The term LGBTQ is used to describe people who identify as gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, transgender, or queer.
Statistical trends show that LGBTQ+ people are more susceptible to developing a substance use disorder (SUD) than their heterosexual, cisgendered contemporaries.
There are several LGBT-Friendly rehab centers in Virginia that provide specialized treatment services to meet the needs of clients in the LGBT population.
Some of these services may include behavioral therapy, sexual orientation and gender identity counseling, evidence-based treatment programs, and more.
List Of LGBTQ+ Drug Rehab Centers In Virginia
The Virginia rehab centers in the list below were selected for their welcoming and inclusive policies toward LGBTQ people, their accreditation status, and other notable accolades.
1. Pulaski Medical, Pulaski, Virginia
Here, adults in the LGBTQ+ community can benefit from a full continuum of healthcare services, which include gender-specific and evidence-based treatments.
Substance abuse treatments available at Pulaski Medical may include:
- outpatient treatment
- medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with methadone, buprenorphine, and more
- long-term recovery planning
- treatment for mental health issues
- detoxification services
- clinical evaluation and assessment
- cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- motivational enhancement therapy
- motivational interviewing
- case management services
Notable features of this treatment facility include:
- accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)
- partnership with the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP)
- certification by the National Association for Behavioral Healthcare (NABH)
- a 4.1-star Google rating
Location and contact information:
1006 E. Main St.
Pulaski, VA 24301
(540) 980-1125
2. Recovery Unplugged (RU) – Drug & Alcohol Rehab Center, Annandale, Virginia
At RU, LGBTQ people may benefit from an array of evidence-based services catered to their unique needs.
Drug and alcohol rehab services available at this addiction treatment center include:
- medical detoxification
- MAT
- counseling for sexual identity and gender identity issues
- supportive and inclusive behavioral health programs
- inpatient and outpatient treatment
- long-term programs
- alumni support and aftercare
- treatment for co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders
This treatment facility features accolades such as:
- LegitScript certification
- accreditation from the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
- the Joint Commission accreditation
- a 5-star Google rating
Location and contact information:
5105Q Backlick Rd.
Annandale, VA 22003
(800) 557-3422
3. Richmond Behavioral Health, Richmond, Virginia
This drug and alcohol rehab center in Richmond, VA provides members of the LGBTQ+ community with an array of substance use treatment services.
Treatment options at this facility include:
- outpatient psychotherapy
- alcohol and opioid detox
- inpatient treatment
- sober living homes
- MAT
- primary care services
- gender-specific treatment programs
- peer support
- case management
This rehab center features licensing from the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (V-DBHDS) and positive client testimonials.
Location and contact information:
107 S. 5th St.
Richmond, VA 23219
(804) 819-4000
Frequency Of Substance Use In The LGBTQ+ Community
LGBTQ+ people often face social stigma, discrimination, and other challenges. For this reason, those that identify as LGBTQ are at an increased risk for mental and behavioral health disorders and drug addictions.
A 2018 study by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) found that over 37 percent of LGBTQ people reported marijuana use, as opposed to 16 percent of the general population.
Additionally, over 12 percent of young adults in the LGBTQ+ community have admitted that they abuse alcohol, while only 10 percent of non-LGBTQ adolescents say the same.
Factors That May Influence Substance Use In LGBTQ People
There are many variables and factors that may negatively influence the frequency of drug and alcohol use in the LGBTQ+ community.
Contributing factors may include:
- societal pressure
- homophobia
- relationship difficulties
- discrimination in the workplace
- religious discrimination
- lack of affordable healthcare programs and services
- a genetic disposition to substance use
- marketing practices from bars, clubs, and other businesses
What To Look For In A LGBTQ+ Drug Rehabilitation Program In Virginia
Addiction treatment programs in Virginia that address the needs of LGBTQ people may feature many different research-based or holistic treatment services.
Treatment methods for alcohol and drug addiction that may benefit LGBTQ+ people:
- detox services
- drug and alcohol addiction counseling
- dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring disorders
- partial-hospitalization programs (PHP)
- inpatient and outpatient treatment
- aftercare services
- intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
- long-term recovery planning
- treatment for mental health disorders
- therapy for transgender people
- behavioral therapy
- residential treatment
- gay-friendly group therapy programs
- sexual identity education and counseling
FAQs For LGBTQ+ Rehab Facilities In Virginia
Find answers to questions you may have concerning LGBTQ+ rehabilitation programs in the list below.
How Do I Pay For A LGBTQ-Friendly Rehab Program In Virginia?
Some rehab centers in Virginia only accept self-payment, whereas others may accept state health insurance and private health insurance plans.
You can verify which payment methods are accepted by calling the facility or visiting their website.
Do LGBTQ+ Friendly Rehab Centers In Virginia Provide Gender-Specific Care?
Many LGBTQ-friendly rehab centers provide gender-specific services upon request, but not all are equipped with the resources to accommodate specialized treatment programs for women and men.
What Specialized LGBTQ+ Services Are Available At Rehab Centers?
Drug rehab centers in Virginia that provide LGBT-friendly services may have specialized programs that include gender and identity counseling, therapy programs for LGBT adults, and more.
Find A LGBTQ Rehab Center Today
If you or a loved one is in search of LGBT-friendly addiction treatment, call our helpline today to discuss enrollment at a rehab center near you.
Article resourcesAddiction 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 Disorders (SUDs) in LGBTQ+ Populations
https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/substance-use-suds-in-lgbtq-populations - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) — Evidence-based Practices Resource Center
https://www.samhsa.gov/resource-search/ebp - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) — National Helpline
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline