Transforming Lives: The Mission of Our LGBTQ Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center
The journey towards healing and recovery from mental health concerns and substance use can be a lonely one, particularly for individuals who may already experience societal marginalization — such as those in the LGBTQIA+ community.
The feeling of isolation can become overwhelming, with no one to understand or share in the struggles. For too many individuals, the pain of not being understood, of feeling judged or stigmatized, only adds layers to an already challenging situation.
The longing for connection, for someone to say, “I hear you, I see you, and you are not alone,” is a powerful need that goes unmet for too many. In this landscape of need, Mile High Recovery Center (MHRC) stands as your ally, offering support when you need it most.
Our LGBTQ Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center
Our LGBTQ dual diagnosis treatment center is dedicated to creating a space where every person is seen, heard, and validated. We offer our individuals a safe and supportive sanctuary from the judgment and stigma of the outside world.
With a compassionate approach and specialized programs tailored to the LGBTQIA+ community, our center is committed to breaking down barriers to recovery.
We make the path to wellness a journey of hope, healing, and rediscovery.
Understanding LGBTQ+ Experiences With Dual Diagnosis
The Challenges of LGBTQ+ People
LGBTQIA+ individuals navigate a world that often presents additional challenges when it comes to mental health and substance use. In fact, members of the LGBTQIA+ community are significantly more likely to experience these challenges compared to their heteronormative counterparts.3
According to recent research, middle-aged LGBTQIA+ adults have a greater risk of developing co-occurring disorders.4
Stigma and Discrimination
Dual Diagnosis and Its Intersection with LGBTQIA+ Identities
Barriers Preventing LGBTQ Care
This lack of support can result in inadequate treatment, misdiagnosis, or a complete avoidance of the healthcare system. This emphasizes the importance of effective LGBTQ dual diagnosis treatment centers.
LGBTQ Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center: The Mile High Approach to Treatment
At Mile High Recovery Center, we recognize the unique challenges faced by those at the intersection of LGBTQ identities and dual diagnosis. This is why we offer a holistic approach to their recovery at our LGBTQ dual diagnosis treatment center.
Safe Environment for All Gender Identities And Sexual Orientations
Integrating Evidence-Based Care and Cultural Competence Wellness Plan
Who We Are and What We Do
What to Expect at MHRC’s LGBTQ Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center
Specialized Assessment
- Their mental health history
- Substance use patterns
- Impact of their LGBTQIA+ identity on their well-being
Personalized Treatment Planning
Therapies Offered at Our LGBTQ Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
At MHRC, CBT is key for treating dual diagnosis in the LGBTQIA+ community. It helps identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors. This is crucial for LGBTQIA+ clients facing challenges like internalized stigma and discrimination.
We address issues like self-doubt, fear, and identity stress. This helps clients:
- Experience reduced symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues
- Manage cravings and triggers, leading to a reduction in substance use
- Regulate their emotions to cope with stress and adversity
- Improve self-esteem and view of themselves
- Adapt healthier coping strategies for dealing with life’s challenges
- Build resilience against future stressors and challenges
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT at our LGBTQ dual diagnosis treatment center is designed to help people manage difficult emotions and improve relationships through a balance of acceptance and change.
DBT addresses not just the symptoms of an individual’s mental health and substance use disorders but also the unique challenges they face. This includes complex social dynamics, coping with minority stress, and building a life worth living despite the societal stigma.
Key benefits of DBT at MHRC include:
- Enhanced emotional regulation to reduce impulsivity and the likelihood of substance misuse
- Improved interpersonal relationships in both personal and professional lives
- Tools to tolerate and survive crises without resorting to self-destructive behaviors
- Mindfulness helps clients stay present and grounded
Trauma Focused Therapy
In trauma-focused therapies, we address the root cause of mental health and substance use disorders. This helps the clients process and heal from past trauma. The sessions include various strategies, including eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).
The core components of our therapy include:
- Establishing a safe therapeutic environment
- Guiding clients through the process of confronting and reprocessing memories of traumatic events
- Helping clients integrate their trauma experience into their lives in a healthy way
Meditation
Meditation and mindfulness-based therapies are part of the wellness plans at MHRC. These practices enhance our existing treatments by offering a holistic approach to recovery, focusing on mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
By teaching clients to cultivate awareness of the present moment, we aim to address the complex challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community.
Clients can benefit in the following ways:
- Learning to manage their emotions effectively, reducing impulsivity and the risk of substance misuse
- Decreasing symptoms of anxiety and depression, contributing to an improved mental health state
- Providing clients with effective mechanisms for managing stress, cravings, and triggers in a healthy manner
- Encouraging a kind, non-judgmental attitude toward oneself, crucial for healing and recovery.
Group Therapy
In group therapy sessions at our LGBTQ dual diagnosis treatment center, clients have the opportunity to connect with peers who face similar challenges. These sessions are facilitated by trained therapists who specialize in creating a safe, inclusive, and affirming space for all participants.
In the group therapy sessions:
- Clients can share their experiences, challenges, and successes, which helps reduce feelings of isolation and stigma.
- Participants offer each other emotional support, understanding, and encouragement, enhancing the recovery process.
- Group sessions often focus on developing coping strategies, communication skills, and healthy behaviors in a supportive group context.
- Clients gain insights from the diverse experiences and coping strategies of their peers.
Family Therapy
Challenging Misconceptions and Stigma
Families are also guided in planning for a future that includes open communication, mutual respect, and unconditional support. With the family therapy sessions, we aim to develop coping strategies for external stigma or discrimination and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ individual’s identity.
Supportive Community and Peer Networks
Education and Advocacy
Your Path to Healing Starts at Mile High’s LGBTQ Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center
Contact Mile High Recovery Center Today
Reach out to us today for more information about our LGBTQ dual diagnosis treatment center.
Resources
- https://www.samhsa.gov/medications-substance-use-disorders/medications-counseling-related-conditions/co-occurring-disorders
- https://www.sageusa.org/news-posts/startling-mental-health-statistics-among-lgbtq-are-a-wake-up-call/
- https://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/press-announcements/20230613/samhsa-releases-new-data-lesbian-gay-bisexual-behavioral-health
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7401198/
- https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-023-04632-z#:~:text=Compared%20to%20patients%20without%20COD,CI%3A%201.23%E2%80%932.78).
- https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2013/06/13/a-survey-of-lgbt-americans/