TMS therapy is a noninvasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation, and it can be an option when depression has not improved enough with medication or other treatments. TMS treatment may be considered as part of a broader mental health
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.
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,
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
Hypervigilance is a persistent state of heightened alertness in which a person may constantly scan for danger, rejection, conflict, or other potential threats even when immediate danger is not present. For LGBTQ+ adults, trauma-informed LGBTQ therapy can help explore whether past discrimination, trauma, unsafe environments, or other mental health concerns
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
A typical week in an LGBTQ partial hospitalization program includes several hours of structured treatment each weekday, including group sessions, individual therapy, education, psychiatric support, and recovery skill development. At Rainbow Hill Recovery, our PHP provides five hours of programming per day, five days per week, while clients continue living
Yes, a virtual intensive outpatient program can often fit around work when the treatment schedule is selected in advance and protected as a consistent healthcare commitment. Virtual IOP reduces the need to travel to a facility, but it still requires scheduled attendance, privacy, active participation, and enough uninterrupted time to
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
After LGBTQ alcohol detox, the next step is continuing treatment that addresses alcohol use, mental health, daily functioning, and factors that may increase the risk of returning to alcohol. The appropriate level of care may be residential treatment, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient treatment, standard outpatient care, or virtual services. Detox
A rehab is truly LGBTQ-affirming when its policies, staff training, clinical methods, environment, and treatment planning actively respect diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. Before enrolling, verify these standards through direct questions about qualifications, confidentiality, inclusive practices, trauma-informed care, and individualized treatment. What Does LGBTQ-Affirming Addiction Treatment Mean? LGBTQ-affirming treatment
Affirmative therapy is a counseling approach that validates a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity, relationships, and lived experiences without treating those identities as problems. After a breakup, it can help LGBTQ+ individuals process grief, recognize substance use risks, and develop coping strategies that support continued recovery. A breakup can affect
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.
Co-Founder of the LGBTQ+ Association for Addiction and Mental Health Professionals Clinical Outreach Specialist for Rainbow Hill Recovery LGBTQ Sensitivity Training Consultant
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 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.
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.
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.