"We ensure that our participants feel comfortable, respected, supported and informed in addressing issues that affect their health and well-being."
Jason Farrell, Director of Choices Support Center
Our approach
Our approach is approachable and sometimes slightly different from what you are used to, but always tailored to your needs. Because what works for one person may not help another at all. That's why we always look at your specific circumstances, wishes and possibilities.
We know that psychological stress can influence the choices we make. How we handle our daily situations and choices we make can have long-term effects on our health. For example, the use of drugs and alcohol goes hand in hand with STI, hepatitis and HIV infections. That's why our counseling is focused on changing sexual risk behaviors, and for drug use, we can offer an alternative to traditional treatments that don't focus solely on abstinence. If you (happen to) be an asylum seeker, we understand the stress and anxiety of living in AZC centers and what many people can do to overcome fears and the anxiety of waiting.
Choices provides professional care to support healthier life choices and integrate a new lifestyle. We do this through a combination of psychological support, behavioral interventions, community building and establishing new social networks - people who support you and your decisions.
The Choices Team
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
Choices Support Center receives donations and grants from:
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
Jason Farrell, Director
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.
Annemiek Verstappen, Director of Care
My name is Annemiek Verstappen. I am the Director of Care at Choices Center for Care and a BIG-registered clinical psychologist, mental health psychologist, and psychotherapist. I have extensive experience in specialized mental health care (SGGZ), particularly in the treatment of asylum seekers and refugees. My expertise lies in the areas of PTSD and trauma-related symptoms, substance use disorders, personality disorders, and anxiety disorders.
I joined Choices Center for Care because I want to make mental health care accessible to everyone, regardless of background, identity, or life circumstances. A safe and inclusive treatment environment, where clients feel safe and accepted, is central to my practice.
In addition to being a professional, I am also a person with lived experience. At various times in my life, I have been a client of mental health services myself. As a result, I understand the system from both perspectives. This dual perspective helps me shape Choices Center’s care policy so that it truly meets the needs of clients.
Ivanesa Borisova, psychologist
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.
Agatha Ada Levi, Community Services Coordinator
My name is Agatha Ada Levi, Community Services Coordinator at Choices Support Center. I am originally from Sierra Leone and live with my family in the Netherlands. I have a master's degree in Development Management, specializing in social inclusion, gender, and youth empowerment.
For years, my work has focused on supporting people in vulnerable situations, including survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, sex workers, victims of human trafficking, and asylum seekers. At Choices, I offer compassionate, culturally sensitive support to LGBTQ+ asylum seekers throughout the Netherlands.
I work at Choices because I believe in an approach that goes beyond words. We create safe spaces and offer practical support that helps people recover, stabilize, and integrate into their new country and community with confidence. As Community Services Coordinator, I want to build bridges between clients and support systems so that everyone feels heard and can build a new life with dignity.
Negar Rajabi, volunteer coordinator
I am Negar Rajabi, volunteer coordinator at Choices Support Center. My passion lies in creating inclusive, supportive spaces where people feel connected and can grow. My background in art and society has taught me how creativity and collaboration bring people together.
As someone who fled Iran and experienced life in an asylum seekers' center, I understand from personal experience the challenges faced by marginalized groups, including the LGBTQ+ community. Not being able to be myself has given me insight into fear, isolation, and resilience.
At Choices, I coordinate and support our volunteers so that they feel valued and empowered to make a positive impact. By focusing on empathy, communication, and respect, I work to build strong connections and strengthen our collective work.
Kathryn Curtis, communications specialist
Hi, my name is Kathryn. I was born in England and raised in Australia. I have a Bachelor of Arts (International Studies, Anthropology) and a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Health Promotion) from La Trobe University in Melbourne. I have experience in marketing as a communications officer for an intersectional feminist organization providing support to women and Gender and Sex Diversity individuals in the sex industry. I also have experience as a health educator with a community health organization supporting the LGBTQI+ community and persons living with HIV. I enjoy working to improve all aspects of human health, especially for my LGBTQI+ community, and preferably in creative ways. I currently volunteer at Choices Support Center, promoting events and activities through the Choices 4 Better Living app.
Choices volunteers
Choices also has a team of dedicated volunteers.
Information about all of our volunteers can be found here.
We are happy to share the best choices
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Been there, Done that, Should have known
Jason told inspiring stories about his vision and own experiences, as Americans often do, but also repeatedly asked me the critical question why I wrote my book VERNEUKT! I think we can help more people faster if the subject of chems and sex becomes a more accessible topic of conversation and the persistent secrecy and stigmas are broken. The most important starting point of the personal counselling and discussion groups at Choices is to surround yourself (again) with a network of people who support you in taking healthier decisions. It is precisely this social aspect that is healing for many users and former users, but at the same time the emptiness, fear and insecurity that you feel when you leave the world that you used to trust, but which is rotten, is so paralysing that you sink even further into your isolation or.... relapse. Been there, done that. -
Participant lunchtime session
I would like to thank Choices for everything they have done for me. I found my first evening in particular very special. Before I came to you I spoke to Hans on the telephone. Due to coronagraphs I was unable to come to the location, but Hans made it possible with great effort that I could. I really appreciate that, because due to my private circumstances I really needed personal contact. When I arrived, Hans was waiting for me at the front door. He introduced himself and introduced me to Thomas. There were a few other people present online. In the session, open stories were told and people listened to each other. Many good questions were asked, which made me look at the situation in a different way. The hour flew by and it helped me a lot in a difficult time.
Choose a better lifestyle!
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