Being Alive is a nonprofit client-driven organization focusing on the mental health and wellness of people living with HIV and AIDS. Our services to our client-members include a variety of no-cost programs, such as; comprehensive emotional support, treatment education, prevention, advocacy, wellness and social services. Our mental health program, Dignity Plus, offers long term therapy for clients infected with and affected by HIV.
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Services Offered
> One on One Support - Being Alive is best known for our individualized emotional support for HIV and AIDS patients. Whether you are recently diagnosed, or a long term survivor dealing with everyday challenges, we have trained peer support counselors who are living with HIV and AIDS.
In addition to peer-to-peer, we offer comprehensive information and referrals to a variety of local services, including primary medical care, housing, substance abuse treatment, mental health and other kinds of referrals.
> Support Groups - Being Alive's emotional support groups for HIV and AIDS are facilitated by trained group leaders who are also living with HIV/AIDS. Our goal is to provide a safe and confidential space where individuals can express themselves in an atmosphere of mutual respect and encouragement. Being Alive hosts many interactive educational groups, so depending on who you are and what you are looking for, there is most likely a group we offer to meet your needs.
> Hypnotherapy
> Psychotherapy - Being Alive's, Dignity Plus, is our mental health psychotherapy counseling program. Mental health is provided by appointment following an intake specialist conference. Therapists are extensively trained in HIV. They are also LGBT affirmative. Therapists are student trainees and post-graduate interns offering Being Alive members the opportunity to address a wide range of life's stresses and psychological problems including but certainly not limited to living with HIV.
Fees and Payment
This is a non-profit agency.
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Online Counseling: Yes
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A community counseling agency is a group therapy practice that offers affordable mental health services. Most are independent non-profit agencies, state agencies, or publicly-funded agencies. A few may restrict who is eligible for services, so it is a good idea to check when you call.
Community counseling agencies are generally more affordable than other therapy providers, but how much more affordable they are will depend on whether you qualify for a discount or sliding scale fee (or if they accept your insurance). Many, but not all, have a policy that they won't turn away anyone due to inability to pay. You should ask about their fees when you first call.
Expect to talk to kind people who want to help you find the care you need. Most community agencies strive to connect you with a live person within 24 hours, if not immediately. If you're asked to hold or leave a message, don't give up; just leave a message and wait. You should hear back pretty quickly.
Most agencies try to set up an initial assessment appointment within a week (some do within 24 hours), though the waitlist to start therapy is usually longer—about a few weeks on average. If you're not eligible or if the agency is not right for you, it's usually still worth it to call or drop in, because staff are knowledgeable about local options and can often refer you to one.