LGBTQ Program
Morningside offers treatment tracks for addiction, mental illness, and co-occurring disorders in a safe environment that is free from prejudice. Our mixed rehab environment offers specific programming and education to meet the unique needs of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning community. Since the ultimate goal is returning clients to a mixed world, we focus on recovery in a gay-aware and safe community of diverse individuals.
Research has shown that the most important factor in any treatment is that clients feel comfortable, and able to open up and heal without any fear of discrimination from other clients. With this in mind, Morningside is staffed by clinicians whose training and personal background lend themselves to working effectively with all populations, creating a treatment environment that celebrates diversity. Treatment tracks for LGBT clients explore issues of sexual identity as they relate to recovery. For example, therapy can address feelings of shame that may have led to substance abuse as an attempt at relief. Many clients find that treatment offers an opportunity to become comfortable with lifestyles that conflict with the learned values of their upbringing.
Gays and lesbians have experienced chronic discrimination for their lifestyle and relationships. Additionally, the period of coming out can be a very stressful and confusing time. Regardless of the source, traumatic life changes can create an environment conducive to substance abuse and mood disorders. Too often, self-medication and substance abuse become the attempts at relief from uncomfortable feelings.
The culture at Morningside promotes relationships that are honest and open. During our Phase I treatment (the “learn it” phase) clients attend individual and group therapy sessions and educational seminars. Phase I is a comprehensive program customized to address the needs of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender clients. The laidback community of Newport Beach is a great place to get regular exercise, make new friends, and generally acclimate to sobriety. Our multidisciplinary approach effectively deals with any co-occurring mood disorders or more complex mental health concerns. Newly sober or stabilized clients of any sexual orientation have specific challenges that are often overlooked by traditional programs. We deal with these challenges with our integrated curriculum, which focuses on teaching the skills clients need for their new-found freedom.
Testimonials
