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Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Damien Center to expand mental health, substance use treatment 

HANNA RAUWORTH
HANNA RAUWORTH
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.

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Damien Center will expand its mental health and substance use disorder treatment and support services for the LGBT community. 

This expansion comes following an $800,000, four-year grant from the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration’s Division of Mental Health and Addiction.  

Damien Center works to address issues that LGBT community members face in relation to mental health challenges, substance use disorders and systemic barriers, including discrimination and lack of culturally competent providers. 

The funding will be used to hire two full-time licensed mental health therapists, each serving at least 50 individuals annually. One will provide in-person counseling at the near-Eastside headquarters, the other will deliver remote care. 

three people pose in front of damien center
(Photo via/Damien Center)

Access to culturally competent mental health care is critical for the LGBTQ+ community,” said Alan Witchey, president and CEO of 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 program is integrated closely with Damien Center’s Intensive Outpatient Program, which provides group therapy and support for substance use and mental health disorders. Patients stepping down from intensive care can continue to work toward their goals with licensed therapists and specialists. 

The funding will also be used to create group therapy programs for specialized needs, such as older adults, transgender individuals and other groups. 

For more information about Damien Center or their services, visit Damien.org

This reporting is made possible by a grant from the Indianapolis African-American Quality of Life Initiative, empowering our community with essential health insights. https://iaaqli.org/ 

To read more health stories, click here.

Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth. 

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Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.

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