Robyn Harrod
(she/her)
Licensed Clinical Social Worker # 20878
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I have worked with children, adolescents, and families for close to 30 years. As the director of a Foster Family and Adoption Agency I have spent years advocating for children and youth in LA County’s foster care system, many of whom experienced discrimination, frequent moves from homes to group homes, and abuse due to their LGBTQIA+ identity. This was after being rejected by their families once they came out or began their transition. Becoming a strong ally for the youth in care included working closely with their families to ensure a safe return home so they didn’t age out of foster care and become homeless. What I always found most helpful was a team approach, reaching out to others who had experience and offered non-judgmental, supportive help to the youth and families I was working with. Now that I am in private practice, I feel much gratitude that I can be that support for others in a different capacity. I believe my past experience and professional skills can be helpful to parents of non-binary or trans children, and to those children and young adults who are experiencing their own gender non-conforming expression or transition.
In providing a safe space for parents, caregivers and partners of non-binary and trans people to explore their deeply held beliefs about gender I hope to lead them to a place of love and acceptance. For non-binary and trans clients, I offer a safe space where they can be their true authentic selves and my goal is to be a source of strength for them as they continue on their journey.
Previous to becoming an affiliate with the LAGC, my expertise has also been working with individuals and couples who have struggled with infertility and are now considering their choices in the family building process. The decision to start a family through alternative means can significantly impact a person’s life and I have been able to help alleviate some of the anxiety and stress involved with such an emotional decision. A large part of my practice is assisting people in the LGBTQAI+ community navigate the family building process and helping my clients decide on the best option for their family.
In my practice, I also provide psycho education on raising adopted children, foster children, or children conceived through third party reproduction. Additionally, I work with children and families post adoption, through individual and/or family therapy, dealing with issues that may arise as children get older. Having personal experience in third party reproduction, second parent adoption and LGBTQAI+ parenting, I am able to have a deeper understanding of what many of my clients may be experiencing.
I am a member of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), National Association of Social Workers, American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Resolve, The National Infertility Association, and The California Alliance of Child and Family Services
My practice is in Los Angeles, and I can be reached at 213-590-8498.