Lesbian Gay Bisexual Or Transgender Clients in Montana

Gay and bisexual men and bisexual women in Montana are more likely to be receiving mental health treatment. Further, gay men and bisexual women are more likely than heterosexual men and women, respectively, to have undergone a recent mental health assessment. Gay men are also more likely than heterosexual men to have recently been in a psychiatric hospital or facility.

Statistics on Addiction in the LGBTQ+ Community

LGBT men and women report higher rates of mental health diagnoses and current mental health prescription medications compared to heterosexual clients. Specifically, 65 percent of gay men and 61 percent of bisexual men have reported mental health diagnoses, while only 27 percent of heterosexual men have had a prior mental health diagnosis. Among women, 51 percent of lesbian women and 56 percent of bisexual women have had prior mental health diagnoses, while only 38 percent of heterosexual women report having a mental health diagnosis.

For men, 49 percent of gay men and 36 percent of bisexual men take prescribed medications for mental health, while only 14 percent of heterosexual men take these medications. Among women, 33 percent of lesbian women and 32 percent of bisexual women take mental health medications, while only 22 percent of heterosexual women take these medications.

The General Landscape for Addiction Treatment for LGBT Clients

Specialized substance abuse treatment programs for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals are limited. Specialized treatment programs offer unique and tailored services to �''special populations' in order to provide effective treatment.

The services offered in these programs are proven to be especially helpful and effective for LGBT individuals. Many researchers have suggested that LGBT-specific substance abuse programs have better treatment outcomes for LGBT individuals than mainstream treatment programs.

LGBT individuals have been said to have much higher rates of substance abuse than their heterosexual counterparts. They also face discrimination, prejudice, negative attitudes and behavior, and unique life experiences that differ from the majority populous which lead to their unique needs in substance abuse treatment.

What to Expect from LGBT Drug Rehab

Asking about sexual orientation in Montana centers is accomplished in a manner that facilitates healthy and supportive provider-client dialogue. That is, providers who query about sexual orientation in person remain sensitive to the needs of clients, and will do so from a place of affirmation and respect for clients' sexual orientation, presenting concerns, and other intersecting identity statuses�''for example, their roles as employees, students, parents, children, and other aspects of their identity, such as race, ethnicity or gender.

In other words, providers working with LGB individuals should maintain an appreciation for the unique needs of LGB clients while avoiding the pitfall of reducing them to their sexual orientation, stereotyping, or over/underemphasizing the role of sexuality in one's conceptualization and treatment plan. For example, providers should not confuse LGB orientation with pathology, or infer the presence of pathology given a LGB client's sexual orientation.

If you are a LGBT person in Montana and are struggling with addiction, any of the numerous centers will help you deal with your problem. All you need do is make a call.