Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Counseling and Support Services in Northern Michigan
Catholic Human Services has been strengthening Northern Michigan communities since 1972 through compassionate social, emotional, and spiritual support. Founded by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Gaylord, we serve over 26,000 individuals annually across 21 counties with mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, open adoption services, and senior programs. Our evidence-based approach combines clinical expertise with personalized care, offering sliding-scale fees and financial assistance to ensure accessibility for all income levels. With administrative headquarters in Traverse City and regional offices in Alpena, Gaylord, and Cadillac, we partner with local agencies to deliver best-practice services tailored to community needs. Our 50-year legacy demonstrates unwavering commitment to addressing evolving challenges through innovative programs like Up North Prevention and Prime for Life classes.Our multidisciplinary team includes licensed therapists, certified peer recovery coaches, and prevention specialists dedicated to holistic well-being. We maintain strict confidentiality standards while providing both in-person and virtual care options. Community partnerships with healthcare providers, employers, and faith organizations enable comprehensive service delivery. Our financial transparency and donor-funded client assistance programs ensure no one is denied care due to financial constraints. As a trusted regional leader, we continue expanding services to meet growing demands for family counseling and addiction recovery support.
Services
Counseling Services
Alcohol and Drug Recovery
Employee Assistance Program
Adoption Services
Prevention Programs
Details
- Year established: 1972
Highlights and features
- 50 years of experience serving Northern Michigan communities
- Comprehensive services including mental health, addiction recovery, and adoption
- Evidence-based prevention programs recognized statewide
- Financial assistance available for all income levels
- Multidisciplinary team of licensed professionals and peer specialists
Associations and certifications
- State of Michigan Licensing
What people say
Life-changing recovery support
Affordable sliding-scale fees
Professional and compassionate staff
Comprehensive family services
Effective prevention programs
Services
Alcohol and Drug Recovery
Our comprehensive outpatient program addresses substance use disorders for adults, adolescents, and families. Certified clinicians employ evidence-based therapies tailored to individual needs while coordinating care with 12-step programs and medication-assisted treatment. Peer recovery coaches with lived experience provide ongoing support through personalized recovery journeys. Services include individual therapy, group sessions, and post-overdose response with same-day access to harm reduction resources.
Counseling Services
We offer individual and family counseling for stress management, trauma recovery, and mental health concerns. Our licensed therapists utilize best-practice strategies to address anxiety, depression, and relationship conflicts while maintaining strict confidentiality. Sliding fee schedules ensure accessibility, with free pregnancy counseling available. Services combine clinical expertise with spiritual support to promote holistic well-being for clients of all backgrounds.
Employee Assistance Program
This confidential program helps employers improve workforce well-being through immediate access to counseling and organizational consulting. Services include crisis intervention, workplace conflict resolution, and stress management resources. Employers benefit from reduced absenteeism and healthcare costs while employees receive timely support for personal and professional challenges. Our experienced team provides same-day appointments and organizational development guidance.
Adoption Services
As national pioneers in open adoption since 1980, we facilitate ongoing relationships between birth families and adoptive parents. Our program includes comprehensive counseling for expectant parents considering adoption and thorough preparation for adoptive families. With nearly 600 successful placements, we maintain rigorous standards for family assessments while respecting all parties' choices throughout the adoption journey.
Prevention Programs
Up North Prevention initiative delivers evidence-based substance abuse education and community coalition building. Our programs target youth and adult populations through school classes, workplace training, and community organizing efforts. The Prime for Life curriculum and interactive workshops aim to reduce substance use disorders across Northern Michigan through proactive education and collaborative prevention strategies.
People
Chip Cieslinski
President/CEO
Leading Catholic Human Services since 2021, Chip brings extensive executive experience in nonprofit management and community development. His leadership focuses on expanding mental health access and strengthening organizational capacity to meet evolving community needs.
Dr. Jaci Fitzgerald
Board Member
Family physician and advocate for child welfare, Dr. Fitzgerald contributes medical expertise and community engagement experience. She leads regional child advocacy efforts and supports natural family planning initiatives through her clinical practice in Harrisville.
Bishop Jeffrey J. Walsh
Board Member
Ordained as Gaylord's sixth bishop in 2022, Bishop Walsh provides spiritual guidance and institutional oversight. With advanced degrees in social work and divinity, he brings decades of pastoral and administrative experience to support CHS's mission alignment with Catholic values.
Barb Soffredine
Board Chairperson
Education leader with 40 years in Gaylord, Barb contributes expertise in public health and community service coordination. Her academic background and local network strengthen CHS's educational programming and outreach initiatives across Otsego County.
Paul Beachnau
Board Member
Executive director of Gaylord Tourism Bureau, Paul offers business development insights and community relations expertise. His family legacy with CHS spans five decades, providing deep institutional knowledge and regional economic perspective.
Questions
What mental health services do you offer?
We provide individual and family counseling for anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship issues using evidence-based therapies. All services maintain strict confidentiality with sliding-scale fees available.
How does your adoption program work?
Our open adoption model facilitates ongoing relationships between birth families and adoptive parents. We provide counseling for expectant parents and comprehensive preparation for adoptive families.
Do you accept insurance for addiction treatment?
We bill most insurance plans and offer sliding-scale fees. Financial assistance through donor funds ensures treatment access regardless of ability to pay.
Can employers access your EAP services?
Yes, our Employee Assistance Program provides confidential counseling and organizational consulting for businesses. Employers receive same-day appointment access and workplace wellness guidance.
Are prevention classes available online?
Up North Prevention offers virtual, in-person, and hybrid educational sessions for schools and organizations. Contact us to schedule customized substance abuse prevention training.
How do I access emergency recovery support?
Call our 24/7 post-overdose hotline at 1-833-DIAL-WRT for immediate harm reduction resources and treatment connections across Northern Michigan.
