"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.
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.
Keletso Njobo, Intake Specialist
Hello, my name is Keletso. I was born and raised in South Africa and came to the Netherlands for the first time in 2017 to pursue my master's degree. During that period, I reconnected with a Dutch friend, who is now my partner. I am now a Dutch citizen and call the Netherlands my home.
I have an academic background in hospitality and event management, with a Bachelor of Commerce in Hospitality Management and a Master of Science in Leisure, Tourism & Event Management. My career includes experience in hospitality, retail, recruitment, logistics, and the chemical industry.
Service is central to my work. I listen with empathy and enjoy helping people find solutions that meet their needs. As a volunteer and Intake Specialist at Choices, I support LGBTQ+ asylum seekers in finding appropriate support and psychological care, and connect them with the right professionals so that they can develop safely and with support in their new environment.
Daan Stokx, behavioral health intern
Hello, I’m Daan. I was born and raised in the Netherlands. I earned my bachelor’s degree in clinical psychology from Tilburg University and am currently pursuing a master’s degree in Health Promotion and Behavior Change at the University of Amsterdam.
I realized quite early on that I wanted to support marginalized groups, including the LGBTI+ community. That is why I chose to do my Behavioral Health internship at Choices, because I believe that support in the areas of sexual and mental health should be available to everyone, regardless of where you come from or who you are. Together with my fellow interns, we will use our knowledge and skills to optimize Choices’ “after-hours” project.
Giorgia Mucaj, behavioral health intern
My name is Giorgia (she/her) and I am originally from Italy. I have been living in Germany for three years, where I am currently pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Gender and Diversity Studies. Here, I have gained knowledge about social issues from a feminist, queer, and intersectional perspective.
My previous work experience consisted mainly of volunteer work supporting children, people with disabilities, and women with a migrant background in multicultural settings. Contributing to the mission of Choices Support Center is a valuable opportunity for me to enrich my knowledge and put it into practice by addressing the intersectional struggles of LGBTQIA+ asylum seekers.
I will assist with administrative and organizational activities within the Choices organization, promote their health services, and help evaluate client feedback and service delivery.
Kika van Frankenhuijsen, behavioral health intern
Hello, my name is Kika and I am an intern at Choices Support Center. I am pursuing a master’s degree in Health Promotion and Behavior Change at the University of Amsterdam. Through my studies, I have developed a strong interest in supporting positive and sustainable behavior change.
I am very excited about my internship at Choices because of their focus on creating a safe and supportive environment for marginalized groups. During my internship, I want to gain practical experience with and contribute to prevention initiatives that offer connection and support to people who need it. I will assist with the implementation of a chemsex prevention program and promote the program in parts of the country where access to care is limited.
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.
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