LGBTQ+ is a general term that refers to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning sexual orientations. Members of this community are more susceptible to addiction and substance abuse.
Some rehab centers are specifically for members of the LGBTQ+ community, while others offer specialized programs or services specifically for their attendees who are LGBTQ.
You may see these programs referred to as “gay-friendly” or “LGBTQ-friendly”.
Treatments at this type of rehab center include medically monitored detox, inpatient and outpatient treatment, and aftercare support, as well as treatments targeted specifically to LGBT persons.
List Of LGBTQ+ Drug Rehab Centers In Pennsylvania
The following is a list of LGBTQ+ rehab centers in Pennsylvania that are reputable and possess certain marks of quality care.
These marks of quality include:
- certifications and memberships
- awards and accolades
- designation as a nonprofit
- high Google ratings
1. COMHAR, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
COMHAR has been providing mental health and behavioral health support in Philadelphia, PA for more than 45 years.
They provide outpatient treatment and day treatment, as well as residential and sober housing support.
This drug and alcohol addiction facility offers three programs specifically for members of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as people living with HIV/AIDS.
Two of these programs are outpatient while the other is focused on supportive housing for the local homeless population.
Marks of quality care at this substance abuse treatment center include:
- positive client testimonials
- designation as a nonprofit organization
- high Google ratings
Location and contact information:
100 West Lehigh Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19133
(215) 203-3000
2. Steps To Recovery, Levittown, Pennsylvania
At Steps To Recovery, there is an abundance of therapy options offered as well as outpatient treatment, day treatment, and separate residential programs for men and women in Levittown, PA.
Staff at this treatment facility are specially trained on how to best approach the unique needs and circumstances that members of the LGBTQ+ community face.
This rehab center has even been recognized as a “Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality”.
Features of quality care at this addiction recovery center include:
- verified by LegitScript
- licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs
- positive client testimonials
Location and contact information:
1400 Veterans Hwy.
Levittown, PA 19056
(866) 488-8684
3. Williamsport Family Medical Center, Williamsport, Pennsylvania
Williamsport Family Medical Center provides outpatient treatment and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in Williamsport, PA to men and women living with addiction and specifically opioid use disorders.
This rehab facility offers a specialized treatment program for members of the LGBTQ+ community and also accepts pregnant women.
Both methadone maintenance and Suboxone maintenance are offered at this location.
Trusted marks of quality care at this addiction treatment center include:
- member of the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP)
- member of the National Association for Behavioral Healthcare (NABH)
- accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)
Location and contact information:
422 Park Ave.
Williamsport, PA 17701
(570) 505-1123
Prevalence Of Substance Use In The LGBTQ+ Community
Adults and adolescents who are in sexual minority groups have a much higher risk for developing substance use disorders than people who are heterosexual.
Not only are substance use disorders more common among people in the LGBTQ+ community, but their substance use disorders also tend to be more severe.
Further, people who undergo drug addiction treatment in specialized programs for LGBTQ+ people have a higher rate of success than those who go through treatment in non-specialized programs.
Factors That Influence Substance Use In The LGBTQ+ Population
It is undeniable that LGBTQ+ people are at a much higher risk of becoming addicted to drugs or alcohol. This is the case for a few potential reasons.
Risk factors for LGBTQ+ people and substance abuse may include:
- co-occuring mental health or behavioral health issues
- high exposure to prejudice and discrimination
- lack of support from loved ones
- homelessness
- living with HIV/AIDS
- past history of substance abuse or drug addiction
- unsafe home, school, or work environment
- genetics
What To Look For In An LGBTQ+ Drug Rehabilitation Program In Pennsylvania
People who are LGBTQ+ have unique needs that their heterosexual counterparts may not be able to understand, at least not without special training.
For this reason, members of this community may feel most comfortable at drug and alcohol rehab centers that offer programs and services that address issues which directly affect them.
Some of the most effective treatment services for LGBTQ+ people include:
- dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring disorders
- medically supervised detoxification
- family therapy
- trauma-informed care
- gender-specific treatment
- group therapy and peer support
- aftercare support and relapse prevention services
- life skills workshops
- motivational interviewing
- employment and housing support
FAQs For LGBTQ+ Rehab Facilities In Pennsylvania
The following are some of the most commonly asked questions about LGBTQ+ rehab facilities in Pennsylvania and what they offer.
What Kind Of Payment Options Do I Have At LGBTQ+ Rehab Centers?
Payment options will vary per treatment center, but it is common to find both Medicaid and Medicare accepted at this type of facility.
These types of rehab centers are meant to be all-inclusive and many of them are willing to work with people financially so they may attend.
Is There Inpatient Treatment At LGBTQ+ Rehab Centers In Pennsylvania?
While it will depend on the individual rehab center, it is possible to find LGBTQ-friendly rehab centers that offer inpatient treatment and outpatient treatment in Pennsylvania.
Some drug rehab centers also provide day treatment, intensive outpatient treatment, and partial hospitalization programs.
Do LGBTQ+ Rehab Centers In Pennsylvania Offer Dual Diagnosis Treatment?
Many rehab centers in Pennsylvania offer dual diagnosis care, as most healthcare providers agree that to treat addiction, one must also treat any co-occurring disorders or mental health issues.
Find A LGBTQ+ Pennsylvania Drug Rehab Center Today
If you or a loved one is seeking a rehab center in Pennsylvania that is LGBTQ-friendly, please consider reaching out to our helpline for assistance.
There is no shame in seeking help for substance abuse, and we are here to guide you in your recovery journey.
Published on August 11, 2022
Addiction Resource aims to provide only the most current, accurate information in regards to addiction and addiction treatment, which means we only reference the most credible sources available.
These include peer-reviewed journals, government entities and academic institutions, and leaders in addiction healthcare and advocacy. Learn more about how we safeguard our content by viewing our editorial policy.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) — Substance use and SUDs in LGBTQ* Populations
https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/substance-use-suds-in-lgbtq-populations - National Institute of Health (NIH) — The Relationship Between Discrimination and Substance use Disorders Among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Adults in the United States
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2937001/ - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) — Find treatment
https://findtreatment.gov
