Damien Center to Expand Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment and Support for members of the LGBTQ+ Community

Damien Center is set to expand its mental health and substance use disorder treatment and support services
for members of the LGBTQ+ community, thanks to a $400,000 grant from the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration’s (FSSA) Division of Mental Health and Addiction. The grant, funded by the Mental Health Block Grant, will enhance the center’s LGBTQ+ ACTS (Access to Comprehensive Treatment Services) program.

Statistics indicate LGBTQ+ individuals face disproportionately high rates of mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and systemic barriers, including discrimination and a lack of culturally competent providers. Damien Center’s comprehensive healthcare model directly addresses these issues, creating an environment where patients can access medical, mental health, and social support tailored to their unique needs.

Damien Center will use the funding to employ two full-time licensed mental health therapists, each serving at least 50 individuals annually. One therapist will provide in-person counseling at Damien Center’s headquarters on Indianapolis’s near eastside. The second therapist will deliver remote care via telehealth, meeting the growing demand for virtual services and addressing barriers like transportation and stigma.

“Access to culturally competent mental health care is critical for the LGBTQ+ community,” said Alan Witchey, president and CEO, Damien Center. “According to the 2020 LGBTQ Needs Assessment, which surveyed more than 800 members of the Central Indiana LGBTQ community, 42% of individuals surveyed were concerned that services would not be LGBTQ+ friendly. This grant allows us to expand vital services to individuals who might otherwise struggle to find inclusive, affirming care.”

The expanded program integrates closely with Damien Center’s Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), which provides group therapy and support for substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. Patients stepping down from intensive care can continue working toward their goals with the support of peer recovery specialists and dedicated therapists. The funding also enables the creation of group therapy programs tailored to specific needs, including LGBTQ+ older adults (55+), transgender and gender-diverse individuals, and other groups identified through community input.

Damien Center is a trusted provider of mental health and substance use disorder services for Central Indiana’s LGBTQ+ community, offering care since 2017. In 2024, 255 patients engaged in mental health therapy, and 150 received substance use disorder treatment. The organization’s Syringe Services Program served over 1,600 clients, distributing more than 400,000 syringes and 8,414 doses of Naloxone, resulting in 945 reported opioid reversals.

For more information on Damien Center’s services or to schedule an appointment, visit www.damien.org or call 317-632-0123.