Dr. Chaitra Wirta-Leiker, LP

Since taking my first psychology class in high school, I knew that this was the field in which I was meant to work. When the Columbine High School tragedy occurred so close to home, I became dedicated to working with youth and families who had experienced trauma, and this connected strongly with my other areas of passion: adoption and bullying. I was adopted from India as an infant and understand firsthand what is like to struggle with issues of race, identity, societal expectations, and family relationships – and after adopting my own child, my awareness of the multi-faceted and complex world of adoption grew.

I have worked in the mental health field since 2002, and I am currently a licensed psychologist in Colorado, with the ability to practice in multiple other states through PSYPACT approval. I believe that every individual who visits my office has a unique story to share and deserves to have their story heard in a safe, compassionate, and supportive space. I strongly believe in the importance of valuing each client’s lived experiences, especially those who identify with marginalized identities and are seeking professional support from a provider with a passion for social justice. I carefully and thoughtfully chose the name of my practice, “Beyond Words,” because I believe that our therapeutic relationship is built on a foundation of trust and collaboration that goes beyond language to a place of genuine understanding.

I am the founder of the National-Adoptee Therapist Directory, the only resource of its kind, providing a list of US-based licensed clinicians who identify as adoptees for families to find providers. I am also the author of the “Adoptees Like Me” illustrated children’s book series, which uplifts and empowers the voices and perspectives of young adoptees while normalizing the experience of therapy. I am a contributor to I AM ADOPTEE, where I serve on their subsidized mental health program review board. I have also served on the Adoptee Advisory Board for Heritage Camps for Adoptive Families, the steering committee for the Society of Adoption Professionals of Color in Adoption and as a consultant to The Adoptee Mentoring Society.