Legal Issues for Programs Treating LGBT Clients Bellingham WA

Two Federal (and a number of State) statutes protect recovering substance abusers from many forms of discrimination. However, in most areas of the country, LGBT individuals have no legal protection against discrimination in employment, housing, or access to social services. Protections fought for and won by women, racial minorities, and individuals with disabilities simply are not available for LGBT persons.

Sea Mar Substance Abuse Program
(360) 734-5458
4455 Cordata Parkway
Bellingham, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired, Spanish

Data Provided by:
Westcoast Counseling and Treatment Ctr
(360) 647-7577
1200 Dupont Street
Bellingham, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Pregnant/postpartum women, Women, DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Whatcom Community Detox
(360) 676-2205x5
2030 Division Street
Bellingham, WA
Services Provided
Detoxification
Types of Care
Outpatient
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired, Spanish

Data Provided by:
Advanced Choices
(360) 752-3262
2505 Cedarwood Avenue
Bellingham, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
Saint Joseph Hospital/ Ferndale Branch
(360) 715-6400
2376 Main Street
Ferndale, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Sea Mar Visions
(360) 647-4266
1603 East Illinois Street
Bellingham, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Halfway house
Types of Care
Residential short-term treatment (30 days or less), Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days)
Special Programs/Groups
Pregnant/postpartum women
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired, Spanish

Data Provided by:
Saint Josephs Hospital
(360) 715-6400
809 East Chestnut Street
Bellingham, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification
Types of Care
Hospital inpatient, Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, DUI/DWI offenders
Language Services
ASL or other assistance for hearing impaired

Data Provided by:
Belair Clinic
(360) 676-4485
1130 North State Street
Bellingham, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
CCS Recovery Center
(360) 676-2187x105
2806 Douglas Avenue
Bellingham, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse
Types of Care
Outpatient
Special Programs/Groups
Adolescents, Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Pregnant/postpartum women, Women, DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
Nooksack Tribe''s Genesis II
(360) 966-7704
6750 Mission Road
Everson, WA
Services Provided
Substance abuse , Detoxification, Halfway house
Types of Care
Residential long-term treatment (more than 30 days), Outpatient, Partial hospitalization/day treatment
Special Programs/Groups
Persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, Women, Residential beds for clients' children, Men, DUI/DWI offenders

Data Provided by:
Data Provided by:

Legal Issues for Programs Treating LGBT Clients

Legal Issues for Programs Treating LGBT Clients

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals with substance abuse problems are doubly stigmatized. As substance abusers, they are viewed by many as weak in character and moral fiber. As lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals, they are reviled by some as deviant and immoral. They may encounter bigotry from employers, human service workers, criminal justice officials, the general public, and even their own families.

Two Federal (and a number of State) statutes protect recovering substance abusers from many forms of discrimination. However, in most areas of the country, LGBT individuals have no legal protection against discrimination in employment, housing, or access to social services. Protections fought for and won by women, racial minorities, and individuals with disabilities simply are not available for LGBT persons. Disclosure of sexual orientation can lead to an individual’s being fired or being denied access to housing and social services—all with legal impunity. LGBT individuals may even lose custody of their children if their sexual orientation becomes known during a custody dispute.

Even in those States that have enacted statutes prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, LGBT individuals have sometimes been denied protection. Little wonder that LGBT individuals regard protecting information about their sexual orientation and substance abuse histories as criticall...

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