NCJ Number
196578
Date Published
2001
Length
191 pages
Annotation
This document is intended to inform administrators and clinicians about appropriate diagnostic and treatment approaches that will assist in ensuring the development or enhancement of effective substance abuse treatment programs for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals.
Abstract
This publication was developed through a systematic and innovative process in which clinicians; researchers; program and administrative managers; policymakers; and other Federal, State, and independent experts were brought together for a series of intensive sessions. These individuals reviewed and discussed current administrative and clinical practices for treating substance-abusing LGBT's and then developed recommendations for improving substance-abuse treatment services for a population whose health care needs are often ignored, denigrated, or denied. The first section of this manual provides an introduction for both clinicians and administrators and includes information on sexual orientation, legal issues, and treatment approaches, along with modalities that take into account LGBT perspectives. Section II is intended primarily for the practicing clinician. It provides additional information on clinical issues relevant to LGBT clients, as well as an introduction to strategies and methods for improving current services to LGBT individuals. Steps for starting LGBT-sensitive programs are outlined as well. Section II, which was composed for program administrators, provides an overview of the issues that must be addressed when planning and developing an LGBT program or when expanding current services for LGBT clients. It provides the data required to build a strong foundation for a program, including an organizational mission, policies, and procedures. Resources and strategies are provided for working with managed care organizations and building alliances and cooperative arrangements to coordinate efforts on behalf of LGBT individuals, so that LGBT individuals can promote self-help programs within their own communities. 247 references, a glossary of terms, and appended studies of LGBT substance abuse