Diversity, Equity,
and Inclusion
Multicultural, Multidisciplinary, United by Equity
At Mala Child & Family Institute, we believe healing happens when every person feels seen, valued, and safe. As a proudly immigrant- and female-owned mental health clinic serving Plymouth, Ann Arbor, Farmington Hills, and all of Michigan through virtual care, we are committed to providing trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming, and culturally sensitive services for every client, family, and community we serve.
Our DEI values are deeply woven into how we care, how we train, and how we work. Our two DEI whys are clear: We believe everyone deserves a space where they are seen, heard, and free to be their full selves. And we are committed to reshaping narratives and building a legacy of cultural healing. Our DEI work is grounded in the belief that healing can only happen in spaces where people feel safe, affirmed, and respected in their identities. We are here to hold space for those who have historically been silenced or misrepresented, while also guiding those who are still growing in cultural humility, with both compassion and accountability. We aim to make belonging a felt experience, not just a stated value. As a department led by lived experience, we understand the pain of being told you’re “too much” simply for existing authentically. We are here to challenge and reframe those narratives, with directness, empathy, and intention. Our mission is to expand the definition of what healing looks like, and to cultivate a legacy that uplifts underrepresented voices and transforms how culture is understood, valued, and honored in mental health care.
How DEI Shapes Our Services:
We know that mental health is never one-size-fits-all. That’s why our clinic offers a multidisciplinary approach that honors the unique cultural, neurodevelopmental, and life experiences of each client. We provide:
Psychotherapy for children, teens, adults, couples, and families
Psychiatric medication management and psychiatric consultations
Occupational therapy services for sensory, developmental, and functional needs
Psychological evaluations for ADHD, autism, mood, trauma, and more
School advocacy services to support equitable learning environments
Specialized programs like art therapy, DBT groups, parent coaching, and social skills groups
Support for special populations, including neurodivergent individuals, immigrants, BIPOC communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, homeschooled children, and those navigating intergenerational trauma
Whether you’re seeking care for anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, OCD, addiction, trauma, or perinatal/postpartum concerns, you are met with respect, cultural humility, and an understanding of your lived experience.
How DEI Shapes Our Training:
Mala is a teaching clinic, and we are proud to be led by Antoinette Ulmer, MSW, the founder and director of our DEI program. As a social worker and BIPOC therapist, Antoinette is deeply committed to making space for the voices and lived experiences often overlooked in traditional clinical settings. For Antoinette, this work is personal: she knows firsthand the power of culturally responsive care and the importance of lifting up diverse trainees who will go on to reshape the future of mental health care.
Under her leadership, our trainees in social work, psychology, marriage and family therapy, counseling, and psychiatric nursing are taught to:
Recognize systemic inequities in healthcare and education
Offer neurodiversity-affirming, trauma-informed interventions
Work effectively with clients from marginalized or underrepresented communities
Integrate evidence-based practices with cultural sensitivity
We are proud that 50% of Mala’s efforts are dedicated to training and education, because transforming the future of care starts with how we mentor, guide, and elevate our team.
How DEI Shapes Our Workplace
Internally, we hold ourselves to the same standards we offer to clients. Our leadership prioritizes:
Hiring diverse staff who reflect the communities we serve
Providing staff training and workshops on anti-racism, cultural humility, and inclusive practices
Creating psychologically safe work environments where team members feel supported and heard
Advocating for work-life balance, mental health, and fair compensation to reduce burnout and build a sustainable, equity-focused workplace
We believe that when our staff feel valued, they are empowered to offer their best care, and that benefits every family we touch.
Why Choose Mala for Inclusive Mental Health Care?
Local, community-rooted care across Plymouth, Ann Arbor, Farmington Hills, and virtual Michigan
Comprehensive, multidisciplinary services under one roof
Expertise in trauma, neurodiversity, cultural identity, and systemic barriers
Deep investment in staff training, mentorship, and DEI-centered practices under the leadership of Antoinette Ulmer, MSW.
Passionate, mission-driven team committed to breaking cycles of trauma and building generational healing
Our DEI Department’s Guiding Pillars
Cultural Integrity: We will not dilute our voices, values, or identity to make others more comfortable.
Rest as Resistance: Rest is sacred. We will model boundaries by taking time off fully, without guilt, and without constant access.
Aligned Collaboration Only: We will create and enter spaces only where our values are respected and shared. We work in partnership with those who truly understand the depth of this work.
