LGBT individuals are more likely to suffer from an addiction or a mental illness than their peers. From discovering their sexuality to confronting societal prejudice, there are many reasons why it is so difficult for many people to grow up in the LGBT community. Once someone realizes that they have an addiction, LGBT affirmative therapy can help. This kind of treatment programs focuses on the unique needs and experiences of LGBT individuals as they recover.
What Is LGBT Affirmative Therapy?
At an addiction rehab, individuals will often find treatments like LGBT affirmative therapy or a PTSD treatment program. When it comes to getting treatment, one of the significant barriers for LGBT people is finding a supportive program. Often, people are afraid of discrimination or judgment. At the very least, individuals may worry that their therapist is unaware of diverse gender and sexual identities.
When someone begins treatment, they should not have to teach their counselor about gender and sexual identities. It is not the client’s job to retrain counselors who grew up with an unconscious bias about diverse identities. The client’s only job is attending rehab and getting the care they need. Because of this, finding an LGBT friendly rehab is extremely important.
How the Right Treatment Can Help
For years, psychologists actually thought that being gay was a mental disorder. Now, that stigma is finally changing. Instead of wrongly trying to change someone’s identity or sexual orientation in treatment, therapists use LGBT affirmative therapy instead.
No one needs treatment for their gender or sexual identity. Instead, the only thing clients need is help with their actual mental illness. In some cases, clients may also need family counseling if a family member struggles to accept the client for who they are. With this kind of therapy program, integration and acceptance are a key part of treatment.
An LGBT-friendly therapist may offer treatment for trauma, grief, PTSD, depression or other mental illnesses. Any kind of therapist can offer LGBT-friendly programs. By finding this kind of treatment program, individuals can get the type of support they need.
Choosing a Treatment Program
Whether someone needs addiction rehab or help for a mental illness, finding the right treatment center can make a humongous difference. This is especially important for LGBT individuals and their families. LGBT affirmative therapy provides individuals with the supportive, understanding environment they need to recover. Depending on the treatment center, clients can find options through programs such as:
- Art, massage, and recreational therapy
- Pet therapy
- Individual, family and group therapy
- Marriage counseling
- Nutrition education
- Acupuncture treatment
- On-site detox
Taking the first step is challenging, but a quality rehab center can help. If you or a loved one is struggling to become sober, Pillars Recovery can help. Our addiction specialists can help you begin your personal journey on the path of sobriety. To learn more about our programs, call us at 8667820247.
