Stonewall Institute is an LGBTQ-affirmative therapeutic recovery center in Phoenix, Arizona, that focuses their treatment on the unique stressors faced by those who identify as gay. Stonewall Institute staff members are trained in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transexual and questioning clinical competency. While Stonewall Institute specializes in treating clients who are LGBTQ, clients of any sexual orientation are welcomed at the center.

The center’s proprietary Stonewall Model adds a layer of acceptance and care specifically tailored to the needs of LGBTQ clients. The Stonewall Model affirms that there is nothing wrong with LGBTQ individuals, that LGBTQ relationships are of equal value to heterosexual relationships, that it can be difficult to come out as gay or trans, embraces a spiritual way of living and provides positive community support.

The Stonewall Institute also maintains a sturdy network of other centers and organizations that can also help LGBTQ individuals, including Equality Arizona, Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS and Trans Youth Family Allies.

To treat drug and alcohol dependency, Stonewall Institute provides service at its Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center in Phoenix. Clients can maintain focus on the rigors of life outside recovery while attending intensive treatment three nights a week for 10 weeks. The issues that lay beneath substance abuse are addresses and long-term skills that will help the client to maintain sobriety are taught.

In an upscale setting, master’s-level licensed counselors facilitate meetings that will provide an outlet and equip clients with tools that will see them through sobriety. Clients are taught how to recognize stressors in daily life and how to address them effectively in order to avoid derailing progress toward sobriety. Counselors are also there to provide support during difficult times and help the client to make hard choices and maintain a commitment to sobriety.

Stonewall Institute clients undergo clinical evaluations so the center’s staff can assess the severity of the substance abuse and the co-occuring issues that present themselves. Qualified professionals do a deep analysis of the circumstances of each client to create an individualized action plan and to provide objective results.

LGBTQ Clinical Competency

LGBTQ clinical competency is a type of training that helps Stonewall Institute staff better understand the needs and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transexual clients. The training includes the proper definition of terms used in the LGBTQ community, statistics on population and age, education on how to use language that is affirming and sensitive. Clinically competent employees better understand the history of LGBTQ progress and the LGBTQ experience in the U.S. What it’s like to come out as gay or trans is covered and myths are debunked. During the training, the staff member learns to recognize the clinical issues that may be present in LGBTQ clients.

DUI Screening and Treatment

Another specialty of Stonewall Institute is its DUI screening, education and treatment program that has been recognized at the No. 1 state-licensed provider for online DUI services in Arizona. Stonewall provides many services and education plans that help those who have been charged with a DUI get back on track and get their license back. DUI evaluation services at Stonewall will assess a client and, if appropriate, provide the Motor Vehicle Division with a positive evaluation that will allow the client to get his or her driver’s license back.