Support Groups for People with HIV
AHP offers a variety of drop-in and ongoing support groups each week to help people cope with HIV. Groups are facilitated either by trained volunteers or staff clinicians.
Drop-In Groups take place every week, and participants can show up as often as they want—without registering or having an intake interview.
Ongoing and Time-Limited Groups take place weekly. To register for a group, an individual must be able to commit to attending all sessions of the 12-week or 14-week time-limited groups and to six months for the ongoing groups. The first step is to complete an intake assessment, an appointment during which the individual and a counselor discuss the individual’s needs and the ways AHP might meet them. Ongoing groups have closed membership; that is, no new members enter the group after its first week.
To schedule an intake, call 415-476-3902. For questions or general information about support groups for people with HIV, please call 476-3902 or click on the link below to Frequently Asked Questions.
Frequently Asked Questions about HIV-Positive Support Groups
The following HIV support groups are currently being offered at AHP:
Drop-In Groups
People Living with HIV or AIDS
Mondays, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. A supportive environment to discuss feelings about disclosure of HIV status, health care and medication use, sex, substance use, isolation and community-building, dating and relationships, life transitions, and other relevant issues. Please arrive 5 minutes to 10 minutes prior to group start time
AIDS and Substance Abuse (ASAP) Drop-In Group
Thursdays, 10:30 am to 12:00 noon. The ASAP Drop-In Group is for people with substance use concerns, especially related to living with HIV or staying HIV-negative. Topics often include: strategies for harm reduction, maintaining physical health, and dealing with depression and other emotional issues. There is no needs assessment interview or registration required. Please arrive five minutes to ten minutes prior to group start time and check in at the front desk when you arrive.
Time-Limited Groups
Time-Limited Group for Newly Positive Gay Men
Various Times. A weekly group, lasting 14 weeks, for people who have recently tested HIV-positive or who are newly addressing issues related to HIV. Topics include: disclosure of HIV status, work-related issues, health care and medication decisions, medications side effects, substance use, the challenges of sex, relationships, and intimacy, and identifying community resources.
Ongoing Groups
General HIV and AIDS
Various Times. A weekly group for people living with HIV. Group members receive ongoing support and gain insight into how others manage HIV in their lives. Requires a six-month commitment.
Considering Work
Various Times. A weekly group, requiring a six-month commitment, for people living with HIV who are in transition from disability or recovery to school or work. A supportive space in which participants can meet other people in transition and discuss barriers to achieving occupational or educational goals. The group is diverse, including members who are actively seeking work and members who are contemplating returning to work or school. Requires a six-month commitment. For more information, please call Mario Sandoval at 415-476-7842.
Positive Recovery
Tuesday evenings. A weekly group for people who are recovering from drug and alcohol problems. Discussion topics include: health, relapse prevention, relationships, self-esteem, sexuality, and spirituality. The group welcomes new members who have been clean and sober for a minimum of six months. Requires a six-month commitment.
