Types of Counseling

At Steven and Alexandra Cohen Children’s Medical Center of New York, we offer both pre-adoption child counseling services, post-adoption child counseling services and post-adoption evaluation for parents and families.

We know that choosing to adopt a child is one of the most important decisions that you can make, and our counseling and evaluation services ease the transition and make the process an easier one for you and your family.

The child adoption counseling process comes with its own challenges and time constraints, and our experts understand the process. That is why they will evaluate your child as soon as possible after you call and then give you our findings and suggestions in person, over the telephone or by fax depending on your preference.

Pre-Adoption Counseling
Sometimes children being considered for adoption have medical and developmental problems that have not been identified. At the Adoption Evaluation Center at Steven and Alexandra Cohen Children's Medical Center, an expert in developmental and behavioral pediatrics counsels parents about the child they plan to adopt.

This assessment will help parents to better understand the medical, developmental and emotional needs of a particular child.

We are sensitive to the time constraints of the adoption process. Once an assessment is made, consultations with parents can be done in person, by telephone or by fax in a timely fashion.

Post-Adoption Counseling
It can also be helpful for parents to consult a professional in developmental pediatrics after they have adopted a child, and these services are also available at the Center.

Post-Adoption Evaluation
In the case of a child who has already been adopted, a comprehensive evaluation includes a thorough medical and developmental history of the child, general physical and neurological examinations and a developmental assessment.

To ease the child adoption and counseling process, we may also ask for the records of your child. If your child has been adopted from a foreign country, please provide an English translation and the original language of any medical records. Medical records should include the child’s birth weight, length, and head circumference, birth history (including gestational age and delivery method), any medical diagnosis, medication taken, if any, immunization records, and growth records of weight, height and head circumference. Records of any specialty treatments such as surgery, blood transfusions or other therapies should also be obtained as part of the evaluation.

Our specialists are here to make your adoption process go smoothly and to help with every transition.