The Importance of Specialized Treatment Programs for Lesbian and Gay Patients

Abstract

This article describes a dual diagnosis treatment program for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered community in Washington, DC called the Lambda Center. By using a case example, the article describes how a specialized treatment program can more effectively treat and return a gay or lesbian patient to full functioning, by addressing specific issues which would be overlooked in a mainstream program. These unique issues include coming out, internalized homophobia, socialization, dating and intimacy for sexual minorities, use of certain recreational drugs, and the role of spirituality. The article also gives examples of failures and difficulties faced by lesbian and gay patients in straight programs. The author calls for further studies to prove the superior efficacy of specialized programs for lesbians and gay men and urges patients and providers demand that third party payers and HMOs authorize gay affirmative treatment programs because they are better for patients and probably more cost effective.

Key Words:

• Homosexuality
• specialized treatment programs
• gay and lesbian treatment
• substance abuse treatment
• recreational drug use
• lesbian and gay mental health
• internalized homophobia