June 23, 2025

Graciously written and shared by Alicia Peterson, RSS, Family Recovery Coach

June is Pride Month—a time to honor the resilience, contributions, and progress of the LGBTQ+ community. It’s also a time to acknowledge that many of the rights and freedoms that were hard-won through advocacy, courage, and sacrifice continue to be challenged across our country.

While America has long aspired to be a place where people of all backgrounds can live freely and pursue their dreams, not everyone experiences that promise equally. When individuals feel marginalized or excluded—whether due to their identity, race, socioeconomic status, or sexual orientation—it can lead to significant emotional distress. For some, these experiences contribute to mental health struggles or substance use. In the most painful circumstances, feeling unseen or unsupported can lead individuals to lose hope.

To help all people heal, we must provide culturally responsive care, build trust and engagement, improve overall wellbeing, and advance health equity.

It’s essential to acknowledge that disparities indeed exist—in access, quality, and outcomes for individuals from various backgrounds. Recognizing and addressing cultural differences in how people experience mental health and substance use challenges is vital to give individuals proper and effective treatment.

If people feel seen and understood, they are more likely to engage in treatment, adhere to recommendations, and achieve better results. This kind of supportive environment builds trust and stronger therapeutic relationships.

When diversity is embraced and inclusion is the practice of a facility or program, people from all backgrounds feel valued, which fosters belonging and acceptance. This can ultimately lead to improved health outcomes and a greater sense of well-being. That’s why it’s important to erase systemic barriers to care. These barriers may include financial constraints and limited access.

At McCall, we’re dedicated to supporting the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Our team provides inclusive, evidence-based care that promotes overall wellness for individuals facing mental health or substance use challenges. Just as importantly, we’re here for families too, offering guidance, education, and encouragement every step of the way.

We genuinely want to help people to live their best lives and to thrive in the face of any adversity that they may be facing. Whether you’re a family member who is struggling to make peace with a loved one using substances, new to recovery, or you’ve been substance-free for years, we would love to walk hand in hand with you to achieve any wellness goals that you may have. Feel free to reach out directly to me (see my contact info below). Also, visit our website to find LGBTQIA+ Resources.

If you or someone you love is part of the LGBTQ+ community and looking for connection, support, and a safe space to simply be yourself, we invite you to join us for our new LGBTQ+ Peer-led Support Group. The group kicks off on Saturday, June 28, from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. at McCall’s Wellness Center at 58 High Street in Torrington. Attendees can enjoy pizza, refreshments, and a fun wellness activity in a welcoming and judgment-free environment. This free group is open to all LGBTQ+ individuals, and we kindly ask that participants attend substance free. There’s no need to pre-register. Everyone is welcome to show up and attend!

With Love and Light, 

Alicia

McCall’s Family Recovery Coach Program is grant funded and provided at no-cost to all participants.

For more information contact:

Alicia Peterson, RSS

Family Recovery Coach

Phone: 959.229.4814

alicia.peterson@mccallbhn.org

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