stress
loneliness
trauma
drug use
sex
STDs
HIV
stigma
shame
fear
Our approach is accessible and sometimes slightly different from what you are used to, but always tailored to your needs. After all, what works for one person may not help another at all. That is why we always look at your specific circumstances, wishes and possibilities.
We know that psychological stress can influence the choices we make. How we deal with our daily situations and the choices we make can have long-term effects on our health. For example, the use of drugs and alcohol goes hand in hand with STIs, hepatitis and HIV infections. Therefore, our assistance is aimed at changing sexual risk behaviour and for drug use we can offer an alternative to traditional treatments where the focus is not only on abstinence. If you (happen to) be an asylum seeker, we understand the stress and anxiety of living in AZC centres and what many people can do to overcome fears and the anxiety of waiting.
Choices offers professional care to support your new lifestyle. We do this through a combination of psychological support, interventions and help in building a new social network.
Our team consists of enthusiastic professionals with experts in the field of addiction and sexual health: qualified psychologists specializing in addiction and cognitive behavioral therapy, social workers, volunteers and peers.
Choices works closely with a network of local and national organizations to ensure our clients are connected to the most appropriate treatments and support services.
Board of Directors:
Chairman: Drs. F-J van Kemenade, Coordinator of Applications at Castle Craig Addiction Care - Treasurer: Mr. J.J. Sikkema*. Advisor European Grants, Municipality of Amsterdam - Secretary: Hayley Murray MSc, Project Manager and Ethnographer, Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research (AISSR)
Advisory Team
Mr. Prof. Dr. K. Brinkman*, Specialist for Infectious Diseases, OLVG - Mr. H. Wijnands, Director, De Regenboog Groep - Mr. B. Lamertink, Hazelden Graduate - Mr. Prof. Dr. Joop Arends, Founder HAPPI App - Mr. Prof. R. Wiers *, Professor of Developmental Psychopathology Research, UVA
*commit personally to Choices but are not affiliated through their organisation
AbbVie Pharmaceuticals - Haëlla Foundation - Het Blauwe Fonds - Fundatie Van den Santheuvel, Sobbe - Gilead Sciences - Oranje Fonds - Orasure Technologies - Pride Amsterdam - Private Donors - Stichting Steunfonds bja-cow - University of Amsterdam - VSB Fonds
Hi, I'm Jason Farrell, director and founder of Choices. For thirty years, I have been fighting for access to health care, human rights and prevention services for drug users and people living with HIV, regardless of sexual orientation or gender. I also founded the Positive Health Project (PHP), the first low-threshold, multi-service, HIV prevention and medical program for drug users in the United States, based on the successful Dutch model of Harm Reduction. There I pioneered the design and implementation of integrated One-Stop-Shop care. In 2009 I moved to the Netherlands and worked with Correlation European Harm Reduction Network. Over the years I have worked as an invited expert member of advisory groups at the ECDC and EMCDDA, and the European Test Week Workgroup.
I am Ivanesa Borisova, psychologist at Choices Support Center. With my background in clinical psychology and specialized training in crisis prevention, gender studies and LGBTQI+ related topics, I am equipped to provide compassionate and effective care to people from all walks of life. I joined Choices because I believe in the importance of making mental health care more accessible, especially to people in less fortunate circumstances. My commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all is at the core of my practice. Here at Choices, I aim to provide supportive counseling to clients with a wide range of emotional and psychological issues. I enjoy working with you to help you achieve your goals, make healthier life choices and promote positive change to create a more fulfilling way of life.
My name is Herman and I live in Utrecht, together with my husband Ad. We have been married since 2001. I love volunteering, always for the benefit of the LGBTI+ community. For example, I worked at COC Cocktail and Switchboard, the GGD and now as care coordinator at Choices Support Center.
As care coordinator, I take care of everything from the client's registration to the intake with the psychologist. I am the client's contact person, providing information, answering questions and giving advice. If necessary, I make referrals to organizations for care that Choices does not offer.
I am from Armenia, where I studied medical biology and worked as a scientist/researcher at the National Academy of Science. There I conducted research on the active properties of newly synthesized organic compounds during various pathological conditions.
Outside of my professional life, I have dedicated myself to supporting, empowering and educating vulnerable people from the LGBTQI+ community who struggled with alcohol/drug addictions. Over the years, I have participated in many projects supporting the transgender community with their very specific social and mental/health issues. I am currently continuing my activities at Choices, supporting the LGBTQI+ asylum seeker community.
My name is Lotte, I am 24 years old. I am currently doing my Masters in Psychology, Health Promotion and Behavior Change, at the University of Amsterdam. In February I started my internship at Choices where I work 3 days a week. My main task is to organize AZC visits to increase the number of calls from LGBTQI+ asylum seekers to our helpline and to help set up a Chemsex helpline outside of office hours, as well as to help set up a Chemsex helpline. I think Choices is doing very inspiring work that can have a great impact on society. I consider myself lucky to be able to contribute to this organization during my internship.
A little information about me: I was born in Amsterdam, but grew up near Leiden. This is where I still play field hockey, for 18 years now! 2,5 years ago I moved to Haarlem. Here I work, as service manager, in the theater and concert hall. I love reading, cooking and going out with friends.