Each gender is affected differently by substance abuse and mental health disorders. Studies show that treatment tailored to gender-specific needs have the greatest success rates. Gender specific programs separate men and women for treatment, removing some of the obstacles that arise around members of the opposite sex and promoting comfort and focus. Recovery with peers of the same gender often promotes patient ability to relate their experiences and gender-specific treatment allows for targeted discussion about the emotions surrounding seeking treatment, the effects of the disorder on their body, and the stigma surrounding their conditions and subsequent treatment. Furthermore, women, who are more likely to have experienced trauma that led to their mental health and substance abuse disorder, may need to undergo trauma-informed care or EMDR therapy. 

Benefits of gender-specific treatment includes fewer distractions and more comfortable treatment. Furthermore, clients are more able to relate to each other, meaning that more time can be spent on gender-specific issues relatable to that gender, such as discrimination, homophobia, stigma or shame, trauma, possible rejection from family members, and social pressure and expectations.