Together: Your Goals and Our Affirming Care

Substance use disorder can be a major life hardship–getting help shouldn’t be. But, culturally competent care has not always been available to those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, and people of all sexual and gender identities who are part of the LGBTQ+ community. Rochester Regional Health Chemical Dependency Services is ready to change that.

We have created a program filled with inclusive recovery services that revolve around your needs, your goals, and who you are. Our safe, welcoming and respectful space affirms every human’s rich diversity of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression while offering unparalleled chemical dependency care.

About the Program

Rochester Regional Health is the first in the region to offer Chemical Dependency programs and services specifically tailored to our LGBTQ+ patients’ needs and one of the first programs in New York State to receive the LGBTQ-Affirming Care Endorsement from the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS). We take a firm stance on anti-discrimination and anti-harassment and strive to support our patients in the safest possible environment. We are committed to providing gender-affirming services that focus on both individualized care and self-identification. We believe you matter, and our services were carefully designed to meet your unique needs and make you feel valued as an individual.

We personalize your care with the most flexible options available. At no point will we force you into doing things our way–we’ll work with you to identify what your success looks like, and shape your treatment plan around that.

As the largest CD treatment provider in the region, we have the most expansive individualized treatment options available. We are dedicated to providing Person-Centered Care, which focuses on individual and group therapy options, iMAT, co-occurring services, and our LGBTQ+ specific services. And although we have the strength and experience that comes with being part of a large health system, we’re committed to one-on-one, personal relationships with our patients.

How We Can Help

Our program is primarily focused on helping with substance use disorders with an added layer–gender-affirming healthcare. Our staff is trained and experienced in the explicit inclusion of LGBTQ+ patients, and we have zero tolerance for harassment and discrimination.

Here, you can expect:

• Confidentiality - no information will be shared without your permission
• Your correct pronoun learned and used
• Support, not judgment - we are focused on personalized care
• No wall of bias or incomprehension will obstruct your recovery
• Family services (couples and family counseling) that include your chosen family or anyone in your life who supports your recovery

Our expert, inclusive staff will work with you to decide what treatment options and services best fit your recovery needs and life goals.

LGBTQ+ Chemical Dependency Services

The expert staff who will be by your side throughout your recovery have received specialty training to ensure they’re welcoming and inclusive every step of the way.

LGBTQ+ Specific Services:

You can choose to have LGBTQ+ affirmative care to support your recovery in individual sessions, group sessions, and peer recovery services. Our groups offer a curriculum that is specific to your unique health care and recovery needs, allowing you to select which evidence based topics and interventions you want to participate in. Based upon your personal experiences and interests, you’ll have the opportunity to explore topics such as LGBTQ+ trauma, family and relationships, allyship, and more — all in an environment that is respectful of your identity.  

We protect confidentiality at all stages of your recovery, be you an adolescent, an adult, or an older adult. Our customized plans protect your information and only share information at your request.

We also offer:

• Program and room assignments that honor your gender identity
• Certified Safe Spaces
• Inclusivity through signage, art, and our displays
• Programming and a living environment that celebrates LGBTQ+ patients
• Zero-tolerance policies for harassment and discrimination

Group and Family Services

Family doesn’t always mean blood relations–and your chosen family is just as welcome to share in your care. We offer peer services that are affirming and welcome, and our services include your “chosen family.” Anyone in your life that is supportive of your recovery is welcome at couple’s counseling, family counseling, and so much more.

Gender-Affirming Health Care

Gender-affirming health care is our commitment to you–we will respect, protect, and celebrate your access to health care while working to decrease inequity, bias, and discrimination.

From your very first visit, we’ll obtain information about your sexual orientation, gender identity, pronouns, and gender expression so we can better tailor our services to meet your individual needs. And, with the backing of a large health system, we can connect you to providers with Hormone Replacement Therapy, and connect you with providers who are skilled in helping LGBTQ+ patients.

What to Expect

In order to develop your personalized treatment plan, we need to get to know you first. Your first visit will be a thorough evaluation with our therapists. As we work with you to develop your plan, we’ll ask you questions like:

• Who are you? Tell us your story!
• What pain/trauma have you been through?
• What’s important to you?
• How can we make this experience valuable?
• What does success look like to you?
• What are your goals? What do you want to accomplish?

The length of your treatment is individual to each patient. Your therapist and support team will help you set expectations, and goals, and define your success as we prepare you to overcome your substance use.