GUIDE TO MEDICAL PROVIDERS AND THERAPISTS FOR INTERNATIONALLY ADOPTED CHILDREN
The American Academy of Pediatrics provides a state-by-state directory of health care providers serving adopted children. The list includes physicians in private practice as well as those who provide services for domestically adopted children.
You can view the latest rankings of children’s hospitals by US News & World Report here.
Below is a link to an article on the importance of establishing a good relationship with your child’s doctor. If you do not have a medical center that specializes in international adoptee care, often a well-trained family doctor can provide this care: http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/01/09/prsb0109.htm
Here is information regarding a comprehensive evaluation of an adopted child once home: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/129/1/e214.full
Individual State Resources
ALABAMA
Jennifer Nobles Chambers, MD, MPH & TM (clinic Director)
www.adoption.chsys.org/Sojourn Counseling
Beau Armistead
He has experience working with adopted children and attachment disorders and also has an adopted child himself.
http://www.sojourncounseling.org/Pathways Professional Counseling
http://www.pathwaysprofessional.org/
ARIZONA
Phoenix Children’s Hospital’s Neuroscience Center
Dr. Lavoie is highly recommended
(602) 546-0990
http://barrow.phoenixchildrens.org/
The Melmed Center in Scottsdale
5020 East Shea Blvd, Suite 100
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
(480) 443-0050
www.melmedcenter.com
Dr. Boris Gindis’ “Leaps and Bounds” Clinic
1760 E Pecos Rd.
Gilbert, AZ 85296
480 980-5704
www.leapsandboundsptc.com
Mariann Arcari Rubin, LCSW
Mother to a son adopted from Russia
480 380-6248
Email:Ā mrubin@thoughtprocess.com
www.marubin.com
Jennifer Rosenfeld, LMSW
Attachment and Trauma Specialist
(480) 459-8495
Email:Ā jar226@aol.com
ARKANSAS
Little Rock, AK
Three therapists trained by The Institute for Attachment & Child Development.
501-372-5039
www.treatmenthomes.org/
CALIFORNIA
Nancy Curtis MD
Carina Grandison Ph.D.
Oakland, California
www.internationaladoptionclinic.orgMiller Children’s Hospital Stramski Developmental Center International Adoption Program
Gary Feldman, MD
Long Beach, California
Email: GFeldman@memorialcare.org
www.millerchildrenshospitallb.org/adoptions
This organization provides one of the best evaluations for children with possible Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.
COLORADO
P.O. Box 730, Kittredge, CO 80457
(303) 674-1910
www.instituteforattachment.org/North Colorado Family Medicine
Jeffrey S. Cook, MD
1600 23rd Ave., Greeley, CO 80634
(970) 356-2424
Jeffrey.cooc@bannerhealth.comLiving Vine Counseling, LLC (Adoption Related Counseling)
Northern CO
(303)968-4212
www.livingvinecounseling.comLiberate Living, LLC (Child Therapy and Counseling)
Michele M. Yarberry, MA, NCC
150 East 29th St., Suite 200A, Loveland, CO 80538
(970) 619-8332
www.liberatedlivingforyou.com
Pass Center
Denver, CO
Eli Harwood
Specializes in adoption related therapy
http://passcenter.org/about-us/
Attachment Center of the Rockies
Deb Felio
Specializes in adoption related therapy
http://attachmentcenteroftherockies.com/
CONNECTICUT
www.med.yale.edu/pediat/adoption/
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Department of Pediatrics, Georgetown University School of Medicine
International Adoptions Health Resource Center
www.gucchd.georgetown.edu/
FLORIDA
International Adoption Clinic
http://www.nemours.org/international-adoption-clinic.htmlAttachment Services of Central Florida
Teresa Guerard
Specializes in attachment disorders
http://www.attachmentservices.org/Connecting Well Counseling
http://www.connectingwell.com/
GEORGIA
International Adoption Research
Dr. Pakula, Director of the International Adoption Center
http://www.pediatrics.emory.edu/index.htmlThe Jones Family Clinic
Provides free family support for struggling children and free community education on adoption issues: Emotional, Spiritual, and Physical.
https://www.facebook.com/thejonesfamilyclinic/
ILLINOIS
University of Chicago Comer Children’s Hospital International Adoption Clinic
International Adoption Clinic
www.uchicagokidshospital.org/specialties/adoption/services.html
Children’s Research Triangle
Ira Chasnoff, M.D.
Dr. Chasnoff has specialized in prenatal drug and alcohol exposure.
www.childstudy.org
Children’s Memorial Hospital
Chicago, IL
Todd Ochs, M.D.
www.childrensmemorial.org/depts/infectious/adoptee.aspx
This site also lists great resources for adoptive parents within the state of Illinois
INDIANA
Riley Hospital for Children, University of Indiana
Julie Keck, M.D.
Carmel, IN
www.rileydocs.com/physicians/Pediatric International Adoption Clinic
St Vincent Pediatric Rehabilitation Center
Christopher Belcher MD, FAAP
Fernando Escobar MD
https://www.stvincent.org/St-Vincent-Indianapolis/Healthcare-Services/Rehabilitation-Services/Pediatric-Therapies.aspxCenter for Family Connection
Patty Jewell
Specializes in post adoption therapy
http://www.cffamconnect.com/
KENTUCKY
Shawn M Taylor M.D.
http://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/KCH/services/other/adoption/#tabsToAccordion1Jeff Rose MBA LCSW
Individual and family therapy
http://jeffrosebg.com/Bundy & Associates LLC
Assessment, therapy, consultation, specialization in autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, learning disability counseling
http://katcproviders.louisville.edu/providers/detail/545Kerringtonās Heart
A resource for families who have children with heart defects
http://www.kerringtonsheart.org/index.html
MAINE
MARYLAND
(Kennedy Krieger Institute & Johns Hopkins Children’s Center)
Baltimore, Maryland
www.adoptiondoc.orgChesapeake Helps
Community Counselors, also provides general information for community members to access a broad array of family and child focused resources, services, programs, and organizations
http://chesapeakehelps.org/
MASSACHUSETTS
Boston, MA 02111
www.floatinghospital.orgChildren’s Hospital Boston Adoption Program
Lisa Albers, MD, MPH
Boston, Massachusetts
Phone: 617-355-4125
www.childrenshospital.org/chnews/11-08-04/angel.html
MICHIGAN
Dr. Jerry Jenista
551 Second St
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Phone: 734-668-0419
Fax: 734-668-9492COUNSELING SERVICES
Sharon Myers1707 E 12 Mile Road
Roseville, MI 48066,
586 445-8910,
This Christian psychiatrist provides general medical assessment as well as counseling services. She came highly recommended from a family of a 13-year-old adoptee.
MINNESOTA
University of Minnesota
Dana Johnson, M.D., Ph.D.
Minneapolis, MN
https://adoption.umn.edu/
MISSOURI
FACES (Foreign Adoption Clinic and Educational Services)
www.cardinalglennon.com/Pages/FACESForeignAdoptionClinicandEducationalServices.aspxChildren’s Hospital of St Louis
Washington University Physicians
http://www.stlouischildrens.org/Karis House
Rachel Hodges, Director of Karis Kids, Counseling
TBRI Counseling
http://www.karishouse.org/
NEBRASKA
Edward Kolb MD
Omaha, NE
Email: adoptmedconsultants@cox.net
NEW JERSEY
Lisa Nalven, M.D
Ridgewood, NJ 07450
www.valleyhealth.com/Adoption
NEW YORK
New York, NY 10010
www.icdnyc.orgInternational Pediatric Health Services (PLLC)
Dr. Jane Aronson
International Pediatric Health Services, PLLC
www.orphandoctor.comSteven and Alexandra Cohen Children’s Medical Center of New York
Andrew Adesman, MD
Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics
1983 Marcus Ave, Suite 130
Lake Success, NY 11042
Phone: 516-802-6150
Fax: 516-616-5801
http://ccmc.northshorelij.com/Jennifer Cain, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist, NYS
www.JenniferCainPhD.com
Phone: 917-577-4981
Fax: 855-249-8145
Specializes in children
NORTH CAROLINA
Beatitude House
Waynesville, NC
www.beatitudehouse.org
This is a Christian resource for those struggling with behavioral and attachment issues. The counselors provide counseling sessions for those living within a driving distance and two-week intensive counseling sessions with the child and parents. They are open to talking to families who are struggling, so feel free to call them.Bob Hanna, PhD
Licensed Psychologist
775 Haywood Road, Suite E
West Asheville, NC 28806
828-768-1827
806-209-3389 (Fax)
bobhanna1@charter.netNatalie Sadler M.D.
Psychiatrist
200 North Greensboro St. Suite C7A
Carrboro, NC 27519
919-929-7527
OHIO
Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital
Anna M. Mandalakas, MD
Cleveland, OH
www.uhhospitals.org/rainbowchildren/tabid/166/Default.aspxThe International Adoption Center
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
www.cincinnatichildrens.org/IACCleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital
Cleveland, OH
www.my.clevelandclinic.org/childrens-hospital/specialties-services/programsservices/international-adoption.aspxAkron Children’s Hospital
Oak Adoptive Health Center
Akron, OH
www.akronchildrens.org/cms/adoptive_health/
Columbus Children’s Hospital
Ohio State University
www.nationwidechildrens.org/international-adoption-clinic
COUNSELING SERVICES
Attachment and Bonding Center of Ohio
Greg Keck, PhD
This clinic is for families struggling with attachment and behavioral issues with their internationally adopted children.
www.abcofohio.net
OREGON
PENNSYLVANIA
International Adoption Health Program
www.chop.edu/service/adoption/
RHODE ISLAND
Dr. Boris Skurkovich
Providence, Rhode Island
www.adoptionsinternational.com/Hasbro Children’s Hospital
International Adoption Clinic
Providence, Rhode Island
www.lifespan.org/hch/services/adoption/COUNSELING SERVICES
Anait Azarian
Providence, RI
www.bgcenter.com/BE/AAzarian.htm
(She speaks Russian)
SOUTH CAROLINA
Charleston, SC
www.musckids.com/adoptions/COUNSELING SERVICES
Stephanie Abdalla
One Harbison Way, Suite 109
Columbia, SC 29212
(803) 749-6620Dr. Katherine St. Germain-Smith
Bright Beginnings
Daniel Island Dr.
Charleston, SC
Phone: 843-388-8829Linda Hutton – Bay Laurel Group
110 Manly Street
Greenville, SC 29601-3025
(864) 298-8026
RaeJean Lipscomb
Living Stones Family Services
269 S. Church St., Suite 210
Spartanburg, SC 29306
(864) 205-6039
lipscomb.livingstonesfs@gmail.com
Tony Perdomo
Straight Talk Counseling Center
215 West Poinsett Street, Suite A
Greer, SC 29650
(864) 380-2338
perdomonjorege@hotmail.com
Donetta Palmyra “Pal” Powell, LISW-CP– Comprehensive Behavioral Care
1620 B Lady, Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 586-1499 Fax: (803) 451-7604
palpowell@hotmail.com
Joel Shulkin MD– Developmental/Behavioral
29 N Academy St, Greenville, SC 29601
200 Patewood Dr, #A200
Greenville, SC 29615
(864) 454-5115
Cynthia Still– Clemson Behavioral Health
398 College Avenue
Clemson, SC, 29631
(864)653-4112
TENNESSEE
Nashville, TN
www.vanderbiltchildrens.org/interior.php?mid=259
TEXAS
Texas Children’s Hospital
Houston, Texas
www.texaschildrens.org/carecenters/internationaladoption/
Children’s Medical Center
Dallas, TX
www.childrens.com/Specialties/template.cfm?groupid=105&pageid=503
Texas Christian University
TCU Institute of Child Development
Karyn Purvis, PhD
Programs for struggling children adopted internationally
www.child.tcu.edu
Jon A. Bergeron, Ph.D
1600 University Dr E
College Station, TX 77840
Phone: 409-691-3300
Tammy Pon, M.D.
2301 Ohio Drive, Suite 110
Plano, TX 75093
972-992-0289
VIRGINIA
International Adoption Center
www.adoptionclinic.orgUniversity of Virginia International Adoption Clinic
Children’s Medical Center
International Adoption Clinic
Department of Pediatrics
Charlottesville, VA
www.medicine.virginia.edu/clinical/departments/pediatrics/clinical-services/adoptionCOUNSELING SERVICESDr. Ronald Federici
McLean, VA
Clifton, VA
www.drfederici.com/
WASHINGTON
University of Washington Pediatric Care Center
FAS Center
Seattle, WA
www.adoptmed.org
Drs. Blesdoe and Davis also specialize in evaluating FAS
WISCONSIN
International Adoption Clinic
Milwaukee, WI
www.chw.org/display/PPF/DocID/33131/router.asp
SERVICES FOUND NATIONALLY
Some counseling services above can be accessed regardless of where you live, as they provide on-site services for extended period of time or they may provide phone-counseling services. Listed here are other resources that have services throughout the US.
Shriners Hospitals
Various Shriners Hospitals offer services to children in one or more area: burn care, orthopedics, spinal cord injury, and cleft-lip/palate repair. The Shriners Hospitals offer care at no cost to the family, but families must first apply with their insurance company to pay for services. To find a Shriners Hospital near you go to Shriners.com.
HIV
www.projecthopeful.org/
www.fromhivtohome.org/
Neurodevelopmentalists
Christian Access to Neuro-DevelopmentalĀ Organization (CAN-DO)Ā provides resources for children with developmental and neurological problems such as sensory integration issues.
Therapists for Attachment Issues
www.attachment.org
www.attach-china.org
RESOURCES FOR MEDICAL/DEVELOPMENTAL INTERVENTIONS
Not only is adopting expensive, but the care of a child can also be expensive. Listed are some resources that can help reduce the expenses of caring for a childāespecially a child with special needs.
FINANCIAL RESOURCES FOR HEALTH CARE
TEFRA
TEFRA provides financial resources through Medicaid to pay for medical and therapeutic interventions and prescriptions for qualified children. This is secondary insurance, and, in some cases, will cover portions that the employer insurance will not. Eligibility is based on your child’s incomeānot yours. However, your child cannot have funds in a savings account; otherwise, based on the amount in the saving account, your child will not be eligible. If your child does have funds in an account in his name, it can take a few years before your child becomes eligible.
To find resources in your state go to: www.hdwg.org/catalyst/resources#general
One Family’s TEFRA Experience: An adoptive mother from South Carolina obtained TEFRA but it took her from January to July 2010; fortunately, the benefits were retroactive to November 2009. This mother also added that after you are approved, you must select an insurance plan through TEFRA. What the family was not told is that they could ask for the original Medicaid plan. The original Medicaid plan was the only one that was accepted by the service and health care providers from whom the child was already receiving services.
This mother noted that when signing up for insurance through TEFRA, those affiliated with the other insurance programs through the TEFRA program tried to discourage this family from sticking with the original Medicaid plan by offering them gift cards and personal care items. Of course there is no value in selecting a plan that will not cover your child’s treatment. Furthermore, do not automatically accept one of the plans listed through the TEFRA call-in number that reportedly indicates that your child’s physician or other health care providers will accept this plan. Check with your child’s health care providers directly to see which plans they accept. This family found that there was a huge discrepancy in what plan the child’s physician and other service providers would accept and what the TEFRA list indicated.
A good contact resource for SC residents to learn about these benefits is Family Connections. The website states that if you would like to talk to another parent whose child has TEFRA contact Family Connection at 1-800-578-875. You can visit the website at www.familyconnectionsc.org/
EARLY INTERVENTION PROGRAMS
These programs are provided at minimum to no cost to families regardless of income. Your insurance may first be used to cover expenses.
To learn more about early intervention programs go to www.nichcy.org/babies/overviewĀ or use their interactive map to locate services in your state.
CO Early Intervention Programs
The Early Intervention Services booklet is an easy-to-read guide on the services your child who is under 36 months old can receive. If your child is more than 36 months old, there are other services also available. www.eicolorado.org
KY Special Parent Involvement Network (KY SPIN)
10301-B Deering Road
Louisville, KY 40272
www.kyspin.com
SC Babynet
This program is for children birth through 36 months of age who may have developmental delays or other issues such as sensory integration problems Children can receive in-home ser ices including occupational, physical and speech therapy. If you believe that your child may need early you can have your child evaluated at no cost to you. www.scfirststeps.org/BabyNet.html
SC First Steps to School Readiness
This program is coordinated with BabyNet but is for children 36 months old and older who need extra services due to developmental delays and other issues. To contact your regional office, go to http://scfirststeps.org/ and click on the map to find the location and number.
SC State BabyNet Program
1300 Sumter St, Suite 100
Columbia, SC 29201
803-734-0479 803-734-1431 (fax)
SC Greenville and Pickens Counties
Center for Developmental Services
29 N. Academy Street
Greenville, SC 29601
864- 331-1450