story? Even if you have a clear understanding of your adoptive family, you may wonder about your birth family, culture, or heritage. This sense of “in-between” can make self-identity feel fragmented or uncertain.

2. Grief and Loss

Even the most positive adoption story begins with separation. That early loss—whether remembered consciously or not—can resurface in adulthood. It might show up as sadness, confusion, or even guilt for feeling grief when you also feel gratitude for your adoptive family.

3. Attachment and Relationships

For some adoptees, early separation impacts how they bond with others. They may fear abandonment, struggle to trust, or swing between craving closeness and pulling away. These patterns can affect friendships, romantic partnerships, and even workplace dynamics.

4. Cultural or Racial Identity

In cases of transracial or international adoption, adoptees often grow up navigating two worlds. Questions about cultural identity, belonging, and community connection may feel especially complex.

These challenges don’t mean something is wrong—they reflect the reality of adoption’s complexity. Therapy can help unpack these experiences in a safe and validating way.

How Counseling Supports Adopted Adults

Therapy is more than just “talking about feelings.” For adopted adults, it can be a process of reclaiming ownership of your story and finding ways to live with more clarity, peace, and connection.

In counseling, you can:

Make sense of complex emotions

Feelings of gratitude, grief, confusion, and love can all exist at once. Therapy helps sort through these emotions without shame.

Process trauma and loss

Even if adoption was a positive experience, early separation can create wounds that need healing.

Improve relationships

Therapy provides tools for building trust, setting boundaries, and forming healthier connections.

Explore your identity

Whether that means reconnecting with your birth culture, understanding family dynamics, or defining your own narrative, therapy helps you step into a fuller sense of self.

Ultimately, counseling isn’t about “fixing” you—it’s about helping you thrive with the full truth of your story.

Types of Therapy Approaches That Can Help

Every adopted adult’s journey is unique, which means there’s no one-size-fits-all therapy. Different approaches can meet different needs:

Individual Therapy

Private, one-on-one sessions with a therapist allow space to explore personal struggles, identity questions, and emotional healing.

Family Counseling

For adoptees who want to address dynamics with adoptive parents, biological relatives, or blended families, family therapy can help improve communication and understanding.

Group Therapy and Support Groups

Sharing space with other adopted adults can ease feelings of isolation. Many find comfort in realizing, “I’m not alone in this.”

Trauma-Focused Therapy

Modalities like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) or somatic therapy help process deep-rooted trauma that talk therapy alone may not reach.

Narrative Therapy

This approach helps adoptees rewrite their personal stories—integrating adoption as part of their history without letting it define them entirely.

Common Questions Adopted Adults Bring to Therapy

Adoptees often carry questions they’ve never had the chance to say out loud. Therapy provides a safe space to finally ask them:

• “Why do I sometimes feel like I don’t fully belong anywhere?”
• “Is it normal to grieve a family I never knew?”
• “Should I try to reconnect with my biological relatives?”
• “Why do I fear being abandoned, even in stable relationships?”
• “How do I make peace with feeling both grateful and resentful?”

Counseling doesn’t guarantee easy answers, but it creates room to explore these questions and discover personal truths at your own pace.

When to Consider Counseling as an Adopted Adult

Not every adoptee will feel the need for therapy—and that’s okay. But there are signs it may be time to seek support:

• Feeling stuck in cycles of anxiety, grief, or anger
• Struggling with trust or intimacy in relationships
• Experiencing identity confusion or cultural disconnection
• Facing life transitions that stir up old adoption-related feelings
• Carrying a sense of “something missing” that you can’t shake

Choosing counseling isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of courage—a decision to give yourself the tools and space you deserve.

Finding the Right Therapist for Adopted Adults

The relationship with your therapist matters as much as the approach they use. When searching for a counselor, consider asking:

• “Do you have experience working with adopted adults?”
• “How do you approach identity and grief in therapy?”
• “Do you offer trauma-informed care?”
• “Are sessions available online or in person?”

The best therapist will not only have training but also the ability to listen with empathy and hold space for your unique journey.

Counseling for Adopted Adults at Here Counseling

We understand that adoption is more than a chapter in your story—it’s part of your lifelong journey. Our therapists in Pasadena and Los Angeles provide a safe, compassionate space for adopted adults to explore identity, process emotions, and strengthen relationships.

Whether you’re navigating questions about your past, struggling with grief or belonging, or simply looking for someone who understands, our team is here to walk alongside you. We offer both in-person and online counseling, so you can access support in the way that feels most comfortable.

You don’t have to carry this alone. With the right therapist, healing and connection are possible.

Talk with our Care Coordinator today to be matched with a therapist who can support your unique journey as an adopted adult.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is counseling only for adoptees with difficult stories?

Not at all. Even adoptees with loving, stable families may struggle with questions or feelings tied to adoption.

Can therapy help if I don’t want to talk about my adoption?

Yes. You’re always in control of what you share. Therapy can focus on whatever feels most important to you.

What if I feel guilty for needing therapy when I had a “good” adoption?

Therapy isn’t about blame—it’s about giving yourself permission to process your experience fully, without guilt.

Can counseling help me if I’m thinking about searching for my biological family?

Yes. A therapist can support you through the emotional ups and downs of reconnecting—or deciding not to.

Is online therapy effective for adopted adults?

Absolutely. Virtual sessions offer flexibility and accessibility while still providing the same depth of support.

Final Thoughts: Healing Beyond Adoption

Being adopted is only one part of your story—it doesn’t define your whole life. But acknowledging its impact is an important step toward healing and growth.

Counseling for adopted adults creates space to honor your past while building a future that feels authentic and grounded. It’s about more than addressing pain; it’s about cultivating resilience, confidence, and connection.

If you’re an adopted adult carrying questions or emotions that feel too heavy to hold alone, therapy can help lighten the load. You deserve to feel whole, accepted, and at peace with your story.

Understanding Adoption Expenses and What They Mean for Your Journey

Adoption is one of the most profound ways a family can grow. It creates lifelong bonds, offers a child stability and love, and opens the door to a future filled with possibility. But alongside the emotional considerations, many families face a practical and pressing question:

“How much does adoption cost in California?”

It’s a fair and important question. Adoption can be an incredible experience, but it also comes with financial responsibilities that deserve clarity. If you’re considering adoption, understanding the typical expenses involved will help you prepare with confidence, avoid surprises, and focus more fully on the joy of welcoming a child into your life.

In this article, we’ll break down the average cost of adoption in California, explore what those fees actually cover, and discuss why costs can vary so widely.

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Child in California?

The cost of adoption in California varies depending on several factors: the type of adoption you pursue, the agency you choose, the birth mother’s needs, and legal considerations.

For domestic infant adoptions, most families in California can expect costs to fall between $40,000 and $70,000.

Yes, that’s a significant range. And understandably, many prospective parents are surprised when they first hear these numbers. But it’s important to remember: these costs include far more than paperwork. They cover a wide spectrum of services designed to ensure a safe, ethical, and supportive adoption experience for everyone involved: you, the birth mother, and most importantly, the child.

What’s Included in California Adoption Costs?

Adoption costs are generally divided into two categories:

1. Agency Fees — paid to the adoption professional who guides you through the process.
   
2. Variable Expenses — costs that depend on the unique needs of the birth mother and the child.

Let’s break these down further.

Agency Fees Explained

Working with an adoption agency in California usually means paying agency fees. These are not arbitrary numbers; they cover essential services that make adoption possible, ethical, and supportive.

• Advertising & Outreach:
  Finding a birth mother who is considering adoption takes time, effort, and resources. Agencies invest heavily in outreach and advertising so hopeful adoptive families have more opportunities to connect. The more resources an agency allocates to outreach, the faster families may be matched.
  
• Matching Services:
  Once a birth mother expresses interest, agencies provide matching services. This might include creating your adoptive family profile, facilitating communication, and ensuring both parties feel supported as they begin this life-changing relationship.
  
• Counseling & Support:
  Adoption is emotional for everyone involved. Many agencies include counseling services for both adoptive families and birth mothers. This ensures that everyone feels heard, supported, and prepared for the journey ahead.

Agency fees can look different depending on the professional you choose, but they typically make up a large portion of the overall adoption cost in California.

Variable Expenses

Beyond agency fees, families also cover variable expenses. These depend on the birth mother’s circumstances, medical needs, and legal requirements.

• Legal Services and Expenses:
  Adoption is a legal process, requiring attorneys to ensure parental rights are properly terminated, adoption is finalized, and all procedures follow California law. Legal fees can vary significantly, but they are essential to protecting both the child and the adoptive family.
  
• Living Expenses for the Birth Mother:
  California law allows adoptive families to cover certain living expenses for the birth mother during her pregnancy. This may include rent, groceries, transportation, utilities, or maternity clothing. These costs provide stability and ensure that the mother can focus on her health and well-being while preparing for adoption.
  
• Medical Expenses:
  Prenatal care, delivery, and postnatal care for both the birth mother and baby are typically part of adoption costs. Insurance coverage can offset some of these expenses, but in cases where coverage is limited, adoptive families are often responsible for filling the gap.

Together, these variable expenses account for a significant portion of adoption costs in California.

Why Do Adoption Costs Vary So Much in California?

When families hear a range like $40,000 to $70,000, the first reaction is often confusion: why such a big difference?

Several factors influence total adoption costs:

• The adoption professional you choose — full-service agencies often charge more but provide broader support.
• Birth mother’s individual needs — living expenses, medical care, and counseling vary.
• Legal complexity — some cases require more extensive legal work than others.
• Insurance coverage — if the birth mother has insurance, medical expenses may be lower.
• Geographic considerations — in some areas, living and medical costs are simply higher.

Every adoption is unique, and these variables mean that no two adoption journeys look exactly the same.

Planning Ahead for Adoption Expenses

Hearing the costs can feel overwhelming. But there are ways to plan and prepare so that finances don’t become a barrier to building your family.

• Ask for Transparency:
  Always request a detailed breakdown of what an agency’s fees cover. Look for professionals who use fixed fees and avoid hidden costs.
  
• Budget Thoughtfully:
  Begin saving early and explore financing options. Some families set up dedicated savings accounts specifically for adoption-related expenses.
  
• Explore Adoption Grants and Loans:
  There are organizations that provide financial assistance to adoptive families. Researching grants or low-interest adoption loans can help ease the burden.
  
• Consider Tax Benefits:
  Adoptive families may qualify for the Federal Adoption Tax Credit, which can offset some of the financial investment.

By planning ahead and asking the right questions, you can take the uncertainty out of adoption costs and focus on what matters most: your future child.

The Emotional Investment Behind Adoption Costs

It’s important to step back and remember what adoption represents. The fees aren’t just transactions — they fund services that make adoption safe, ethical, and sustainable.

• They ensure birth mothers are cared for and supported.
  
• They guarantee that legal steps are handled with integrity.
  
• They create opportunities for children to enter loving, permanent homes.
  

The cost of adoption in California may feel daunting, but when viewed as an investment in your child’s future and your family’s growth, the perspective begins to shift.

Why Choose Here Counseling for Adoption Assessment

At Here Counseling, we understand that adoption is one of the most meaningful and life-changing decisions a family can make. Our Pre-adoption assessments are designed to be both thorough and compassionate, helping prospective parents feel supported throughout the process. We take time to get to know your story, values, and hopes for the future so that the assessment reflects who you truly are. Our goal is not only to meet legal and professional requirements but also to create a safe, encouraging environment where families feel prepared and confident.

What sets us apart is our dedication to individualized care and professional expertise. Every adoption journey is unique, and we approach each assessment with sensitivity, respect, and a deep understanding of the challenges and rewards involved. With experienced counselors who specialize in adoption-related services, we ensure that families receive the guidance, clarity, and reassurance they need. Choosing Here Counseling means having a trusted partner by your side as you take this important step toward building or expanding your family.

Final Thoughts on Adoption Expenses in California

Adoption is both a financial and emotional journey. While the costs in California can be significant, they reflect the many moving parts of an adoption process that prioritizes the well-being of the child, the birth mother, and the adoptive family.

If you’re beginning to explore adoption, the most important step is gathering accurate, transparent information. Know what to expect, ask the right questions, and choose an adoption professional who values honesty and care as much as you do.

The investment is real, but so is the reward — a family built on love, commitment, and the promise of a brighter future.

Adoption is one of the most meaningful decisions a family can make. It’s a process that blends legal requirements, agency procedures, and emotional preparation. While the legal rules vary by state, the emotional journey is universal: opening your home to a child who needs safety, care, and belonging.

At Here Counseling, we specialize in supporting prospective adoptive parents through California pre-adoption psychological assessments. These evaluations are a key requirement for many domestic and international adoptions, helping to ensure emotional readiness and family stability. We believe that preparing for adoption goes beyond paperwork—it’s about creating a nurturing environment where parents and children can grow together. Learn more about our services here.

What is a Pre-Adoption Psychological Evaluation?

A pre-adoption psychological evaluation is a structured assessment conducted by licensed psychologists to evaluate prospective parents’ emotional health, personality traits, mental stability, and parenting capacity. It’s often required by adoption agencies or international countries to confirm that families are prepared to provide a supportive home. At Here Counseling, our evaluations are comprehensive, supportive, and tailored to meet specific agency or country standards, focusing on strengths, potential concerns, and personalized recommendations for success.

This process isn’t about judgment—it’s a collaborative opportunity for self-reflection and growth. We address past challenges, current coping strategies, and future family visions to help you build a strong foundation for adoption.

General Requirements to Adopt a Child, Including Psychological Evaluations

Every adoption in the U.S. follows a legal framework designed to protect the best interests of the child. While details vary by state, most adoptive parents must demonstrate the following, often verified through evaluations like ours:

• Age: Most states require adoptive parents to be at least 21 years old. Some raise this to 25, while others focus on being a certain number of years older than the child. Health and energy levels are assessed, which our psychological evaluations help document.
• Marital Status: Adoption is open to single individuals, divorced parents, married couples, and LGBTQ+ families. Our evaluations emphasize home stability over marital status.
• Residency & Citizenship: Prospective parents must typically be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, with some states requiring residency for at least six months.
• Criminal Background Checks: Fingerprinting and checks are standard; serious convictions related to violence or abuse can be barriers.
• Financial Stability: Proof of stable income and housing is needed—not wealth, but the ability to meet a child’s needs.
• Health and Psychological Readiness: Medical records are reviewed, and psychological evaluations like those we provide at Here Counseling are often mandatory. These assess mental health, personality, and parenting readiness to ensure long-term family well-being.

For California adoptions, there’s no maximum age limit, and evaluations play a crucial role in highlighting maturity and emotional preparedness. Explore our California-specific pre-adoption psychological assessment services here.

The Home Study: How Psychological Evaluations Fit In

The home study is a core part of the adoption process, involving interviews, home visits, and document reviews by a licensed social worker. It’s designed to confirm a safe, child-friendly environment.

Psychological evaluations complement the home study by providing deeper insights into emotional and relational dynamics. At Here Counseling, we often work with families during this phase, offering a safe space to process anxiety or self-doubt. Our evaluations include standardized tests like the MMPI-3 to evaluate personality and functioning, ensuring your report supports a smooth home study approval.

State-by-State Differences, with a Focus on California

Adoption laws vary, but psychological evaluations are increasingly common across states:

• California: Emphasizes health, maturity, and inclusivity for all family types. Our evaluations are tailored for California residents, meeting both domestic and international requirements with virtual or in-person options in Pasadena or Los Angeles.
• Texas: Requires parents to be at least 21, with training; evaluations help demonstrate readiness.
• New York: Minimum age of 18; background checks and evaluations ensure suitability.

For foster-to-adopt paths, additional trauma-informed training may be needed, which our reports can inform.

Emotional Readiness: Why Psychological Evaluations Matter

While legal requirements ensure physical safety, emotional readiness is key to successful adoptions. Common challenges include attachment issues, grief, identity questions, and blending families. Our pre-adoption psychological evaluations at Here Counseling address these by:

• Exploring motivations, personal history, and parenting styles.
• Identifying strengths and areas for growth, like managing past mental health issues.
• Providing recommendations for counseling, classes, or resources to enhance family bonds.

This overlooked “requirement” helps prevent future struggles and fosters lasting connections.

Types of Adoption and Evaluation Requirements

Different adoption paths have unique needs, but psychological evaluations are often essential:

• Domestic Infant Adoption: Managed by agencies; evaluations confirm emotional stability amid wait times and birth-parent agreements.
• Foster Care Adoption: Requires trauma-informed insights; our assessments support training and subsidies.
• International Adoption: Involves Hague Convention compliance and country-specific rules; we tailor evaluations to meet immigration and cultural standards.

How Here Counseling Provides Pre-Adoption Psychological Evaluations

At Here Counseling, our licensed psychologists, led by experts in adoption assessments, offer a hassle-free, empathetic process to support your journey. Available virtually statewide or in-person in Pasadena/Los Angeles, our evaluations ensure compliance while promoting family growth.

The Three-Step Process

1. Initial Interview (2 Hours): A conversational session to discuss your history, motivations, and family vision. We select tests based on your needs and provide a clear timeline.
2. Psychological Testing (3 Hours): Confidential, standardized assessments like the MMPI-3. No prep needed—just honesty for accurate results.
3. Feedback & Report: A detailed report delivered within 4 weeks, with a follow-up session to review findings and recommendations.

We schedule your first appointment within a week, with no waitlists. The cost is $2500 per couple/family, split into two payments, and includes everything from consultation to final report.

Benefits include timely turnaround, insightful feedback on dynamics, and a supportive approach that views challenges as opportunities. Get started with a free consultation here.

Final Thoughts

Pre-adoption psychological evaluations are more than a checkbox—they’re a vital step in preparing for a thriving family. By addressing emotional readiness alongside legal requirements, families can build secure, loving bonds. At Here Counseling, we’re here to guide California families through this process with expertise and compassion, turning adoption into a foundation for lifelong connection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a pre-adoption psychological evaluation?
It’s an assessment of emotional health, personality, and parenting readiness required for many adoptions. Our service provides a comprehensive report to support your application.

Who needs a pre-adoption psychological evaluation?
Prospective parents pursuing domestic or international adoptions, especially in California, where agencies often mandate it.

How long does the evaluation take?
From initial interview to final report, about 4 weeks. We schedule quickly, within a week of your inquiry.

What if I have a history of mental health issues?
It doesn’t automatically disqualify you. We focus on current stability and provide recommendations for support.

How much does it cost?
$2500 per couple/family, with flexible payment options. Insurance typically doesn’t cover it, but we offer competitive pricing.

Can the evaluation be done virtually?
Yes, for California residents. In-person or hybrid options are available in Pasadena/Los Angeles if required.

How do I get started?
Schedule a free consultation via our pre-adoption psychological assessment page. Prepare by gathering agency requirements and reflecting on your family goals.

Is counseling required after the evaluation?
Not always, but our reports may recommend it for ongoing support in attachment or trauma-informed parenting.