The Montrose Center

The SPRY (Seniors Preparing for Rainbow Years) program provides mental health services to older adults in need. Many LGBT persons may spend their entire lives out and proud, but as they grow older, begin to feel invisible and forced to go back into the closet. Even today, many members of society still treat the sexual orientation of LGBT persons as a passing phase, which will eventually be outgrown. The mentality that a person will “outgrow” their LGBT identity creates a sense of isolation and alienation for LGBT seniors. The program, which began in 2006, provides professional counseling and case management, peer support, outreach, education, advocacy and congregate meals for LGBT persons age 60 and older. The Center sustains SPRY services with a combination of local Area Agency on Aging funds and foundation grants to maintain and expand the program.

The Way Out Recovery Program provides state-licensed Level III and Level IV outpatient drug and alcohol treatment, primarily to LGBT individuals as well as persons living with HIV/AIDS. It includes an eight-week intensive course with individual counseling, followed by extended relapse prevention and recovery support services. Successful recovery requires a strong support system and full disclosure about what triggers our addictions, which often linked to family issues, relationships and sexual behaviors. Many LGBT and HIV+ individuals have difficulty identifying trustworthy persons to include in their support network. Because we are by, for and about the LGBT and HIV communities, the WAY OUT Recovery Program succeeds in providing that initial support network, and in connecting recoverees with affirming support groups post-treatment.

The Anti-Violence Program offers individual, couple/family and group psychotherapy for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and bias/hate crimes, and trafficking. In 2001, the program was approved as a full-service rape crisis program. A 24-hour helpline, the LGBT Switchboard, serves as the system entry point. English- and Spanish-speaking advocates are available through the Switchboard to accompany crime survivors to the police to fill out a report and/or to the hospital for treatment. They can help someone access legal representation or file for crime victims’ compensation. The LGBT Switchboard provides information, nonjudgmental support, crisis intervention and referral services to Houston’s LGBT population. The Center also is classified as a non-residential center for domestic violence because hotels are used instead of a traditional shelter model.

Hatch Youth provides a safe, social environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning [LGBTQ] youth, offers role models and peer support, and sponsors educational and community outreach opportunities to empower LGBTQ youth to become positive contributors to society. Hatch Youth joined the Center in December, 2002. The in-school component works with LGBTQ teens in select Houston high schools to overcome isolation, depression and other negative effects of non-acceptance, harrassment and bullying. Professional individual and family therapy is offered to students with more severe problems.