About SunShine Therapy

SunShine Therapy is a psychotherapy counseling clinic in Ann Arbor, MI that uses evidence-based therapy. This means we only use research-proven treatment(s) for specific mental health disorders.

Our clinic started when its founder realized the lack of services, and some inappropriate services, that were being offered to people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who also have other mental health challenges (for an example also having anxiety, depression, learning challenges, or ADHD). Saddened and outraged by the disservice many families have received, SunShine Therapy was created.

Our primary purpose is to provide evidence based appropriate treatments to children and young adults with ASD who also happen to have another mental health challenge. We understand that people with ASD are not defined by their diagnosis. Here at SunShine Therapy we work to treat the individual (you) and help reduce any other mental health challenge using proven therapy techniques.

Additionally because of SunShine Therapy clinic's unique focus on evidence based approaches, our clinic is also able to provide excellent services for individuals who struggle with more than one diagnosis who do not have a ASD diagnosis.

Regardless if you have had a previous diagnosis of ASD, think you might have ASD, ASD is not a concern for you, you may only have one diagnosis, or you don't know if you have a diagnosis, ALL are welcome here at SunShine Therapy.

GET STARTED TODAY!

Initial mental health evaluations are completed on your first visit and will determine diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

CALL (734) 646-3149

Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide a compassionate and empowering psychotherapy environment where evidence-based assessments and treatments for mental health challenges and ASD are conducted. SunShine Therapy guides children, young adults, and/or their families in discovering the pieces of their own strengths while collaboratively working to unfold the pieces for a serene and optimistic future.

About the Founder

Our founder and director, SunShine Adkins, LMSW, received her Bachelor of Science degree at Michigan State University. She obtained her master’s graduate degree in social work at the University of Michigan, with an internship and two-year post-graduate fellowship program in child psychiatry and ASD.

As a licensed psychotherapist, she worked at the University of Michigan Child Psychiatry Department for several years prior to starting SunShine Therapy.

SunShine’s clinical expertise includes providing comprehensive diagnostic evaluations and evidence-based treatments of all childhood mental health disorders, with a specific focus on ASD. She has received distinguished training in the following areas:

Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R)

Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS)

Behavior Therapy

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

Motivational Interviewing

Social Skills

Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication Related Handicapped Children (TEACCH) Approach

As an Autism specialist, SunShine was the recipient of the 2012 Autism Hero award. She is also a member of the Autism Society of Michigan and National Association of Social Workers (NASW). She provides lectures and teaches in Ann Arbor and its surrounding communities.

SunShine’s research interests include cause, assessment, and treatment of ASD; training of professionals who provide psychotherapy to individuals with ASD and co-occurring mental health disorders; and evaluation of child and family intervention programs.

What We Do