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Adoption Therapist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Children's Home & Aid

$60 - $80/hr

Therapist - Adoption Support & Preservation (Unlicensed) Job Category : Clinical Services Requisition Number : THERA007525 * Posted : August 20, 2026 * Full-Time * Hybrid Locations Showing 1 location ...

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Adoption Therapist information

See salary details

$26.5K

$66.1K

$98K

How much do adoption therapist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for adoption therapist in the United States is $66,131.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,500.00 and $78,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an adoption therapist?

Adoption therapists are licensed mental health professionals who specialize in supporting individuals and families through the adoption process. They provide counseling and therapy to help adoptive parents, adoptees, and sometimes birth families address emotional, behavioral, and relational challenges related to adoption. Adoption therapists are trained to understand the unique issues that can arise, such as attachment, identity, grief, and trauma, and work to promote healthy family relationships.

What are some common challenges adoption therapists face when supporting adoptive families?

Adoption Therapists often encounter challenges such as navigating complex family dynamics, addressing attachment issues, and supporting clients through identity and grief-related concerns. Each family's journey is unique, requiring therapists to tailor therapeutic approaches and maintain flexibility. Collaboration with other professionals, such as social workers and educators, is common to ensure holistic support for both children and parents throughout the adoption process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an adoption therapist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Adoption Therapist, you need a master's degree in counseling, social work, or psychology, along with state licensure and a deep understanding of adoption-related issues. Familiarity with evidence-based therapeutic approaches, trauma-informed care, and electronic health record (EHR) systems is essential. Strong empathy, cultural competence, and communication skills help build trust with adoptive families and individuals navigating complex emotions. These skills ensure effective support, promote healthy family dynamics, and facilitate the well-being of all parties involved in the adoption process.

What is the difference between Adoption Therapist vs Family Therapist?

AspectAdoption TherapistFamily Therapist
CredentialsMaster's degree in social work, psychology, or counseling; licensure requiredMaster's degree in counseling, psychology, or social work; licensure required
Work EnvironmentPrivate practices, adoption agencies, mental health clinicsFamily clinics, mental health centers, private practice
Industry UsageSpecialized in adoption-related issues and post-adoption supportFocuses on family dynamics, relationships, and conflict resolution

Adoption Therapists and Family Therapists share similar credentials and work environments, often collaborating within mental health settings. However, Adoption Therapists specialize in issues related to adoption, such as attachment, identity, and post-adoption support, whereas Family Therapists address broader family dynamics and relationship issues. Both roles are vital in supporting families, but their focus areas differ to meet specific client needs.

What cities are hiring for Adoption Therapist jobs?

Cities with the most Adoption Therapist job openings:

What states have the most Adoption Therapist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Adoption Therapist jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Adoption Therapist jobs?

For Adoption Therapist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Adoption Therapist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Adoption Therapist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,131 per year, or $31.8 per hour.

Foster and Adoption Therapist

Austin, TX • On-site

Helping Hand Home for Children
Non-Profits • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Helping Hand Home for Childrenexternal

$70K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Pay: $70,000.00 per year
Job description:
Job Summary
The Foster & Adoption Therapist is responsible for providing therapy services to identified children and families within the Foster & Adoption Program, as well as to post adopt clients when applicable. Reviews and approves treatment plans for children in the service packages for mental/behavioral health, as well as IDD/Autism services. Provides guidance and leadership to the treatment team regarding clinical issues.
Therapist will ensure individual compliance with all applicable state regulatory and contract requirements, as well as organizational policies, procedures and practices. Ensures that assigned foster care records contain appropriate documentation, provides liaison with referral sources, providers and consultants. Provides timely and accurate documentation. Provides supervision and training of assigned staff. Performs other duties as assigned and required by the Director of Foster and Adoption Services
FLSA Status: Exempt . 40 hours per week; Extended hours and on-call work as needed or required to maintain and monitor care above and beyond the standards established by the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS)
Supervisor: This position will report to the Director of Foster and Adoption Services
Non-Essential Functions:
  • Must maintain 30 clock hours of job-related training during the first year of assignment to child placing responsibilities and at least 20 hours annually thereafter; all required clocked hours must relate directly to child placing responsibilities
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
Work Location: In personResponsibilities
  • Provides therapeutic services to children and families, which includes individual therapy for children or family therapy.
  • Organizes and leads group therapy, which includes coordinating support groups, psychoeducational groups for children, and develops ideas for new groups that can benefit the clients in our programs.
  • Ensures accurate and timely completion of all case associated documentation. Completes therapy notes for billing by deadlines set by the agency.
  • Must have flexibility adapting to changing workloads to include work in evenings, weekends and holidays as needed. Must be willing to travel to foster homes to see clients when needed, in addition to having client sessions in office.
  • Provides in-person, phone or video conference consultations in the event of a crisis, as needed.
  • Reviews and approves child treatment plans for children with mental and behavioral needs, as well as for children with intellectual and developmental delays, and autism. Participation in child’s treatment plans is also recommended, and therapist will be expected to create goals for the plan when they are seeing a client.
  • Intervenes in crisis situations, as needed, in order to ensure the safety of our children, staff, and parents.
  • Interacts with foster and/or adoptive families to provide support and coordinate program services.
  • Provides assistance to foster parents through treatment and training plans, and helps build connections with other support systems.
  • Advocates for foster parents and foster children with the managing conservator, school systems, courts, and HHH.
  • Assists with foster parent training, which happens on Saturdays (once a month). This includes but is not limited to organizing and presenting a training topic, leading groups with children while they are in childcare, or other duties as assigned.
  • Practices within the highest ethics and standards of their identified profession and Helping Hand Home for Children, Inc.
  • Develops and maintains effective working relationships between CPS staff, law enforcement officials, judicial officials, legal resources, medical professionals and other community resources.
  • Participates in on-call services as needed. This is primarily when it pertains to mental health crises for clients when evaluation is needed.
  • Supportive of the program philosophy, goals and objectives.
Required SkillsKNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
  • Ability to be credentialed and contracted upon hire (fully licensed).
  • Knowledge of trauma informed best practices and experience working with clients in foster care that have mental, behavioral, or intellectual needs that pose a greater challenge when providing care. Must also have experience working with children with autism.
  • Ability to effectively resolve problems or issues using judgment that is consistent with standards, policies, procedures, regulation and/or government law.
  • Strong attention to detail, efficient time-management skills.
  • Ability to manage stress with multiple competing priorities.
  • Possesses integrity and compliance – can be relied upon to act ethically.
  • Demonstrates cultural and linguistic competence.
  • Possess knowledge and proficiency in SAMA techniques (Satori Alternative to Managing Aggression).
  • Basic proficiency utilizing personal computers, including basic word processing and menu driven applications.
  • Ability to use up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently and/or a small amount of force continuously to move objects.
  • Work may deal with areas such as preparing and reading data and figures and visual inspection involving small details.
  • Ability to perform moderately difficult manipulation such as writing, typing, foot, and hand-eye coordination required.
  • Ability to receive verbal instructions, answer phones, etc. with some background noise.
  • Ability to access and coordinate services.
  • Ability to function as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
  • Ability to organize and prioritize duties/responsibilities efficiently.
  • Ability to communicate clearly both in written and spoken form.
  • Maintain current license/certification/training in Texas.
  • Maintains CPR/First Aid certification, if applicable.
  • Presents and maintains professional appearance and demeanor.
  • Ability to adhere to the Helping Hand Home for Children’s confidentiality policy.
  • Ability to work under minimal supervision; exercise good judgment and professionalism.
QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Master's degree in social work or equivalent human services advanced degree.
  • Licensure by the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council as an LCSW or LPC certification.
  • Specialized clinical expertise in treating children with a DSM-5 diagnosis for emotional disorders, oppositional defiant and other conduct disorders.
  • Training in Play Therapy preferred.
  • Understanding of how complex trauma affects development.
  • At least 2 years of related experience working with children.
  • Experience in formulating service plans and goals, implementing them and carrying them out.
  • Experience in treating children with emotional, behavioral, and conduct disorders.
  • Possess a valid driver’s license with a good driving record.
  • Obtain a recent tuberculosis test or chest X-ray verifying no active tuberculosis.
  • Must maintain a working cell phone at all times.
  • Must have your own reliable transportation, with insurance that complies with HHH’s insurance carrier requirements, as you will often be driving clients.
  • Bilingual (English / Spanish) preferred.
Work Location: In person