Project STAY (Services to Assist Youth)
Services
HIV Counseling and Testing
Project STAY's staff recognizes the need for careful, considerate and developmentally appropriate counseling to assist young people in preparing to take an HIV test. During pre-test counseling sessions, a thorough psychosocial assessment is conducted to ensure that patients are emotionally and psychological ready for testing. Our clinical team also believes in the importance of continuity. The counselor who performs the pre-test counseling session(s), is the same trusted counselor who delivers the test results.
If the test is negative, the counselor may continue to see the client for additional risk-reduction counseling, and may make referrals for mental health, primary care, and/or family planning services.
If the test result is positive, the counselor immediately links the client to other members of the STAY clinical team to begin further evaluation. This "one-stop" approach offers a seamless transition from counseling/testing to clinical services and avoids the possibility of youth being lost in the referral process.
Services for HIV-Positive YouthMedical
Project STAY's medical staff consists of doctors and physician assistants who are trained in adolescent health, HIV, and other infectious diseases. Although the specific clinical session for HIV+ patients are on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons and all day on Friday, our medical staff is available 24 hours a day/7 days a week to respond to clients' needs.
Clients who test positive for HIV receive a comprehensive clinical assessment, including baseline levels of viral load and T-cell counts. Following the initial evaluation, a medical treatment plan is developed and reviewed with the client and members of Project STAY's team.
Clients are seen as frequently as necessary. Those patients who are stable may only need to check in every three months for physical exams, lab tests and medication renewals. Other young people needing more intensive assistance may be seen several times a week until a medical and/or psycho-social crisis has been resolved.
Educating clients is an important step towards empowerment and participation in the treatment decision-making process, so we schedule 60-90 minute clinical visits to teach our patients how to incorporate HIV management into their lives. Patients are provided with culturally appropriate literature about different aspects of HIV care and are encouraged to utilize the clinic's online resources.
As indicated, prophylactic antibiotics and immunizations are administered to prevent opportunistic infections. Additionally, if a patient's medical condition warrants consideration for placement on highly active, antiretroviral therapy, the patient's lifestyle is examined and a plan is developed for minimizing barriers to adherence. After selecting one of several different HAART regimens, the patient is closely monitored for side effects and problems with adherence. Modifications in treatment plans are made with full patient involvement and participation in strategy formation.
The cornerstone of any effective HAART management plan is patient adherence. Initially, some HIV+ youth believe their "life is over" and "nothing can be done to help." Project STAY works to change a patient's fatalistic outlook through support, guidance, and close monitoring of their physical and mental condition.
Our staff also develops strategies with HAART patients to integrate treatment schedules into their lifestyles with minimum disruption. Furthermore, we closely monitor adherence to minimize attitudes among healthy HIV+ patients that they have beaten the virus and no longer need medications.
Psychosocial ServicesEach HIV+ patient is assigned a social worker who performs an in-depth psychosocial assessment. Patients in need of supportive counseling and/or case management services are scheduled for additional appointments as needed. To address common isolation issues, patients are encouraged to join our support group that meets every Friday afternoon for lunch.
Any patients who require intensive individual psychiatric evaluation and medication are referred to an on-site Project STAY staff psychiatrist. Mental health services are carefully coordinated with psychosocial, case management and medical care.
Support services are also available for family members and significant others either directly or through referrals to a network of community-based programs.
Clinical TrialsPatients are informed about research protocols in place at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, or other hospital centers, which investigate the benefits of new treatment modalities. If interested, patients can be enrolled in appropriate protocols, but will continue to receive their regular care at Project STAY.
Contact
- Project STAY
-
Directions
(646) 284-9732
