Our Healing Philosophy
Our Healing
Philosophy
Trauma-Informed, Neurodiversity-Affirming, and Culturally Sensitive Care & Training
At Mala Child and Family Institute, we believe the most effective mental health care comes from a collaborative, multidisciplinary team. Our integrative approach brings together psychologists, social workers, counselors, art therapists, occupational therapists, marriage and family therapists, and psychiatric providers to develop personalized, evidence-based treatment plans for each client. By combining expertise across disciplines, we offer comprehensive care for children, teens, and adults — supporting those with anxiety, trauma, ADHD, autism, OCD, addiction, depression, eating disorders, and more. This team-based model ensures clients receive the highest quality, trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming, and culturally sensitive care, whether in person or through virtual sessions across Michigan.
This is Mala:
We believe that safe and loving relationships are the foundation of emotional well-being. Humans are wired for connection, and we honor this truth in everything we do. From the way our team relates to one another to the way we engage with our clients, relationships come first. We strive to create trust-based, trauma-informed connections that foster growth, resilience, and healing. Because when people feel seen and valued, real transformation becomes possible.
Connection
Our work is a calling. We are driven by a deep sense of purpose to provide trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming, and culturally sensitive care to clients across all life stages. Just as importantly, we’re committed to training the next generation of clinicians through thoughtful mentorship, supervision, and hands-on learning. We approach every moment with intention, integrity, and heart. This is the work that fuels us — and it’s our greatest joy to do it in partnership with you.
Purpose
We are committed to breaking intergenerational cycles of trauma, not only within families, but across schools, healthcare systems, workplaces, and communities. We recognize that ableism, racism, and systemic oppression are deeply intertwined with mental health, and we actively work to dismantle these barriers in every aspect of our care. At Mala, care is liberation, rooted in justice, inclusion, and the right to heal with dignity and joy.
Freedom
Respect is non-negotiable for ourselves, for one another, and for every person who walks through our doors. Every person deserves to be seen, valued, and included, regardless of identity or lived experience. We honor each individual’s story with curiosity, compassion, and cultural humility, creating a space where dignity, equity, and belonging are woven into every interaction. No matter who you are or where you come from, you are welcome here — fully and without exception.
Respect
We believe that authenticity is more powerful than perfection. You don’t have to hide your struggles or pretend to have it all together — we meet you exactly as you are. Your messiness, your emotions, your questions, and your truth are all welcome here. You are always worthy of being heard, supported, and seen. We create spaces where people can show up fully and be met with genuine care, deep listening, and nonjudgmental support — because healing begins when we feel safe to be real.
Realness
We show up with relentless dedication to our clients and our mission. Our team has received rigorous, evidence-based training grounded in the latest science and best practices. We bring courage, compassion, and clinical excellence to every session, walking alongside you through the hardest moments with steadiness and skill. You deserve care from providers who never stop learning, never give up, and are deeply committed to your healing and growth.
Tenacity
We provide heart-driven, integrative mental health care & training for individuals, families, communities, & future clinicians.
quick facts
30+
Clinicians make up the Mala family
6
Languages spoken: Arabic, English, Farsi, Hindi, Urdu & Telugu
3
Locations: Ann Arbor, Farmington Hills, Plymouth, & Virtual Care
7
Major universities recognize Mala Child and Family Institute as a top clinical training facility
Explore Our Unique Care Approach
-
Trauma Informed Care
Trauma leaves deep imprints on the nervous system and shapes how individuals experience the world. Our trauma-informed care approach ensures that every interaction, recommendation, and intervention is sensitive to your past and avoids re-traumatization. We focus on safety, trust, collaboration, and empowerment, so you can heal with confidence.
-
Neurodiversity-Affirming Care
We embrace neurodiversity as a natural and valuable part of human variation. Whether you or your child are autistic, ADHD, or neurotypical, our team focuses on supporting unique strengths rather than forcing anyone into conventional molds. We reject deficit-based thinking and foster environments where people can thrive as their authentic selves.
-
Culturally Sensitive Care
Culture shapes our values, beliefs, and experiences. We provide culturally sensitive care that honors each family’s traditions, background, and identity. Our clinicians are committed to continuous learning, humility, and respect, ensuring that every client feels seen, understood, and supported, no matter their cultural or racial background.