LGBTQ+ – Healthy Life Recovery https://healthyliferecovery.com Drug & Alcohol Treatment Center in San Diego Wed, 27 Dec 2023 00:11:39 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://healthyliferecovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/cropped-hlr-fav-logo-32x32.png LGBTQ+ – Healthy Life Recovery https://healthyliferecovery.com 32 32 LGBT and Mental Health https://healthyliferecovery.com/lgbt-and-mental-health/ Tue, 24 Jan 2023 23:49:49 +0000 https://healthyliferecovery.com/?p=3389 Mental health disorders in the LGBTQ+ community: a serious issue that’s twice as likely to occur than in their heterosexual counterparts. This is not necessarily because members of the LGBTQ+ community are genetically prone to mental health care issues. However, their unique challenges may feed into LGBT mental health issues. 

Life experiences play a huge role in mental health. Members of the LGBT community are more likely to experience discomfort because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. But the worst part is often feeling like there’s no one to turn to. 

In this article, we’ll dive into the struggles the LGBTQ+ community faces with mental health disorders, provide tips for better mental health and explore the treatments available for those in need, all while highlighting the importance of seeking out high-quality, LGBTQ-affirming treatment at Healthy Life Recovery, an outpatient program in San Diego, California that treats drug and alcohol abuse and dual diagnosis.

The Risk Factors of LGBTQ+ Mental Health

A few significant risk factors that LGBTQI+ individuals encounter can exacerbate mental health problems. To better help your loved ones and look after your behavioral health, it’s critical to be aware of these issues.

Coming-Out

The coming-out process varies for each member of the LGBTQI+ community. Some people find the experience to be pretty straightforward. A third of LGBTQI+ individuals are lucky enough to experience parental acceptance. But for some, the journey may not be as smooth sailing with their public health compromised.

Coming out can be difficult because of culture, religion, and family expectations. A few people might even be scared to lose their job or housing. It’s also crucial to realize that not everyone can or is ready to come out, and it’s acceptable if some individuals never come out. 

Studies show that a third of the LGBTQI+ community waits until they are adults before coming out. Regardless of whether they are out or not, it is crucial to appreciate and support their choice.

Trauma

Violence and trauma have a long history in the LGBTQI+ community. The LGBT community has experienced everything from sexual harassment, homophobia, and transphobia to hate crimes. All of this trauma has the potential to affect mental health seriously or be the cause of mental illness.

LGBT people are thus more likely to experience trauma, with estimates of prevalence indicating that up to 48% of LGB people and 42% of transgender and gender-nonconforming people fulfill the criteria for trauma. These figures are significantly higher than the prevalence in the general population.

Rejection

They may experience instances of discrimination, harassment, and marginalization, leading to feeling minority stress and damaging their mental health condition. It’s important to understand that rejection can take many forms, from outright hostility to microaggressions and subtle discrimination. The effects of rejection can be severe, leading to depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders.

According to The Trevor Project, LGBTQI+ kids who face a lot of familial rejection are about eight times more inclined to try suicide. Additionally, people from families who reject them are six times as likely to have worsening depression. 

Substance Abuse

Substance abuse is another one of the health disparities in the LGBTQ+ community. Studies have shown that members of the community are more likely to experience addiction and substance abuse issues than the general population. This is often due to the stress and trauma associated with being a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Tackling addiction and substance use issues is crucial, but it’s just as important to address any underlying mental health concerns.

According to a 2021 study, the rate of substance addiction among LGBTQI+ adults is over twice as high as that of heterosexual adults, and for transgender people, it is almost four times as high as that of cisgender people. Additionally, relative to their heterosexual counterparts, junior and high school students whose identity is LGBTQI+ or are unclear of their identity take illegal drugs at considerably higher rates than those who do not. These students range in age from eleven to eighteen.

Some people may use alcohol or drugs to escape the trauma they have gone through. Others may turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with daily discrimination and scrutiny. Whatever the cause, substance abuse is a serious issue in the LGBTQI+ community that requires attention.

Types of Mental Health Disorders LGBT Struggle With

A mental health issue can affect everyone. However, those who identify as LGBTIQ+ community are more vulnerable to experiencing issues like:

Depression 

Depression is a common mental health disorder that affects many members of the LGBTQ+ community. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including discrimination, rejection, and trauma. Depression comes with its own set of symptoms, such as feeling down in the dumps, feeling like there’s no light at the end of the tunnel, and losing interest in things that once brought joy. 

It’s important to seek out treatment for depression, as it can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life. Therapy, medication, and support groups are all effective ways to manage depression.

Anxiety

LGBT youth and LGBT adults may also struggle with anxiety disorders, particularly concerning fear of rejection or discrimination. They may also experience anxiety related to navigating relationships and social interactions. 

Symptoms of anxiety include feelings of nervousness, worry, and fear. It’s important to seek out treatment for anxiety, as it can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life. Therapy, medication, and support groups are all effective ways to manage anxiety.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is a mental health disorder that can arise as a consequence of a traumatic experience, whether it’s something one went through or simply witnessed. Many members of the LGBTQ+ community have experienced trauma and may be at risk of developing PTSD. Symptoms of PTSD include flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance of reminders of the trauma. 

Eating Disorders

 LGBT individuals may also be at a higher risk of developing eating disorders, particularly concerning body image concerns and societal pressure to conform to traditional gender roles.

Self-Harm and Suicide 

LGBT individuals may engage in self-harm behaviors or contemplate suicide due to feelings of isolation, rejection, and discrimination. People in the LGBT community may experience suicidal more suicidal thoughts compared to their heterosexual peers. 

It is important to note that these mental health disorders are not exclusive to the LGBT community and can affect anyone. However, the unique challenges faced by LGBT individuals can increase their risk of developing these disorders. 

Finding Treatment for Mental Health in the LGBT

Finding treatment for mental health in the LGBT community can be challenging, as many individuals may not feel comfortable seeking help from a therapist or counselor who may not understand or be sensitive to their unique experiences. It’s important to seek out LGBTQ-affirming therapists and other mental health services. 

At Healthy Life Recovery, we understand the unique needs of the LGBTQ+ community and provide high-quality, LGBTQ-affirming treatment for drug and alcohol abuse and dual diagnosis. It’s important to remember that seeking help for mental health is a brave and vital step, and many people and organizations are dedicated to providing support for the LGBT community.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment in San Diego for LGBT+

The goal of dual diagnosis treatment, commonly referred to as integrated treatment, is to heal you on a whole-person level. It’s important to seek out LGBTQ-affirming therapists and other resources. At Healthy Life Recovery, we understand the unique needs of the LGBTQ+ community and provide high-quality, LGBTQ-affirming treatment for drug and alcohol abuse and dual diagnosis.

At Healthy Life Recovery, we understand the unique needs of the LGBTQ+ community and provide high-quality, LGBTQ-affirming treatment for drug and alcohol abuse and dual diagnosis. Our team of experienced mental health professionals is dedicated to helping individuals in the LGBTQ+ community overcome addiction and mental health issues. Located in San Diego, California, we offer a range of evidence-based treatment options, including therapy, medication, and support groups.

]]> LGBT and Addiction https://healthyliferecovery.com/lgbt-and-addiction/ Tue, 17 Jan 2023 18:24:26 +0000 https://healthyliferecovery.com/?p=3387 People who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning (LGBTQ) often find themselves in stressful situations. They must defend their rights, struggle with harassment, and battle discrimination. People who identify as LGBT may face higher rates of substance abuse and mental health conditions.

All these factors contribute to the development of behavioral and mental health problems. That’s why addiction and substance abuse in LGBTQ individuals isn’t a rarity. In fact, studies show that substance abuse and substance use disorders (SUDs) are more common in the LGBTQ population than in the overall adult population.

Overcoming addiction for LGBTQ people may be more challenging due to environmental factors that contribute to its occurrence in the first place. That’s why these patients require comprehensive assistance with a customized approach to their needs.

Why Is Substance Abuse Common in the LGBTQ Community?

Since drug use and alcohol use provide short-lived relief from stress and anxiety, LGBTQ people who face them frequently give in to substance abuse. Getting timely professional assistance is the key to addiction recovery for members of the  LGBTQ community.

Common reasons why LGBTQ people struggle with substance abuse and co-occurring mental health problems include:

Gender Identity Harassment

LGBTQ people, especially teenagers, often become victims of bullying, aggression, and harassment. Even if physical abuse isn’t involved, bullying and harassment can lead to various psychological problems, such as low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety.

Both depression and anxiety co-occur with substance abuse. While one doesn’t necessarily cause the other, many LGBTQ adults who face these problems use alcohol and illicit drugs for self-medication.

Family Rejection

People who struggle with mental health issues, harassment problems, and bullying need family support. Unfortunately, LGBTQ individuals often don’t have it. Just the opposite, instead of offering the much-needed support, families turn away from these people and worsen the existing problem.

Family rejection can lead to severe health conditions, including mental health issues. Studies demonstrate that LGBTQ young adults who experienced family rejection are 5.9 times more likely to report depression and 3.4 times more likely to use illicit drugs.

Abuse

Emotional, physical, and sexual abuse are significant factors that contribute to addiction in the LGBTQ community. These people are almost four times more likely to experience sexual and physical abuse than non-LGBTQ groups.

This abuse leads to psychological consequences, mental health disorders, and drug abuse. Since only a few people are ready to get help for these problems, they end up worsening their condition with continuous drug and alcohol use.

Risk Factors of LGBTQ Substance Abuse

While more LGBTQ people face the substance abuse struggle than non-LGBTQ communities, some factors increase the risk of developing this condition.

  • Internalized homophobia – even if family and friends support an LGBTQ person, they can suffer from negative emotions that the rest of the community faces. A person can feel the anti-gay stigma internally and develop low self-esteem and even self-hate.
  • Stigma – many LGBTQ people struggle with stigma related to their choices. More than 50% report hiding personal relationships. This makes it even harder for them to seek professional assistance for their drug abuse problems.
  • Sexuality issues – many LGBTQ people experience issues related to their sexuality. From sexual dysfunction and HIV-related anxiety to compulsive sexual behavior and abuse, many factors can contribute to addiction and substance abuse problems.

One of the most common risk factors for LGBTQ substance abuse is co-occurring disorders. Research shows that people with anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can use alcohol and drugs for self-medication.

The short-lived effect of illicit drugs and alcohol turns into stress, withdrawal, and more anxiety, locking a person in a vicious cycle.

Types of Substances That LGBTQ People Commonly Abuse

When the LGBTQ population turns to substance abuse to improve their psychological and physical condition, they can use different substances. Researchers looked at middle-aged and older LGBTQ patients and found that they were:

  • More than two times more like to use cannabis than heterosexual adults
  • Twice as likely to use prescription tranquilizers
  • More than twice as likely to use prescription opioids

All the drugs mentioned above were used for non-medical purposes. Meanwhile, according to studies, the odds for LGBTQ adolescents to abuse different types of drugs were 190% higher than for heterosexual people of the same age. The odds were even higher for bisexual adolescents (340%) and for females (400%).

Why LGBTQ People Don’t Get Assistance for Substance Abuse

LGTBQ people with a substance use disorder often live with this problem without getting professional assistance. In some cases, these people may feel uneasy seeking LGBTQ substance abuse treatment.

The most common reasons why they don’t try to get help are:

  • Stigma – both youths and older adults are afraid of being further stigmatized for their substance abuse habits. While they have to deal with gender-related stigma, it’s hard for them to face a new one.
  • Fear of the unknown – many people don’t know what addiction treatment for LGBTQ entails. They fear more discrimination and bullying. They are also afraid to fail.
  • Loss of solution – since LGBTQ youth believe that substance abuse is a solution (albeit short-lived) for their problems, they worry that getting treatment could land them on square one.
  • Denial – many people simply deny having a problem. They can’t admit to themselves that abuse is out of their control. These patients often believe they can quit anytime without outside help.

Lack of family and friends support is another reason the LGBTQ population doesn’t seek assistance. They don’t have someone who can help them take the first step, consult an addiction recovery center, or arrange an intervention.

Help with Addiction in San Diego

The LGBTQ population may have more difficulty asking for professional medical assistance than other groups. While severe substance abuse disorders and co-occurring conditions are treatable. A comprehensive professional approach to LGBTQ addiction treatment yields excellent results.

Healthy Life Recovery is a substance abuse treatment center that helps LGBTQ patients and other groups overcome their addictions. A wide choice of programs, methods, and approaches allow patients to recover from addiction, treat co-occurring disorders, and avoid relapses.

]]> Mental Health and Addiction Issues in the LGBTQ+ Community https://healthyliferecovery.com/mental-health-addiction-in-lgbtq/ Fri, 24 Sep 2021 22:22:17 +0000 https://healthyliferecovery.com/?p=2691

Mental Health and Addiction Issues in the LGBTQ+ Community

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Those who identify as a different sexual orientation or gender than the majority of the population are a part of the LGBTQ+ community; LGBTQ+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and more. The LGBTQ+ community faces various challenges that can sometimes create mental health issues or substance abuse disorders.

It is important to understand that identifying with the LGBTQ+ community is not a mental illness itself. However, many members of the LGBTQ+ community, particularly younger members, experience mental health issues and substance abuse disorders due to the discrimination, shame, and traumatic events they experience 1.

Members of the LGBTQ+ community are at high risk of experiencing this discrimination, shame, and trauma. Thankfully, with a supportive family and community, someone who identifies as LGBTQ+ can overcome adversity. In fact, individuals in the LGBTQ+ community utilize mental health services at 2.5 times the rate straight individuals do 2.

It is essential to understand the LGBTQ+ community, the challenges that affect this community, and the mental health issues and substance abuse disorders that can occur. It is also imperative to explore the available and ideal treatment options for members of this community.

Mental Health and Addiction Issues in the LGBTQ+ Community

LGBTQ+ Statistics

Demographics

Based on over 340,000 interviews conducted by Gallup in 2017, 4.5% of the United States population identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. This percentage is an increase from 4.1% in 2016 and 3.5% in 2012 3.

The percentage of those who identify as LGBT decreases as age increases. The jump is particularly high between Millennials (born between 1980 and 1999) and Generation X (born between 1965 and 1979), as 8.2% of millennials identify as LGBT, and only 3.5% of Generation X identify as LGBT 3.

In 2017, more women identified as LGBT than men:

5.1% of women

3.9% of men

This gap is much more significant than it was in 2012 when 3.5% of women and 3.4% of men identified as LGBT 3.

Social Attitudes

The adverse and sometimes traumatic events that LGBTQ+ individuals experience throughout their lifetime can create long-lasting effects. Many times these individuals will develop mental health issues as a result of these painful experiences.

According to a survey of 3,453 diverse LGBTQ adults done by Robert Wood Johnson Foundation 4:

  • 57% of those who identify as LGBTQ+ have experienced slurs relating to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
  • 53% of LGBTQ+ have experienced similar insensitive or offensive comments.
  • 57% of LGBTQ+ people reported that they or their LGBTQ+ friends or family members have been threatened or non-sexually harassed.
  • 51% said that they or their LGBTQ+ friends or family members have been sexually harassed or experienced violence.
  • 34% of LGBTQ+ individuals have said that they or their LGBTQ+ friends or family members have been harassed verbally while in a bathroom or have been asked if or told that they were using the wrong bathroom.
  • 20% of people who identify as LGBTQ+ reported being discriminated against because of their sexuality or gender identity.
  • 22% of LGBTQ+ people have reported similar discrimination when being considered for a promotion and when trying to rent or buy a living space.

Mental Health Issues

Those who identify as LGBTQ+ are subject to health disparities resulting from societal stigma, discrimination, and the denial of their human and civil rights. This discrimination is associated with high rates of substance abuse, psychiatric disorders, and suicide 5.

LGBTQ+ individuals often experience violence and victimization, which causes long-term effects. The level of acceptance they receive from themselves, their families, and their society dramatically affects their mental health and safety 5.

People who identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual are two to three times more likely to have long-term psychological or emotional issues than heterosexual people 6:

5.2% of heterosexual men and 6% of heterosexual women report psychological or emotional issues.

10.9% of homosexual men report psychological or emotional issues.

15% of bisexual men report psychological or emotional issues.

12.3% of homosexual women report psychological or emotional issues.

18.8% of bisexual women report psychological or emotional issues.

A member of the LGBTQ+ community dealing with discrimination, inadequate treatment, and a lack of support is not unusual. These unpleasant and detrimental experiences can lead to depression, anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and in some extreme cases, suicide 7.

Depression

Young people who identify as LGBTQ+ are much more likely to experience depression than young individuals who do not identify as LGBTQ+.

A survey conducted through 2016-2017 identified that 28% of LGBTQ+ youth, 40% of which are transgender, expressed feelings of depression most or all of the time in the past month. Only 12% of their heterosexual peers expressed similar feelings in the past month 9.

A study conducted in 2015 found that 60% of LGBTQ+ youth said that they stopped engaging in some of their regular activities due to feelings of extreme sadness or hopelessness 9.

0
Million

Another study conducted in 2015 identified that 1.9 million LGBTQ+ adults experienced a major depressive episode in the past year (18.2% of all LGBTQ+ adults) , including 1.4 million (13.1% of all LGBTQ+ adults) who had a major depressive episode with severe impairment 10.

The study found that LGBTQ+ adults were much more likely to have had a major depressive episode in the past year than their heterosexual counterparts. Only 6.2% of heterosexual adults experienced just the major depressive episode, and 3.9% had a major depressive episode with severe impairment 10.

Anxiety

Almost all of the research on the topic of LGBTQ+ mental health suggests that individuals in this community experience much higher anxiety levels because of the discrimination and prejudice they are regularly subjected to 11.

The high rates of lack of social acceptance, workplace discrimination, and housing discrimination can make it extremely difficult for LGBTQ+ individuals to feel safe in their communities. An extreme lack of security can easily lead to feelings of anxiety surrounding friendships, income, and housing opportunity 11.

Between 30% and 60% of LGBTQ+ individuals experience anxiety symptoms at some point in their lifetime. This rate is 1.5 to 2.5 times higher than the rate at which their heterosexual or gender-conforming counterparts experience anxiety 12.

Some of the most common issues among LGBTQ+ youth manifest in the form of anxiety disorders. A total of 12% of young LGBTQ+ girls experience symptoms of anxiety, as do 16% of young LGBTQ+ boys 13.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

The social challenges and related traumatic events that LGBTQ+ individuals experience creates an elevated prevalence of PTSD in people who identify as LGBTQ+ compared to their heterosexual counterparts 14.

It is important to note that LGBTQ+ individuals who experience moderate, increasing mistreatment and high, consistent mistreatment are at a higher risk for developing PTSD than LGBTQ+ individuals who experience low levels of decreasing mistreatment 15.

One study concluded that those who have had same-sex partners throughout their lifetime had higher PTSD rates than those who identify as heterosexual and have had no same-sex partners 14.

Suicide

Members of the LGBTQ+ community regularly encounter prejudice, harassment, or discrimination. Negative feelings towards an LGBTQ+ individual may even lead to bullying, victimization, social isolation, and violence. In the worst-case scenario, these events can lead to thoughts of suicide, attempted suicide, and carried out suicide 16.

Young people in the LGBTQ+ community are over two times as likely to have thoughts of suicide and are over four times as likely to attempt suicide when compared to heterosexual young people.

Furthermore, a third of transgender young people have seriously considered suicide, and 1 in 5 of them have made a suicide attempt 9.

A total of 40% of the transgender population has attempted suicide in their lifetime, which is almost nine times the attempted suicide rate of 4.6% among the entire United States population. Additionally, 48% of those who identify as transgender have considered suicide in the last year, and only 4% of the U.S. population reports similar considerations 17.

Substance Use Disorders/Addiction

Dealing with mental health issues and harmful attitudes within social groups can cause LGBTQ+ community members to seek out drugs and alcohol as a form of relief. LGBTQ+ individuals are much more likely to binge drink, smoke, and use drugs than their heterosexual counterparts 7.

Two studies have found that adults who identify as LGBTQ+ were more likely than those who do not identify as LGBTQ+ to have a substance use disorder in the past year 10, 18:

15.1% of LGBTQ+ adults had an alcohol or drug use disorder in the past year.

7.8% of heterosexual adults had an alcohol or drug use disorder in the past year.

20-30% of LGBTQ+ individuals abuse substances throughout their lifetime.

9% of the general population has similar substance abuse issues.

Members of the LGBTQ+ community use tobacco products 200% more than their heterosexual peers 18. Additionally, young people who identify as LGBTQ+ are more likely to report using tobacco products than young people who do not identify as LGBTQ+ 19.

Take a look at statistics below between two studies done in 2016.

Youth who have used electronic nicotine products (e-cigarettes) 19, 20:

36.5% — lesbian, gay, bisexual individuals

26.5% — transgender individuals

18.1% — straight individuals

 

Individuals who have used smoked over 100 cigarettes 19, 20:

47.5% of lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals

44.6% of transgender individuals

41.4% of straight individuals

 

Individuals who are current cigarette smokers 19, 20:

21.8% of lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals

21% of transgender individuals

14.6% of straight individuals

Adult members of the LGBTQ+ community, including young adults and adults aged 26 or older, are more likely to drink alcohol and develop an alcohol use disorder than their heterosexual counterparts 10.

A study conducted in 2015 reviewed the drinking habits of adults in the LGBTQ+ community over the past month of their lives, comparing them to non-LGBTQ+ adults. Below is what they found.

Compared to non-LGBTQ+, all LGBTQ+ adults 18 years and older had a 10:

7.4% higher rate of drinking

9.4% higher rate of binge drinking

1.1% higher rate of heavy alcohol usage

Compared to non-LGBTQ+ female adults, LGBTQ+ female adults had a 10:

13.1% higher rate of drinking

16.8% higher rate of binge drinking

3.6% higher rate of heavy alcohol usage

Compared to non-LGBTQ+ male adults, LGBTQ+ male adults had a 10:

1.2% higher rate of drinking

0.9% higher rate of binge drinking

1.3% lower rate of heavy alcohol usage

They also found that 10.8% of all LGBTQ+ adults had an alcohol use disorder in the past year — compared to 6.1% in the heterosexual adult population.

Looking at these numbers we can infer that the differences in alcohol drinking habits among females are much greater between LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ than the differences between males.

Adult members of the LGBTQ+ community, including young adults and adults aged 26 or older, are also more likely to use marijuana and develop a marijuana use disorder than their heterosexual counterparts 10.

A 2015 study analyzed marijuana smoking habits of the past year between heterosexual adults and LGBTQ+ adults. Here’s what they found.

Among LGBTQ+ adults 10:

27.1% had used marijuana

3.9% had a marijuana use disorder

 

Among heterosexual adults 10:

16.2% had used marijuana

1.3% had a marijuana use disorder

 

Among young LGBTQ+ adults 10:

46.2% had used marijuana

7.4% had a marijuana use disorder

 

Among young heterosexual adults 10:

31% had used marijuana

4.9% had a marijuana use disorder

LGBTQ+ adults, including young adults and adults aged 26 or older, use methamphetamine at a much higher rate than their heterosexual counterparts.

In 2015, 2.3% of LGBTQ+ adults had used methamphetamine in the past year, compared to 0.6% of heterosexual adults 10.

Adults who identify as LGBTQ+ are also more likely to use heroin than heterosexual adults.

In 2015, 0.9% of LGBTQ+ adults had used heroin in the past year, compared to 0.3% of heterosexual adults. However, heroin use is similar among LGBTQ+ young adults and heterosexual young adults aged 18-25 10.

Treatment Options

Members of the LGBTQ+ community may be hesitant to get help for mental health issues or a substance use disorder because of the lack of available resources and the stigma surrounding how they choose to identify.

Fortunately, there are addiction treatment programs that focus on needs specific to the LGBTQ+ population and welcome members of the LGBTQ+ community with open arms and a catered rehabilitation plan. Our Outpatient Rehab Center in San Diego specializes in the treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals. We also focus on co-occurring mental health issues to ensure the healing and recovery of each individual.

If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health issues or a substance use disorder, now is the time to seek treatment. Remember, you are not alone, and there is a treatment center that will meet your specific needs.

Contact Health Life Recovery or check out LGBTQ+ rehab program for help today.

Dr. Sanajai Thankachen

Medically Reviewed By:

Dr. Sanjai Thankachen

Dr. Sanjai Thankachen graduated from Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medicine in 2000. He completed his residency in psychiatry in 2008 at Creedmoor Psychiatric Center in New York. Dr. Thankachen is currently working with Pacific Neuropsychiatric Specialists in an outpatient practice, as well as working at multiple in-patient psychiatric and medical units bringing his patients the most advanced healthcare treatment in psychiatry. Dr. Thankachen sees patients with an array of disorders, including depression, bipolar illness, schizophrenia, anxiety, and dementia-related problems.

More About Dr. Sanjai Thankachen

Sean Leonard Bio Image

Edited for Clinical Accuracy By:

Sean Leonard, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Sean Leonard is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. He received his master’s degree in adult geriatric primary care nurse practitioner from Walden University and a second postmaster specialty in psychiatry mental health nurse practitioner from Rocky Mountain University. Sean has experience working in various diverse settings, including an outpatient clinic, inpatient detox and rehab, psychiatric emergency, and dual diagnosis programs. His specialty areas include substance abuse, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, PTSD, ADHD, and OCD.

More About Sean Leonard

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