How I work: Hello! My name is Dr. Summer Chahin. I am a licensed clinical psychologist based in Michigan. As a licensed clinical psychologist with specialized training in pediatric behavioral health, I take a collaborative, culturally responsive, and strengths-based approach to care. My work is guided by evidence-based interventions and shaped by my experience in medical settings.

Focus areas include:

• Adjustment to illness/ related changes in physical abilities

• Functional Neurological Disorders

• Somatic Symptom Related Disorders

• Sleep Concerns

• Cancer Diagnosis & Treatment

I aim to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where patients and families feel heard and empowered. I focus on understanding the whole person—recognizing the interplay between physical and emotional health, developmental stage, family systems, and broader social and cultural factors. I work to help individuals manage symptoms, build resilience, and improve overall functioning. Whether addressing concerns like somatic symptoms, sleep challenges, or stress related to illness, I tailor treatment to meet each individual’s goals. I also acknowledge the impact of racial and health disparities on care and outcomes, and I strive to ensure my practice is equitable, inclusive, and trauma-informed. I can be reached directly at summer@nchpsych.com.

About Me: I am a licensed clinical psychologist with specialized training in pediatric behavioral health. I earned my undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology from Western Michigan University. I completed my pre-doctoral internship at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, focusing on pediatric psychology through the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Track, followed by a post-doctoral fellowship at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital/Michigan Medicine. I currently serve as an assistant professor at WMU Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, where I provide integrated behavioral health services in a primary care setting, including specialty clinics for functional neurological disorder and sleep. I’m particularly passionate about the role of social determinants of health in shaping physical and mental well-being. I integrate this perspective into both my clinical care and academic work. My primary research interests are in racial and health disparities. My therapeutic approach is collaborative, compassionate, and grounded in evidence-based practices. I strive to build strong relationships rooted in trust, respect, and cultural humility. I value transparency and open communication, and I work with individuals to identify challenges, build on strengths, and support meaningful, lasting change.

Licenses

Licensed Psychologist; Michigan

PSYPACT; Authorized to practice psychology via telehealth in 40+ states. See map here.

Education & Training

Post-Doctoral Fellowship: C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital/Michigan Medicine

Doctor of Philosophy: Western Michigan University

Master of Arts: Western Michigan University

Bachelor of Science: Western Michigan University

Selected Peer-Reviewed Publications

Dickson C.A., Ergun-Longmire B., Greydanus D.E., Eke R., Giedeman B., Nickson N.M., Hoang L.N., Adabanya U., Payares D.V.P., Chahin S., McCrary J., White K., Moon J.H., Haitova N., Deleon J., Apple R.W. Health equity in pediatrics: Current concepts for the care of children in the 21st century (Dis Mon) Disease-a-Month. 2024;70

Gates K., Chahin S., Damashek A., Dickson C., Lubwama G., Lenz D., Bautista T., Kothari C. The Relation of Maternal Psychosocial Risk Factors to Infant Safe Sleep Practices Maternal and Child Health Journal. 2024;28:1061-1071.

Greydanus D.E., Nazeer A., Qayyum Z., Patel D.R., Rausch R., Hoang L.N., Miller C., Chahin S., Apple R.W., Saha G., Prasad Rao G., Javed A. Pediatric suicide: Review of a preventable tragedy Disease-a-Month. 2024;70

Chahin S., Morse M., Qaddoumi I., Phipps S., Crabtree V.M.L., Brennan R.C., Wilson M.W., Rodriguez-Galindo C., Russell K.M., Parris K., Goode K., Willard V.W. An exploratory study of sleep habits in school-aged survivors of retinoblastoma Sleep Medicine. 2023;103:123-130.

Belachew B., Gates K.A., Chahin S. Behavioral aspects of chronic illness Behavioral Pediatrics: Introduction, Fifth Edition. 2022:65-74.

Chahin S. Psychologists’ Role in a Multidisciplinary Approach to Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Care Pediatric Clinics of North America. 2022;69(5):839-846.

Chahin S., Apple R.W., Dickson C. Helping Physicians Collaborate with Psychologists Pediatric Clinics of North America. 2022;69:819-823.

Chahin S., Damashek A., Ospina F., Dickson C. Evaluation of a Safe Sleep Training for Home Visitors and Their Clients Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings. 2022;29:477-488.

Chahin S., Holowicki A.N. Behavioral and psychological assessment in pediatric primary care settings Behavioral Pediatrics: Introduction, Fifth Edition. 2022:45-56.

Chahin S., Apple R. Obsessive compulsive disorder: Diagnosis and treatment International Journal on Disability and Human Development. 2021;20:365-368.

Chahin S.S., Patel K., Apple R.W. Provider and patient interaction in the newborn period Caring for the Newborn: A Comprehensive Guide for the Clinician. Second Edition. 2021:175-181.

Greydanus D.E., Apple R.W., Chahin S.S. Integrated Behavioral Health Care: Reflections of the Past Pediatric Clinics of North America. 2021;68:519-531.

Chahin S.S., Apple R.W., Kuo K.H., Dickson C.A. Autism spectrum disorder: psychological and functional assessment, and behavioral treatment approaches Translational Pediatrics. 2020;9:S66-S75.

Damashek A., Kothari C., Berman A., Chahin S., Lutzker J.R., Guastaferro K., Whitaker D.J., Shanley J., Self-Brown S. Engagement in Home Visiting Services during the Transition from Pregnancy to Postpartum: A Prospective Mixed Methods Pilot Study Journal of Child and Family Studies. 2020;29:11-28.