Irina S. Parkins, PhD

I’m a pediatric psychologist who specializes in helping children and adolescents with chronic pain and anxiety. I approach each family with empathy and understanding, knowing that each one has their own unique story. My role is to adapt to their needs while also working with their strengths.

My journey to being a psychologist started in high school, when I volunteered in the Pediatric Care Unit at Toledo Children’s Hospital. I held babies whose families were not able to be with them. Doing this, week after week, highlighted for me the importance of emotional and family support. My interest began to shift from the physical needs to the emotional and psychological needs of children and families, and when I entered college I majored in psychology.

In my practice, I believe my role is to provide children with effective tools to help them manage their symptoms and be independent. I draw upon my own life experiences of moving across the world as a teen and then parenting a child with a chronic medical condition. These experiences have given me the unique perspective of a provider and also of a parent, which drives the care of all my patients.

I believe in the short-term treatment model that equips patients and families with skills they can use right away as well as long-term. I also feel that parents and other caregivers should have major roles in treatment, so they can learn to feel confident in helping their children.

When I am not at work, I love spending time with my husband, our two children and our two dogs, Jack and Molly. We love to travel and explore different parts of the country, while trying to keep up with our children’s sports and activities.