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CEO, Michael’s House

Craig MacLaughlin

Craig MacLaughlin joined the staff of Michael’s House in 2010, and he has been a pioneer in the field of integrated treatment for more than 30 years. A Southern California native who graduated from San Diego State University, he began his career working in the mental health field, providing services to young adults and their families. After many years at Scripps Hospital, Craig was part of developing a 150-bed shelter to provide integrated substance abuse and mental health treatment to homeless men in San Diego. As the shelter grew, the complexity of the individuals as well as the need to access both mental health services and substance abuse treatment became apparent. As he encountered barriers to accessing services at the local, state and federal levels, Craig became a devoted advocate for integrating co-occurring treatment systems.

Craig’s original career goal was to be a successful psychologist and work in the corporate world, but then he started working in a psychiatric facility for kids and never left. It wasn’t that he lost his passion for the business world, he just discovered a new one: he realized he wanted to help this population and was drawn in by the need he saw. Many of the young patients Craig worked with were struggling with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders. It was this early experience that led Craig to develop one of the first integrated recovery centers in San Diego. He went on to pioneer numerous integrated systems, including youth centers, family

programs, culturally specific services, gender and age specific systems of care, welfare-to-work support services and judicial centers. His work did not go unnoticed. In early 2000, Craig received a prestigious annual award from the state of California for his work in developing public policy for integrating mental health and substance abuse. Craig went on that year to develop a network of statewide community events, bringing thousands together to develop and support services for co-occurring disorders treatment. He has also assisted with numerous grants, research studies and events, resulting in millions of dollars dedicated to integrated services.

Craig

MacLaughlin

has pioneered

numerous

integrated

systems, including

youth centers,

family programs &

culturally specific

services.

MichaelsHouse.com | (866) 494.7787

Passion and CommitmentCraig’s role at Michael’s House is multi-faceted. He assisted in developing the new system of care used by all Foundations Recovery Network facilities, but his day-to-day focus is offering the healthiest clinical and organizational support system to the staff. In his three decades in the field, he has come to understand the importance of a healthy leadership team. “I truly believe that in order to assist this patient population, there must be a commitment and passion for this complex work,” Craig explains.

Craig has that commitment and passion, and that is what drew him to Michael’s House originally. He recognized that it was one of the few facilities utilizing integrated services, and the staff shared his vision and values. As passionate as he is about his work, Craig knows that balance is key. In his free time, he enjoys the outdoors, having backpacked through almost every country in the world. He also loves working out, meeting new people and attending almost any type of live performance.

About Foundations Recovery NetworkFoundations Recovery Network is recognized as the premier leader in integrated treatment for co-occurring addiction and mental health concerns. Our award-winning model combines evidence-based addiction treatment with innovative therapies for emotional and mental health to address co-occurring disorders effectively. Results demonstrate that FRN patients are more than twice as likely to maintain sobriety one year post-treatment compared to those who attend traditional programs.

Craig MacLaughlin believes that listening to patients and families is of primary importance. This is at the core of the

Michael’s House patient-centered care philosophy.

A Patient-Centered ProgramCraig does not just oversee the regular clinical staff—he also takes on the task of mentoring new clinicians. One of the key elements he seeks to convey to them is that listening to the patients and families is of primary importance. This is at the core of what Michael’s House does. The talented team of professionals at Michael’s House brings a wealth of experience to the program, and each one is committed to patient needs. Craig encourages the team to always remain open to new perspectives about providing the best care. This diverse group of intelligent clinicians at Michael’s House benefits from each professional

sharing his or her varied knowledge and ideas about how to best serve each patient. Michael’s House is a safe haven for those seeking recovery from addiction and mental health issues, and our commitment to patient-centered care offers patients a unique, personalized recovery experience.