Clients are asking: Rainbow Services Breakthrough Winter 2004

"I am ready to face the fact that I have an addiction, but I am not sure if I will be able to get the services I need at CAMH because I am a lesbian. Are there special programs at CAMH that might be useful to me?"

Farzana Doctor, Service Manager, Rainbow Services, responds:

Rainbow Services is a service within CAMH's Addiction Programs that was created to meet the unique needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, two-spirit, transsexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTTI) people
with drug and alcohol concerns.

It was first created because some clients felt that they could not be open about who they were in CAMH's general programs due to fears and experiences of homophobia. Our groups and other services are similar to the other services within the Addiction Program, in that we work to help clients better understand, cut down, or quit alcohol and other drugs.

What's different about Rainbow Services is that the programs are specifically for LGBTTI people and so clients generally feel more comfortable in our groups. We also discuss some of the specific issues LGBTTI clients face: coming out, dealing with internalized oppression and societal discrimination, being social in the LGBTTI communities, HIV/AIDS, sexuality and relationships. Sometimes these issues are connected to drug and alcohol use and are therefore important to discuss. Some groups are co-ed, while others are not.

Here are some examples of services that might be of interest to you:

Assessment and referrals;
Short-term individual therapy;
LGBT Getting Started Group: a co-ed group for people who first come to Rainbow Services that offers information and peer support;
A 13-session evening group for lesbian, bi and trans women who want to change their drug and alcohol use. The group is open to LBT women who want to quit or cut down;
A three-week intensive LGBT group: this co-ed residential or day program offers 15 days of group treatment that includes addiction therapy, stress management, recreation therapy and nutrition sessions. Abstinence is required prior to and during the three week period; and
LGBT Continuing Care: this co-ed group is for people with an abstinence goal from their primary problematic substance. It is an ongoing group.
We also have a new group and study for LGBTTI people with depression. For more info, call Anne at (416) 535-8501 ext. 6093.

To find out about group and individual supports for lesbians, call us at (416) 535-8501, ext. 6781 or 7066.

Got a question about your treatment? Breakthough will help you get the answer. Please contact Public Affairs (416) 979-4250 or <public_affairs@camh.net>.