A Legacy of Healing in Pontiac
ETRS Pontiac Advisors was founded with a singular purpose: to provide the residents of Pontiac and surrounding Michigan communities with a world-class addiction treatment facility they could trust. Situated at 69 W Huron St in the heart of downtown Pontiac, our center was born from the recognition that too many individuals struggling with substance use disorders were forced to travel far from their families and support systems to receive quality care.
Our founders, a group of addiction medicine specialists and community advocates, envisioned a treatment center that would blend clinical excellence with genuine warmth. From the beginning, we committed to meeting each person where they are, honoring their unique story, and crafting a recovery plan designed around their specific needs, not a one-size-fits-all protocol.
Today, ETRS Pontiac Advisors stands as one of Michigan's most respected treatment facilities, having guided thousands of individuals and families through the journey from active addiction to sustained, meaningful recovery. Our Pontiac location allows clients to stay connected to their community while receiving the intensive, professional support they need to heal.
Our Mission
To empower individuals affected by addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders with compassionate, evidence-based treatment that restores hope, rebuilds lives, and strengthens the Pontiac community we proudly call home.
Our Core Values
Compassion First
We treat every client with dignity, empathy, and unconditional respect, recognizing that addiction is a medical condition deserving of professional care.
Clinical Excellence
Our programs are grounded in peer-reviewed research, and our clinical team continuously pursues advanced training in addiction medicine.
Individualized Care
No two recovery journeys are alike. We design personalized treatment plans that address the whole person, including physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Community Commitment
As a Pontiac-based facility, we invest in the well-being of our local community through outreach, education, and accessible treatment options.
Integrity & Transparency
We maintain open communication with clients and families, providing honest assessments and setting realistic expectations for every stage of treatment.
Family Involvement
Addiction affects the entire family unit. We actively include loved ones in the recovery process through dedicated family therapy and education programs.
Evidence-Based, Whole-Person Treatment
At ETRS Pontiac Advisors, we combine the latest clinical research with holistic healing practices to address every dimension of addiction, because lasting recovery requires treating the mind, body, and spirit together.
Our Treatment Philosophy
We believe that addiction is a complex, chronic brain disorder influenced by genetics, environment, and individual life experiences. Our approach rejects shame-based models in favor of medically informed, person-centered care. Every client who walks through our doors in Pontiac receives a comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment that examines not only their substance use history but also their mental health, medical status, family dynamics, and personal goals.
From this assessment, our multidisciplinary team develops a fully individualized treatment plan that integrates evidence-based therapies with holistic practices. We adjust each plan as the client progresses, ensuring that care remains responsive and relevant throughout every phase of recovery.
Treatment Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Identify and restructure negative thought patterns that fuel addictive behaviors. CBT equips clients with practical coping skills for triggers and cravings.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Build emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness skills through a structured, skills-based therapeutic framework.
Group Therapy
Connect with peers in facilitated sessions that foster mutual support, shared accountability, and the realization that you are not alone in recovery.
Individual Counseling
Work one-on-one with a licensed therapist to explore personal trauma, set recovery goals, and develop strategies tailored to your unique situation.
Family Therapy
Heal damaged relationships, establish healthy boundaries, and create a supportive home environment through guided family sessions and education.
12-Step Facilitation
Engage with the time-tested principles of the 12-step model in a professionally facilitated setting that integrates fellowship with clinical care.
Holistic Therapies
Complement clinical treatment with yoga, meditation, art therapy, and mindfulness practices that promote physical health and inner peace.
Continuum of Care
Recovery is not a single event but an ongoing journey. Our continuum of care ensures seamless transitions through every stage of treatment.
Intake & Assessment
Comprehensive evaluation of your medical, psychological, and substance use history to create a personalized treatment roadmap.
Medical Detox
24/7 medically supervised detoxification to ensure a safe, comfortable withdrawal process under the care of board-certified physicians.
Residential Treatment
Immersive, structured inpatient program with daily therapy, peer support groups, and skill-building workshops in our Pontiac facility.
Outpatient Programs
Flexible IOP and outpatient options that allow you to continue therapy while reintegrating into your daily life and responsibilities.
Aftercare & Alumni
Ongoing alumni support, relapse prevention planning, and community resources to sustain your long-term recovery well beyond discharge.
Dedicated Professionals Who Care
Our multidisciplinary team brings decades of combined experience in addiction medicine, behavioral health, and holistic care to serve every client at our Pontiac facility.
Dr. Marcus D. Whitfield
Executive Director
MBA, CADC | 18+ years in addiction treatment administration. Dr. Whitfield oversees all clinical and operational aspects of ETRS Pontiac Advisors, ensuring that every program meets the highest standards of patient care and regulatory compliance.
Dr. Sarah L. Okonkwo, MD
Medical Director
Board-Certified in Addiction Medicine & Psychiatry | 15+ years of clinical practice. Dr. Okonkwo leads our medical team, overseeing detox protocols, medication-assisted treatment, and integrated care for co-occurring mental health disorders.
Angela R. Vasquez, LCSW, LCDC
Clinical Director
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor | 12+ years specializing in trauma-informed addiction care. Angela directs all therapeutic programming and supervises our clinical counseling staff.
Our Credentials
Every member of the ETRS Pontiac Advisors clinical team holds nationally recognized credentials and participates in ongoing continuing education.
Board-Certified Physicians
Specialists in addiction medicine and psychiatry providing medical oversight for all treatment programs.
Licensed Clinical Social Workers
Therapists trained in trauma-informed care, case management, and comprehensive psychosocial assessment.
Licensed Professional Counselors
Counselors specializing in substance use disorders, mood disorders, and behavioral interventions.
Certified Addiction Counselors
Dedicated substance abuse professionals with specialized certification in addiction recovery support.
Registered Nurses
Round-the-clock nursing staff ensuring client safety, medication management, and medical monitoring during detox and residential care.
A Healing Environment Designed for Recovery
Our Pontiac facility combines clinical excellence with comfort, providing amenities that support your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being throughout treatment.
Private Rooms
Comfortable, fully furnished private rooms provide a peaceful personal sanctuary where clients can rest and reflect during their recovery journey.
Gourmet Meals
Nutritious, chef-prepared meals served three times daily support physical healing and restore the body's balance during treatment.
Fitness Center
A state-of-the-art gym with modern cardio and strength equipment helps clients rebuild physical health and establish sustainable exercise habits.
Yoga Studio
Daily yoga classes promote flexibility, mindfulness, and stress relief, serving as a powerful complement to traditional therapeutic modalities.
Meditation Garden
A serene outdoor space designed for quiet contemplation, guided meditation sessions, and reconnecting with the natural world.
Swimming Pool
Our indoor pool offers aquatic therapy sessions and recreational swimming, providing low-impact exercise that promotes both relaxation and physical recovery.
Recreation Room
A welcoming common area where clients build peer connections through games, activities, and informal social interaction during leisure time.
Art Therapy Room
A dedicated creative space equipped for painting, drawing, and expressive arts, guided by certified art therapists as part of our holistic programming.
Family Visiting Area
A warm, comfortable space where clients can meet with loved ones during scheduled visiting hours, strengthening the family bonds essential to long-term recovery.
Stories of Recovery and Hope
Hear from real people whose lives have been transformed through treatment at ETRS Pontiac Advisors in Pontiac, Michigan.
Start Your Own Recovery Story
Every journey begins with a single step. Reach out to ETRS Pontiac Advisors today and let our team in Pontiac, Michigan help you take yours. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
(231) 201-3929