An LGBTQ treatment center or program is intentionally built around the LGBTQ community. These centers typically offer separate programs categorized by gender identity or sexual orientation and are staffed by professionals who are part of the community themselves or are highly familiar with LGBTQ issues.
One of the greatest benefits of a transgender or gay treatment center is a shared understanding of the unique stressors that LGBTQ people have to deal with due to their orientation or identity. Staff who are not part of the community are trained to understand the needs and worries of their clients and provide a welcoming, non-judgmental environment for addiction treatment.
LGBTQ addiction treatment centers offer the full range of programming available to straight patients but provide extra support to address specific issues like:
Homophobia and transphobia
Discrimination
Familial rejection
Coming out