Dr. Atkinson recieved her Ba degree from Springfield College , a M.Ed from the University of Oklahoma and MS and PH.D's from the University of Houston. She completed a clinical internship at the University of Miami Medical School Center for Child Development. She has been in private practice since 1984. Dr. Atkinson's special interests include assessments through the life span from infants, school children to the elderly. She offers cognitive behavioral therapy to achieve the most effective results.
She is a member of the American Psychological Association (APA) Alabama Psychological Association (APA) and is a member of the Association of Licensed Psychologists of Alabama. She was a founding member of the North Alabama Psychological Association, past president of the Alabama Psychological Association and has been a member of the American Psychological Association committies. She was a Rape Response Founding Board Member and serves on the YMCA and ARC Board of Directors.