By Julie Freer
Legal News
Kiernan Gamel meets clients at a time in their lives when they’re at a crossroads.
As the owner of Pacific Substance Abuse Assessment & Treatment Services, based in Jackson, Gamel provides confidential evaluations to individuals who’ve lost their driver’s licenses due to a drug or alcohol related offense along with assessments for court ordered and Department of Transportation violations. As a Certified Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CAADC), Gamel brings nearly 40 years of experience to his role in helping clients take the first steps towards restoring their driver’s licenses.
“My own recovery journey over 40 years ago inspired me,” said Gamel, who holds a Master’s in Social Work from Eastern Michigan University with a concentration in Mental Health and Chemical Dependency. “After treatment, I knew I wanted to help others, and that passion has driven me ever since.”
Gamel has extensive experience in mental health diagnosis and treatment, having worked as a program director, clinical supervisor, addictions therapist and substance abuse specialist in a wide variety of socio-cultural settings, such as the Betty Ford Center in California, the Crossroads Center in the West Indies (Eric Clapton’s alcohol and drug treatment center), and the Veterans Health Administration. He has also managed substance use disorder programming for eight Michigan prisons.
“Each step built my expertise before launching my practice,” said Gamel, who founded Pacific Substance Abuse Assessment & Treatment Services in 2015.
While the physical office is located in Jackson, he serves clients across the state of Michigan, offering virtual, phone or in-person assessments.
“After years in the field, I saw how vital [assessment and treatment services] were,” said Gamel.
The majority of assessments are virtual, and Gamel walks clients through each step, including a confidential interview regarding the individual’s background, substance use history, and any prior legal issues; standardized screening tools recognized by Michigan courts; and a written report sent directly to the client’s attorney, probation officer or the court.
The evaluation typically takes 60-90 minutes, and is designed to help the court system determine whether alcohol or drug use contributed to the client’s arrest, and whether education, treatment or monitoring is recommended.
Gamel said the assessments are structured, yet supportive.
“I collaborate closely with attorneys, ensuring assessments align with legal requirements,” said Gamel. “A strong assessment can transform a difficult process into an empowering step forward.”
He also maintains a blog on his website, pacificsubstancesbuse.com, that offers additional information on court processes - like appealing a driver’s license restoration denial in circuit court, and counsel on how to maintain sobriety during challenging times.
“I want people to know I guide them through what’s required to move forward,” said Gamel. “Success comes from honesty, commitment, and clear steps. I provide that structure so they feel supported in making changes and resolving their legal needs.”
For more information, visit pacificsubstanceabuse.com or call (517) 416-2010.
Legal News
Kiernan Gamel meets clients at a time in their lives when they’re at a crossroads.
As the owner of Pacific Substance Abuse Assessment & Treatment Services, based in Jackson, Gamel provides confidential evaluations to individuals who’ve lost their driver’s licenses due to a drug or alcohol related offense along with assessments for court ordered and Department of Transportation violations. As a Certified Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CAADC), Gamel brings nearly 40 years of experience to his role in helping clients take the first steps towards restoring their driver’s licenses.
“My own recovery journey over 40 years ago inspired me,” said Gamel, who holds a Master’s in Social Work from Eastern Michigan University with a concentration in Mental Health and Chemical Dependency. “After treatment, I knew I wanted to help others, and that passion has driven me ever since.”
Gamel has extensive experience in mental health diagnosis and treatment, having worked as a program director, clinical supervisor, addictions therapist and substance abuse specialist in a wide variety of socio-cultural settings, such as the Betty Ford Center in California, the Crossroads Center in the West Indies (Eric Clapton’s alcohol and drug treatment center), and the Veterans Health Administration. He has also managed substance use disorder programming for eight Michigan prisons.
“Each step built my expertise before launching my practice,” said Gamel, who founded Pacific Substance Abuse Assessment & Treatment Services in 2015.
While the physical office is located in Jackson, he serves clients across the state of Michigan, offering virtual, phone or in-person assessments.
“After years in the field, I saw how vital [assessment and treatment services] were,” said Gamel.
The majority of assessments are virtual, and Gamel walks clients through each step, including a confidential interview regarding the individual’s background, substance use history, and any prior legal issues; standardized screening tools recognized by Michigan courts; and a written report sent directly to the client’s attorney, probation officer or the court.
The evaluation typically takes 60-90 minutes, and is designed to help the court system determine whether alcohol or drug use contributed to the client’s arrest, and whether education, treatment or monitoring is recommended.
Gamel said the assessments are structured, yet supportive.
“I collaborate closely with attorneys, ensuring assessments align with legal requirements,” said Gamel. “A strong assessment can transform a difficult process into an empowering step forward.”
He also maintains a blog on his website, pacificsubstancesbuse.com, that offers additional information on court processes - like appealing a driver’s license restoration denial in circuit court, and counsel on how to maintain sobriety during challenging times.
“I want people to know I guide them through what’s required to move forward,” said Gamel. “Success comes from honesty, commitment, and clear steps. I provide that structure so they feel supported in making changes and resolving their legal needs.”
For more information, visit pacificsubstanceabuse.com or call (517) 416-2010.
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