HIV Treatment
In New York City, HIV testing and treatment services are available regardless of your ability to pay or your immigration status. If you are diagnosed with HIV for the first time, you can receive same-day medication at Callen-Lorde, if your provider approves it.
HIV treatment is safer and more effective than ever. Antiretroviral medicines (HIV medicines) do not cure HIV or remove the virus from the body, but, when taken as prescribed, they can stop the virus from multiplying.
The sooner a person living with HIV starts treatment, the less harm the virus can do to their body. Medicine can reduce the virus in the body to such a low level that it does not show up on tests and cannot be passed through sex. This is known as an undetectable viral load.
If you are living with HIV, be sure to take your medicines as prescribed and see an HIV provider for regular checkups. Your HIV treatment is part of our comprehensive primary care services.
What is primary care?
Primary care means caring for your whole self, not just when you’re sick. Primary care means preventive care, including mental health screenings and interventions, dental care and oral health, sexual health, social services and more. All services are coordinated across a team of professionals from medical providers to nurses, medical assistants to the folks at the pharmacy who fill your prescription.
Oral treatment options
Oral HIV treatment, or antiretroviral therapy (ART), involves taking daily medication (most often a single tablet) to suppress your viral load. Callen-Lorde offers several options that are well-tolerated, safe and very effective when used as directed.
Long-acting injectable treatment options (LAIs)
If you don’t want to take daily pills, LAIs given once every two months (or rarely, every month) might be right for you. They’re similarly well tolerated and effective when taken on time.
Both pills and injectable medications can help you live an essentially normal life—and are safe, accessible options. Talk to your Callen-Lorde provider about which HIV treatment option is right for you.
Undetectable Equals Untransmittable (U=U)
People living with HIV who stay undetectable cannot pass HIV through sex. It’s that simple! Undetectable means that the amount of HIV in your blood is very low. If you achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load you can’t pass HIV through sex no matter what kind of sex you’re having, or how often you’re having it.
Mental Health Treatment for Patients Living with HIV
Callen-Lorde’s specialized and expert providers offer individual and group counseling, medication adherence support, sexual health counseling, substance use treatment and referrals, and more to our patients living with HIV to promote your health and minimize harm. We support the whole patient; care coordinators offer information, assistance and referrals regarding benefits and entitlements, including insurance, housing, and referrals to other supportive services.
Speak to your HIV primary care provider to establish mental health support, care coordination services and more.