A commitment to compassionate, affirming care

In Philadelphia, like many places in the United States, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people face particular obstacles which make it difficult to access competent and affirming behavioral health care. People in recovery may hide their sexual orientation or gender identity out of fear of discrimination or abuse.

In order to remove barriers and obstacles, DBH/MRS has been working with leaders in the LGBT community, care providers and advocates on an initiative to provide more affirming care. A set of specific recommendations have been developed to help the behavioral health community achieve the following goals:

• Improve cultural competency among staff and providers
• Develop programs that are “LGBT Affirming”

The LGBT Initiative includes a demonstration project involving six provider agencies with multiple programs who have expressed a desire to work with LGBT people in recovery. These agencies will meet established criteria to gain the LGBT Affirming designation.