Rainbow Services
Rainbow Services provides counselling to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender
and transsexual people who are concerned about their use of drugs and
alcohol. Our services are available to individuals with a variety of goals,
including those who want to try to quit, cut down, or who would just like
to gain more awareness about their drinking or drug use.
Our programs are specialized to take into account the unique needs and
issues that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and transsexual people
face.
Who we are
Rainbow Services is staffed by gay, lesbian, bisexual and straight professionals
who are trained and experienced in counselling people with concerns about
their use of alcohol and other drugs. We understand the issues that are
specific to the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and transsexual
people that may affect their alcohol and drug use. Our services are respectful
and tailored to meet the needs of our communities.
New! Links to other sites of interest to Rainbow
Services clients and supporters.
What we offer
-- assessment and referrals
-- individual and group therapy
-- day and residential programs
-- weekly evening support groups
-- support for families and/or partners
-- couple counselling
-- relapse prevention
-- education on stress management, nutrition and leisure.
How it works
Individuals can call the number on the back of this brochure. No referral
is required. The first appointment is usually for an assessment interview.
Here, an individual meets one-on-one with a therapist to examine the issues
around his or her drug and alcohol use. The choice of counselling options
is discussed and decided upon, and goals are established.
Depending on individual needs and preferences, clients are matched with
individual, couple, and/or group counselling. Group counselling may take
the form of weekly support groups or more intensive residential or day
programs. Since each person is unique, we try to find the service, or
combination of services, that fit individual needs. Some of our clients
come for just a few sessions, while others benefit from a year-long mix
of various types of services.
Our services are confidential and covered by OHIP. In-town, out-of-town
and out-of-province clients are all welcome.
Spring/Summer
2003 Programs and Services
Getting Started Groups
These groups are for LGBT clients who have had an assessment at CAMH.
They are designed to help you to get motivated and develop skills to change
your drug and alcohol use. You can participate in these groups while you
wait for other programs or in conjunction with other programs. The groups
are run by trained volunteers who receive support from therapists. Both
groups involve discussion, peer support and films.
Gay/Bi Men's Getting Started
Contact Christopher Hadden, 416-535-8501, ext 6784
LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Transsexual, Transgender) Getting Started
Contact Farzana Doctor, 416-535-8501, ext 6781
Upcoming Groups
The next Gay/Bi Men's 3-week day/residential program begins July
16, 2003. This group can be done as a day or as res client. Adapted programs
also available. Contact Dale Kuehl at 535-8501, ext 7001 for more info.
Ongoing weekly substance abuse groups for Gay/Bi Men are also
available. Contact Christopher Hadden at 535-8501, ext 6784 for more info.
A 13 session weekly group for lesbian/bisexual women runs regularly.
Next group begins in September 2003. Contact Farzana Doctor at 535-8501,
ext 6781 for more info.
The next LGBT 3-week day/residential program begins November 2003.
Contact Jocelyn Urban at 535-8501, ext 7066 for more info. This group
can be done as a day or res client. Adapted programs also available. Contact
Jocelyn Urban at 535-8501, ext 7066 for more info.
The LGBT Continuing Care group accepts clients on a regular basis.
Prior treatment/addiction counseling required. Contact Jocelyn Urban at
535-8501, ext 7066 for more info.
The Gay/Bi Men's Continuing Continuing Care group accepts clients
on a regular basis. Prior treatment/addiction counseling required. Contact
Dale Kuehl at 535-8501, ext 7001 for more info.
Stress Management Groups are available as an adjunct therapy. This
includes Continuing Care groups and a Meditation group. Contact Anne Shaddick
at 535-8501, ext 7009, or ext 4464 for more info.
Individual counseling is also available. Contact any of the numbers above.
LGBT People
and Depression
In Fall 2003, Rainbow Services will be implementing new groups to help
people reduce their symptoms of depression and learn improved coping strategies
in a LGBT positive environment. To book an assessment, contact Anne DiMito
at 535-8501, ext 6473.
Meditation and
Relaxation
A new 6 session weekly course with Cecil Thomson (Rainbow Services volunteer
and client who has practiced and taught meditation for over 13 years)
is now being offered. For information on upcoming courses contact: Anne
Shaddick 416-535-8501, ext 4464.
How to reach us
For
further information, or to schedule an appointment, please call:
Farzana Doctor
(416) 535-8501, ext. 6781
1-800-463-2338, extension 6781
farzana_doctor@camh.net
Hours
Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Evening group sessions available
Locations
Rainbow Services
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
33 Russell Street
Toronto, Ontario M5S 2S1
Rainbow Services
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
175 Brentcliffe Road
Toronto, Ontario M4G 3Z1
For information on addiction and mental health issues or other resources,
please contact the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health's 24-hour Information
Line:
Ontario toll-free: 1-800-463-6273
Toronto: (416) 595-6111
Links to other sites of interest to Rainbow Services
clients and supporters.
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1-800-463-6273
