Members of the LGBTQ+ community are disproportionately impacted by trauma, stigmatization, and marginalization. These adverse events increase the risk of addiction and mental illness, but help is available. Boca Recovery Center in Pompano Beach offers specialized LGBTQ+ rehab programs to meet the unique needs of gay, lesbian, transgender, and queer persons.
Understanding the Need for Specialized LGBTQ+ Rehab
Members of the LGBTQ+ community are significantly more likely to be substance users and to have mental health conditions, including depression and thoughts of suicide, than are straight individuals, says the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The reason for this disparity, according to a 2023 SAMHSA study, is that members of the LGBTQ+ community experience greater levels of stress due to discrimination and harassment.
The degree of substance abuse in the LGBTQ+ community is evidence that many members of this community could benefit from drug rehab treatment. Unfortunately, many don’t seek out or take part in treatment because they don’t feel comfortable or welcome in traditional drug rehab programs.
The need for customized lesbian and gay rehab programs is evident, but finding an LGBTQ or gay friendly addiction treatment program is often difficult. Programs that offer a safe, sensitive environment where the complex clinical needs of LGBTQ+ individuals and their multi faceted personalities are understood and respected, are few and far between.
High quality LGBTQ alcohol and drug rehab services can only be found in programs offering specialized treatment conducted by caring and supportive staff who have experience addressing the unique challenges of this population. Lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and gay addiction treatment programs are designed to address histories of trauma that may contribute to or exacerbate addictions while at the same time providing a safe and affirming space for the LGBTQ community to find healing.
At Boca Recovery Center in Pompano Beach, Florida, you’ll find the kind of LGBTQ+ drug rehab you need. We understand the unique challenges you face, just because your lifestyle is outside the norms of the mainstream population. Not being able to be fully authentic with family, friends, work associates, or others due to fear of being judged often leads to social isolation and contributes to the cooccurring mental health issues that are often associated with substance abuse.
Our clinicians have experience treating trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and eating disorders, as well as other dual diagnosis conditions. We treat adults, including LGBTQ+ adults who are at risk of turning to substance misuse as a way of coping with discrimination and stigma.
Dr. Alison Tarlow is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the states of Florida, New Jersey, Indiana, and Pennsylvania. She is also a Certified Addictions Professional, Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ICADC), Certified Clinical Supervisor, Certified Recovery Residence Administrator, and Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator.
Dr. Tarlow began her education in South Florida, completing her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Psychology. She began her career working at The Renfrew Center, an eating disorders and mental health facility in Coconut Creek, Florida, and has worked in private practice for over 20 years. For the past 10 years, Dr. Tarlow’s clinical work has focused on the treatment of substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. In 2014, she became Clinical Director of a treatment program in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She then transitioned to Boca Recovery Center in January 2018, in the role of Clinical Director, where she has been involved in the start-up of their Detoxification and Residential treatment facilities in South Florida, New Jersey, and most recently, Bloomington, Indiana.
In August 2020, Dr. Tarlow was honored to accept the position of Chief Clinical Officer for Boca Recovery Center. Dr. Tarlow enjoys every aspect of her clinical role, which includes oversight and supervision of the clinical teams at each of our three locations, maintaining the highest standards for client treatment and care, and using social media platforms to provide education and insight into the many issues that present with substance use disorders.
Stephanie is originally from Boca Raton, FL where she graduated from Broward College and City College to pursue her passion as a registered nurse. Stephanie has been a director of nursing for the last 6 years in the mental health and substance abuse field. Prior to that she was a registered nurse at Baptist Health Bethesda Hospital where she began building her nursing foundation.
Stephanie has opened and maintained several dual diagnosis facilities in the South Florida area and understands the unique dynamic between the medical and administrative duties as the Chief Nursing Officer. Some of these duties she excels in are creating and implementing systems and procedures to comply with the most up-to-date federal and state compliance. Stephanie has demonstrated expertise in overall operations with the medical and nursing components of treatment in both our Florida and New Jersey locations. Stephanie's approach in providing nursing care continues to be that no matter what the client is here for, WE are here to help. Her goal as Chief Nursing Officer with Boca Recovery Center is to provide a collaborative comprehensive approach to client-centered care for the best client outcomes.
Laura Bonczek, LCSW, is the Clinical Director of our Pompano Beach, Florida, location. She was born and raised in Connecticut and moved to Florida in 2012. Laura has been working in treatment for the past 9 years. She has held numerous clinical positions, including Primary Therapist, Assistant Clinical Director, Program Director, and Clinical Director. Laura initially joined Boca Recovery Center in August 2022, as a Primary Therapist, and then after a brief career move, Laura returned to Boca Recovery Center in the role of Clinical Director in August 2023. Laura comes to us with a great deal of personal and professional experience in substance use disorder recovery. When she is not working, Laura enjoys family time, playing golf, and helping others achieve sobriety. Laura is a highly talented clinician and leader of our clinical team in South Florida.
Nicole Kamel is the Alumni Coordinator for Boca Recovery Center in Florida. Nicole grew up in New York and moved to South Florida 3 years ago. She has been working in substance use disorder treatment for the past 4 years. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Human Services, and has begun working towards a Master's Degree in Social Work. Nicole has held several positions while working in treatment, including Behavioral Health Technician, Lead Tech, Clinical Liaison/Aftercare Coordinator, and recently she was promoted to the role of Alumni Coordinator. Nicole is passionate about recovery and helping others, and continues to provide service in Narcotics Anonymous. Nicole enjoys a healthy balance of work and leisure activities, and when she is not working she can be found working out, kickboxing, skydiving, or spending time with family and friends.
Stephanie has always been passionate about helping those who struggle with mental health and substance abuse issues. She has been working in this field for 15 years, 5 of those as Operations Director. With her vast array of knowledge in this field from Admissions, Case management, Behavioral health tech roles, Operations of all levels of care, and JCAHO and DCF inspections. She loves being a part of a team committed to going above and beyond to assist patients and their families through difficult times. The first day an individual walks through detox doors Stephanie and her team are there to guide you every step of the way to create lasting change for life.
What to Expect
What to Expect from Specialized LGBTQ+ Rehab Programs
Specialized LGBT substance abuse programs are not just traditional rehabs that offer a single LGBTQ+ group. A true, customized LGBTQ+ program will ensure that all treatment and programming is specifically generated to address the unique challenges and concerns associated with lesbian and gay addiction treatment issues and other alternative gender related addiction issues.
Our staff are skilled and practiced in addressing trauma, co-occurring mental health issues, complex family dynamics, stigma, and social discrimination. We are uniquely qualified to provide the clinical expertise, personalized attention, and treatment customization required to meet the needs of each LGBTQ+ client individually.
Insurance & Payment Options
At Boca Recovery Center Pompano, we welcome and respect your full diversity. Our lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and gay drug rehab programming is customized to address your unique needs, challenges, and interests. We help you feel safe, validated, and comfortable. Start your healing journey now by verifying your insurance benefits, so you can discover how our inclusive and customized program can help you.