We offer youth and their families several alternatives for dealing with different problems they may be facing. All services are free and the teens we work with receive counseling, case management, referrals, and skill building. Using a trauma-focused lens, Child & Family Services' programs help children, youth, adults, and families heal and grow. We serve our community through offices in Traverse City, Harbor Springs, and Gaylord, and serve children, adults, and families across northwestern Michigan. Over the years, we have grown to respond to our communities changing needs, adding counseling, supervised visitation and exchange, intensive family preservation, and more to our roster of programs. We strive to ensure the safety and well-being of children, youth, adults, and families in times of crisis, challenge, and life transition.
You May Also Consider (Sponsored)
Quick Start Online Therapy: Tell Us a Little About Yourself and Get Matched With a Therapist Right for You
Take a simple guided quiz and let us know your preferences. Get matched to an online therapist right for you. Convenient and affordable online therapy from your phone, tablet or computer.
Have you been in therapy before?
Services Offered
Behavioral Health Services - Our Behavioral Health Department provides counseling to people of all ages. Our licensed therapists offer comprehensive individual and family therapy on a variety of issues. CFS' Trauma Assessment and Treatment Center provides comprehensive assessments of children and adolescents who have experienced significant trauma.
* Death, divorce, and illness * Traumatic experiences and PTSD * Marital and family concerns * Parenting challenges * Sexual abuse * Substance abuse and addiction * Adoption-related issues * Pregnancy * Building self-esteem * Depression * Bullying * Stress and anxiety * Anger * Domestic violence * Grief and loss
24/7 Counseling & Suicide Prevention - Third Level, a program of Child & Family Services, offers immediate counseling, information, and support for youth and adults as they navigate life's challenges. Trained counselors are available RIGHT NOW in person, on the phone, online, and through text messaging. Third Level is a proud member of the National Suicide Prevention Line Network and those at risk of suicide or suffering from depression who call those national numbers from a northern Michigan area code are routed to trained Third Level Counselors.
Counseling - We provide counseling to children, youth, adults, families, and couples on a variety of issues. Where appropriate, our counselors utilize a trauma-informed approach to treating children, adults, and families, as well as other evidence-based models of treatment. We are here to help define the problem and to provide the tools with which people can make a difference in their own lives.
Trauma Assessment & Treatment - Trauma occurs when dangerous or traumatic events overwhelm a person's ability to cope. Some examples include physical, emotional, or sexual abuse and neglect, witnessing or experiencing violence, serious accidents, illness, and loss of a loved one. Traumatic experiences have been linked to poor physical and mental health outcomes and a reduced quality of life. Our therapists use a trauma-informed approach, when appropriate, to help individuals and families overcome the negative effects of trauma.
Fees and Payment
We accept insurance plans and services are offered on a sliding scale. We are also a nonprofit organization.
Services Offered To: Adults Couples Teens Children
Special Groups: Bilingual
Payment: Sliding Scale Pro-bono Medicare Medicaid
If You Call, Please Let Us Know How it Went:
Were You Able to Make an Appointment?
One quick last question. Who was seeking counseling today?
Do you know the reason they are not accepting clients?
Qualifying for assistance from Michigan's program usually depends on the severity of your condition and financial circumstance. Read our full guide to Michigan's program.
A community counseling agency is a group therapy practice that offers affordable mental health services. Most are independent non-profit agencies, state agencies, or publicly-funded agencies. A few may restrict who is eligible for services, so it is a good idea to check when you call.
Community counseling agencies are generally more affordable than other therapy providers, but how much more affordable they are will depend on whether you qualify for a discount or sliding scale fee (or if they accept your insurance). Many, but not all, have a policy that they won't turn away anyone due to inability to pay. You should ask about their fees when you first call.
Expect to talk to kind people who want to help you find the care you need. Most community agencies strive to connect you with a live person within 24 hours, if not immediately. If you're asked to hold or leave a message, don't give up; just leave a message and wait. You should hear back pretty quickly.
Most agencies try to set up an initial assessment appointment within a week (some do within 24 hours), though the waitlist to start therapy is usually longer—about a few weeks on average. If you're not eligible or if the agency is not right for you, it's usually still worth it to call or drop in, because staff are knowledgeable about local options and can often refer you to one.