No judgement, no stigma in our drug treatment program

Our substance use treatment and counseling program takes a different approach than many traditional “drug treatment” programs. Rather than mandating a rigid “abstinence only” treatment approach, clients and participants choose their own goals for health and healing. 

Aided by a friendly, supportive group of counselors, therapists, and peer educators–many who have their own history of substance use–clients enrolled in our structured state-certified drug treatment counseling program through The Stonewall Project work towards substance use goals that they choose in collaboration with their counselor.  

Some choose to abstain from all substances, and work to safely stop using. Others focus on ending one type of substance, like meth, or reducing their use overall. Still others find support in using in less risky ways, or achieving other health goals along with changes to their use.

“We help support people in figuring out what healing looks like for them,” said one counselor (who preferred their name withheld for reasons of privacy). “I hear over and over that people say, ‘I don’t feel shamed. I actually feel accepted and like I can talk about my use.’” 

“Especially in some places in San Francisco–like the Castro–a lot of our community is based around nightlife. We see clients who may feel out of control in their use,” said Stefanie Schlief, MA, AMFT, counseling specialist. “Their substance use is impacting relationships, employment, maybe causing tension in their living arrangements. But they may not be ready to enter a 12-step program and give up the social part of their use. But they can come to our program and focus on reducing their use. Or get help on compulsive or out-of-control behavior. And find a path that works for them.”  

The enrolled program with Stonewall Project is specifically designed for gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, in addition to transgender community members. Many members of staff are part of the LGBTQ+ community as well, and identify as people of color. 

“This program truly is by the community, for the community,” said Schlief.

This is important, said Claudia Figallo, MPH, LAADC-S, manager of substance health equity, because in group settings it’s often the clients and participants themselves who give support and guide the healing of other group members. 

“Our approach is very peer-led,” she explained. “As much as possible, our counselors don’t come in with the attitude, ‘We are the experts in the room,’ Or, ‘Here’s what we’re going to discuss.

“We come in knowing the clients are the experts in the room. And that people simply need a good container to be able to sort out their answers and solutions that are already in the room. There’s nothing better than facilitating a group for someone who is asking for a specific resource or support, and having another client be able to say, ‘I’m sorry that you’re going through that. Here’s what I did when I was going through that,’” said Figallo. 

The deeply compassionate and empathetic counselors who are part of our treatment program set the stage for the positive changes that clients make in their lives. 

“When there’s something that tips you over from ‘I’m having a good time,’ to ‘Wow, I’m actually having problems,’ there’s pain driving that. By using a harm reduction approach, we get to make space for people to explore healing,” said one of our counselors.  

“We give services in a way where people feel like they are deserving of support,” said Schlief. “There’s a certain level of empathy and understanding that comes from shared experiences that textbooks can’t necessarily teach. There’s something unique about the way we are able to connect with clients.” 

Enrolled counseling program

The program has spots available to people interested in changing their substance use. We provide a safe place to discuss your substance use, build community, and reach your goals. We ask clients to attend weekly individual and group counseling sessions. 

The program is open to gay, bisexual, Queer, and other men who have sex with men, and transgender and nonbinary community members, who are enrolled in Medi-Cal through San Francisco.  

For more information about our substance use counseling and treatment services, including drop-in groups, email stonewall@sfaf.org or call 415-487-3100.