The new Pride Recovery LA hosted a “Coming Out” party this past Thursday, October 26, to celebrate the grand opening of the treatment center in West Hollywood. The program specializes in the needs of LGBTQ people who seek treatment for substance abuse.
Admissions and community outreach coordinator Matthew Bianchi said the coming out party was a perfect opportunity to introduce the Pride Recovery LA to the community as a premier LGBTQ treatment center. “We’re offering this specialized experience for LGBTQ people in our community, so they have the ultimate safe experience. It’s a place where they don’t have any fears or anxieties about really digging deep and doing the work that needs to be done in order to secure lasting sobriety,” Bianchi said. “It’s all likeminded people in the community that have this understanding. So far our clients have been very happy and have responded very well to that.”
(L-R) Effie Goldberg, Seamus McKeon and Matthew Bianchi – Photo by Paulo MurilloAccording to Bianchi, the treatment center’s primary target is substance abuse. Secondary is metal health. And tertiary is eating disorders. “We do recognize and address the other addictions that are attached to substance abuse–for example, sex with meth amphetamine. They’re so closely intertwined. Those things need to be address in tandem in order to secure lasting recovery.”
Mayor Pro Tempore John Duran was at the event along with several treatment professionals and members of the recovering community.
Pride Recovery LA Coming Out Party – photo by Paulo Murillo
Pride Recovery LA – photo by Paulo Murillo
Jacob Hall and RJ Holguin of My 12 Step Store – Photo by Paulo Murillo“I think this is a wonderful idea,” said Jacob Hall, the manager at My 12 Step Store—a West Hollywood boutique that specializes in recovery gifts for all 12-Step programs. “It’s important for the LGBT to have a place to go to get the help that they need. They should feel safe to be honest, open and one-hundred percent authentic about who they are. I like the space. I think it looks clean and airy and reenforces a positive outlook on recovery.”
Pride Recovery LA works with all sober living locations. The new treatment center is currently sharing a space with CORE (Complete Outpatient Recovery Experience)–an existing outpatient program located at 8300 Melrose Ave. The new LGBT treatment center accepts most insurance programs for outpatient programs and is known to offer scholarships for those lacking funds to cover their treatment.
Pride Recovery LA – photo by Paulo MurilloFor more information about the new Pride Recovery LA, call (844) 303-5551.
