Addiction

How Addiction Treatment Addresses the Mental Health Side of Substance Use

Addiction Treatment Addresses the Mental Health Side of Substance Use

LGBTQ mental health and substance abuse programs address both substance use and underlying mental health concerns rather than treating them as completely separate issues. LGBTQ dual diagnosis treatment can help people address conditions such as anxiety or depression alongside substance use through coordinated therapy, behavioral health care, and addiction treatment. Why Do Mental Health and […]

Finding Addiction Treatment That Understands Gay Men’s Mental Health Needs

Addiction Treatment That Understands Gay Men's Mental Health

Gay men seeking addiction treatment may benefit from care that addresses both substance use and mental health while recognizing the role that sexual identity and lived experiences can play in overall well-being. LGBTQ behavioral health services can provide an affirming environment where concerns such as anxiety, depression, substance use, relationships, and identity can be discussed […]

Addressing Shame in LGBTQ+ Addiction Treatment Without Stigma

Addressing Shame in LGBTQ+ Addiction

Addressing shame in LGBTQ+ addiction treatment means helping people examine painful beliefs about themselves without treating their sexual orientation or gender identity as something that needs to change. LGBTQ affirmative therapy can separate identity-related stigma from substance use concerns while creating space to address emotions, behaviors, relationships, and recovery goals without judgment. At Rainbow Hill […]

When Substance Use Becomes Connected to LGBTQ+ Dating Apps

Substance Use Becomes Connected to LGBTQ+ Dating Apps

Substance use can become connected to LGBTQ+ dating apps when opening an app, meeting someone, or anticipating intimacy repeatedly occurs alongside alcohol or drug use. Over time, these situations can become triggers, making it important for treatment to address the relationship between substance use, dating, sexuality, social connection, and learned behavioral patterns without stigmatizing LGBTQ+ […]

Individual vs. Group Therapy: What Role Does Each Play in LGBTQ Addiction Recovery?

Individual vs. Group Therapy

Individual addiction counseling provides private, one-on-one support for personal goals, substance use patterns, mental health concerns, and experiences that may be difficult to discuss with others. Group therapy provides clinician-led education, feedback, peer connection, and opportunities to practice recovery skills, so the two approaches often work best together. What Is LGBTQ Individual Addiction Counseling? Individual […]

Mindfulness Practices That Complement LGBTQ+ Addiction Recovery

Supporting LGBTQ individuals through alcohol addiction recovery

LGBTQ holistic addiction treatment focuses on addressing the physical, emotional, and social dimensions of substance use, tailored to the unique experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals. LGBTQ inpatient addiction treatment provides structured care in a safe environment, while recovery-focused living solutions support consistent progress after formal treatment. What Is LGBTQ Holistic Addiction Treatment? LGBTQ holistic addiction treatment […]

Addressing Minority Stress: Mental Health Strategies for LGBTQ+ Individuals

LGBTQ mental health and addiction recovery programs

LGBT affirmative therapy is a form of psychotherapy that validates LGBTQ+ identities and addresses unique stressors associated with discrimination, stigma, and social marginalization. Licensed LGBTQ therapists for addiction provide evidence-based strategies to manage mental health and support recovery in a culturally competent and inclusive environment. What Is LGBT Affirmative Therapy? LGBT affirmative therapy is designed […]

How Integrated Mental Health Treatment Supports LGBTQ+ Addiction Recovery

LGBTQ mental health treatment in addiction recovery

LGBTQ addiction treatment is most effective when it simultaneously addresses substance use and mental health needs within an identity-affirming framework. In Los Angeles, integrating mental health care with LGBTQ Stress Management supports recovery by reducing relapse risk, improving emotional regulation, and strengthening long-term stability. What Does Integrated Mental Health Treatment Mean in LGBTQ Addiction Treatment? […]

How Identity-Affirming Care Improves Outcomes in LGBTQ+ Addiction Recovery

LGBTQ addiction recovery programs Los Angeles CA

LGBTQ addiction treatment is a specialized approach that addresses substance use while actively affirming gender identity, sexual orientation, and lived experience. In Los Angeles, LGBTQ Substance Abuse Treatment programs that integrate identity-affirming care consistently show stronger engagement, retention, and long-term recovery outcomes. What Makes LGBTQ Addiction Treatment Different From Traditional Programs? LGBTQ addiction treatment differs […]

Addressing Minority Stress in LGBTQ+ Addiction Treatment Programs

LGBTQ addiction treatment programs Los Angeles CA

LGBTQ stress management is a structured approach that helps individuals reduce chronic stress caused by stigma, discrimination, and identity-related pressures. In LGBTQ addiction treatment, addressing minority stress is essential because unmanaged stress significantly increases the risk of substance use and relapse. What Is Minority Stress and Why Does It Matter in Addiction Treatment? Minority stress […]

Joie Gyondla-enhancedHD (1)

Joie Gyondla

Clinical Support Coordinator

Joie Gyondla serves as Rainbow Hill Recovery’s Clinical Support Coordinator, bringing compassion, empathy, and a genuine commitment to supporting every client who walks through our doors. With a background in recovery support, Joie understands the importance of creating a welcoming, organized, and affirming environment where individuals feel seen, valued, and supported throughout their treatment journey.

Working closely with both clients and the clinical team, Joie helps ensure that each person’s experience is as seamless as possible, providing encouragement, guidance, and practical support every step of the way. Her calm presence and dedication to helping others foster a sense of safety and connection that allows clients to focus on what matters most: their recovery.

Joie believes that healing begins with compassion and that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a lasting difference. She is proud to be part of the Rainbow Hill Recovery team, helping create a community where every individual is empowered to build a healthier, more authentic future.

Rory Slikker

Rory Slikker

Clinical Outreach Specialist

Co-Founder of the LGBTQ+ Association for Addiction and Mental Health Professionals Clinical Outreach Specialist for Rainbow Hill Recovery LGBTQ Sensitivity Training Consultant

Steven Stewart

Steven Stewart

Case Manager

Program Manager | Case Manager

Steven Buffin-Stewart is the Case Manager at Rainbow Hill Recovery, with over five years of experience in substance use and mental health treatment. A CADC ll professional in recovery themselves, Steven combines clinical knowledge with lived experience to provide compassionate, coordinated care and foster inclusive, affirming spaces where clients feel supported, empowered, and hopeful in their healing journey.

Steven Buffin-Stewart is the Program and Case Manager at Rainbow Hill Recovery, with over five years of experience in substance use and mental health treatment. A CADC ll professional in recovery themselves, Steven combines clinical knowledge with lived experience to provide compassionate, coordinated care and foster inclusive, affirming spaces where clients feel supported, empowered, and hopeful in their healing journey.

Janae Borrego

Janae Borrego

Cross-Cultural Relations Officer & Outpatient Therapist

Janae Borrego serves as Rainbow Hill Recovery’s Cross-Cultural Relations Officer and Outpatient Therapist, where she combines her clinical expertise with a deep commitment to fostering an inclusive, culturally responsive environment for every client. Her ability to understand, appreciate, and navigate diverse cultural perspectives has made her an invaluable leader as Rainbow Hill continues to grow and evolve.

In her role, Janae works to strengthen cultural understanding throughout the organization, ensuring that clients, families, and staff feel respected, heard, and represented. She provides ongoing guidance on cultural sensitivity and inclusive practices while helping shape programs that honor the unique identities, backgrounds, and lived experiences of those we serve.

As an Outpatient Therapist, Janae is dedicated to helping clients navigate recovery, mental health, and life’s challenges with compassion, authenticity, and evidence-based care. She believes that meaningful healing begins when individuals feel safe to show up as their authentic selves and receive support that acknowledges the whole person.

Janae is passionate about creating spaces where diversity is celebrated, connection is strengthened, and every individual has the opportunity to heal and thrive. Her leadership continues to advance Rainbow Hill Recovery’s mission of providing affirming, trauma-informed care that meets the evolving needs of the communities we serve.

Andrew-Fox

Andrew Fox

Co-Founder & C.O.O

With over a decade of experience in addiction recovery, Andrew is passionate about helping individuals reclaim their lives and find lasting healing. As Co-founder and Director of Rainbow Hill Recovery, he is dedicated to creating a supportive environment that fosters hope, resilience, and transformation.

rainbowhills-team-joey

Joey Bachrach

Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Joey Bachrach is the Co-Founder and CEO of Rainbow Hill Recovery, an LGBTQ-affirming mental health and substance use treatment center in Los Angeles. Drawing from both professional leadership and lived recovery experience, Joey is dedicated to creating safe, inclusive spaces where individuals are fully seen, affirmed, and supported on their healing journey.