Susan Branco, PhD

Susan Branco, PhD, LPC (VA), LCPC (MD), NCC, ACS, BC-TMH, (she/her/ella), is a transracial and transnational adoptee from Colombia, South America. She is an advocate for increased adoption related research and training within counselor education and is passionate about improving mental health outcomes for transracially adopted persons. For fourteen years she maintained an independent clinical practice specializing in working with adults, children, and families connected to adoption and foster care. In addition, she has professional experience working in community mental health, pre-natal care clinics, and with immigrant populations. Dr. Branco utilizes attachment theory, family systems, and trauma informed approaches in her clinical practice. She held core faculty positions in both on ground and online CACREP accredited counselor education programs. Currently, Dr. Branco is a practicing counselor, clinical supervisor, and an Associate Professor in the Counseling Department at Palo Alto University. Her research interests include transracial adoption and mental health, Colombian adoption policy, and clinical training and supervision practices for BIPOC counselors. In addition, she has multiple peer-reviewed publications related to her research interests and frequently presents at regional, national, and international counseling related conferences.