Rainbow Services
Rainbow Services provides counselling to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transensual,transsexual, and intersex people
who are concerned about their use of drugs and alcohol. Our services are available to individuals with a variety of goals,
including those who want to try to quit, cut down, or who would just like to gain more awareness about their drinking or drug
use.
Our programs are specialized to take into account the unique needs and issues that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and
transsexual people face.
Who we are
Rainbow Services is staffed by gay, lesbian, bisexual and straight professionals who are trained and experienced in counselling
people with concerns about their use of alcohol and other drugs. We understand the issues that are specific to the lives of
lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and transsexual people that may affect their alcohol and drug use. Our services are respectful
and tailored to meet the needs of our communities.
What we offer
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assessment and referrals
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individual and group therapy
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day and residential programs
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weekly evening support groups
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support for families and/or partners
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couple counselling
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relapse prevention
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education on stress management, nutrition and leisure.
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Psychiatric consultations.
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concurrent disorder programs (for individuals with both mental health and substance use difficulties).
How it works
Individuals who are over the age of 18 can call one of the numbers given on this page. No referral is required. The first
appointment is usually for an assessment interview. Here, an individual meets one-on-one with a therapist to examine the issues
around his or her drug and alcohol use. The choice of counselling options is discussed and decided upon, and goals are established.
Depending on individual needs and preferences, clients are matched with individual, couple, and/or group counselling. Group
counselling may take the form of weekly support groups or more intensive residential or day programs. Since each person is
unique, we try to find the service, or combination of services, that fit individual needs. Some of our clients come for just
a few sessions, while others benefit from a year-long mix of various types of services.
Our services are confidential and covered by OHIP. In-town, out-of-town and out-of-province clients are all welcome.
Programs and Services
Getting Started Groups
These groups are for LGBT clients who have had an assessment at CAMH. They are designed to help you to get motivated and develop
skills to change your drug and alcohol use. You can participate in these groups while you wait for other programs or in conjunction
with other programs. The groups are run by trained volunteers who receive support from therapists. Both groups involve discussion,
peer support and films.
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Gay/Bi/trans Men's Getting Started
Contact Matthias Kaay, 416-535-8501, ext. 7066
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LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Transsexual, Transgender) Getting Started
Contact Alex Smith, 416-535-8501, ext.7061
Upcoming Groups
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3 Week Day or Residential Programs are available every 8 weeks. Contact the Clinic Head/Service Manager for specific program
dates.
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Ongoing weekly substance abuse groups for Gay/Bi Men are also available. Contact Christopher Hadden at 535-8501, ext 6784
for more info.
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An ongoing weekly group for lesbian/bisexual/trans women is also available. Contact Alex Smith at 535-8501, ext 7061 for
more info.
- The Gay/Bi/Trans Men's Continuing Care group accepts clients on a regular basis. Prior treatment/addiction counseling required.
Contact Matthias Kaay at 535-8501, ext 7066 for more info.
Psychiatric Services
Individuals who are are suffering with both their substance use and mental health problems can gain access to a psychiatric
consultation within our service, and if necessary, from other experts at CAMH. A psychiatric consultation will be used to
determine those who might benefit from individual care or participation in one of our groups that focus on both issues of
substance use and mental health.
- Physicians in the community who are seeking assistance in treating an LGBT patient with a concurrent disorder may wish to
contact Dr. Tim Guimond to arrange for a consultation by calling 416-535-8501, ext 7192.
How to reach us
For further information, or to schedule an appointment, please call:
Jim Cullen
(416) 535-8501, ext. 6781
1-800-463-2338, extension 6781
Jim_Cullen@camh.net
Hours
Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Evening group sessions available
Locations
Rainbow Services
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
60 White Squirrel Way - 1st Floor (on CAMH's Queen Street Site, just west of Queen St. W. & Ossington Avenue Intersection)