Originally posted in: http://www.prideinstituteflorida.com/our-weblog/substance-abuse-help-for-glbt.html

If you broke your arm, would you visit a dermatologist? If you needed legal advice, would you consult with your banker? Doesn’t make sense right? Well the same thing goes for gays and lesbians seeking mental counseling. If you’re a gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered person, why would you go to a treatment facility that may be homophobic or shows little sensitivity to your needs?

The Pride Institute is a mental health facility that’s accepting, non-judgmental and specializes in the treatment of gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered.

We understand that many of the mental health, addictions and dependency issues surrounding most GLB&T derive from their sexual identities. Feelings of guilt, shame, confusion and rejection are common. Untreated, these feelings can manifest themselves in the forms of addiction, anger, depression and in the worst case scenario, suicide.

When you visit The Pride Institute, it’s comforting to know that you will be in an environment with people who have had or are going through the same issues as you. If you hid your sexuality in the past, The Pride Institute can help you accept and come to terms with who you are. We believe that a nurturing, respectful and open environment is a major tenement to a successful recovery or treatment. At our facility, you won’t ever have to hide or mask who you are.

You may be thinking, with more and more gays and lesbians coming out and society becoming more tolerant, there’s no need for a GLBT mental health facility. You can go to any facility and get the same care. It’s true that homosexuality has become more mainstream, but that doesn’t translate into acceptance. The rash of gay teenage suicide only proves that point. Even gays and lesbians who come from openminded families still grapple with the issue of coming out. Case in point, Cher’s child, Chaz (formerly Chastity) Bono took years to self-identify as gay. And even Cher, being the most notable gay icon, admitted that she had an initial hard time accepting her child’s homosexuality. Those who don’t have a good support system end up feeling isolated, ashamed and withdrawn. They seek help from a mental health facility who may not have the necessary skills to help or the facility is dominated by heterosexuals and the gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered person is singled out. Instead of diminishing, their feelings of isolation increase.

It’s easier to achieve success in therapy or to overcome an addiction when you have people you can relate to. At The Pride Institute, you’ll be surrounded by people who have stepped in the same footsteps as you, people who know what you are going through.

Call The Pride Institute today if you have issues relating to your sexuality or if you have addiction or mental health problems. After all, a comfortable state of mind goes hand in hand with a comfortable environment.