INDIANAPOLIS – The Damien Center has been awarded an $800,000 grant from the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration to expand its mental health and substance use disorder treatment services for the LGBTQ+ community.
The four-year grant will fund the addition of two full-time licensed mental health therapists and the development of specialized group therapy programs. One therapist will provide in-person counseling at the Damien Center’s headquarters on the near east side of Indianapolis, while the second therapist will offer remote care through telehealth services.
“This grant is a significant step forward in ensuring that members of the LGBTQ+ community have access to culturally competent mental health care,” said Alan Witchey, President and CEO of the Damien Center. “A 2020 LGBTQ Needs Assessment survey, which included responses from over 800 LGBTQ individuals in Central Indiana, revealed that 42% were concerned about the lack of LGBTQ+ friendly services. This funding will help bridge that gap and provide inclusive, affirming care for those who may have otherwise struggled to find it.”
The grant will also support the center’s ongoing efforts to integrate mental health services with its Intensive Outpatient Program, which provides group therapy for those facing both substance use and mental health challenges. As part of the expansion, the center will offer continued support through peer recovery specialists and therapists as patients transition out of intensive care.
According to a 2023 report from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults are at a higher risk for substance use and mental health conditions, including major depression and suicidal thoughts, compared to their heterosexual counterparts. This makes the expansion of these critical services even more urgent.
Additionally, the grant will enable the Damien Center to create specialized group therapy programs targeting specific LGBTQ+ subgroups, such as individuals over 55 or transgender individuals, addressing their unique needs in a safe and supportive environment.
As Indiana’s oldest and largest AIDS service organization, Damien Center has long been dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of the LGBTQ+ community. In the past year, the organization provided mental health therapy to 255 patients and substance use disorder treatment to 150 individuals.
The new funding will allow Damien Center to broaden its scope and continue offering life-changing support to LGBTQ+ individuals in need of mental health and substance use disorder services.
