• Adolescent Medicine Trials Network (ATN)
• Adolescent Prevention Education Programs (APEP)
• Burgess Clinic
• Connect To Protect Program
• Family Connections Program
• Special Immunology Service
• Youth Connections Program

The HIV Services Mental Health Program provides psychological services to over 300 children, adolescents, and families living with HIV/AIDS in the Washington DC metropolitan area. The HIV Services Mental Health Program is currently open to patients between ages 2 and 24 and their families. The HIV Services Mental Health Program is integrated with other medical care provided for that child and family to ensure that patients and their families receive comprehensive care.

Children and adolescents with HIV often experience a variety of mental health issues including: anxiety, depression, bereavement, post-traumatic stress symptoms, substance abuse, relationship problems, difficulties with adjustment, and behavioral problems. Given the prevalence of emotional and behavioral problems among children and adolescents with HIV, patients are routinely screened for areas of concern, and possible recommendations are discussed with families.

Mental health support services are provided on both an outpatient and inpatient (medical) basis. In addition to general mental health referrals (e.g., difficulty with anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems), children, adolescents, and families may be referred for a number of pediatric issues including: medication adherence, pill swallowing, adjustment to illness, adjustment to hospitalization, and diagnosis disclosure/education. The Mental Health Program staff offer services to help children cope with their medical condition and/or mental health concerns. Treatment may include individual therapy, family therapy, parent training, and/or group therapy depending on the presenting problem. Psychiatry consultation and medication management are also available.

In addition, children and adolescents living with HIV undergo routine developmental and neuropsychological evaluations to monitor cognitive development and signs of HIV-related problems. Families are provided with feedback about their child’s functioning and given a comprehensive report detailing the findings of the evaluation. School advocacy, educational planning, and consultation may be offered.