Emotional Wellness

Emotional Wellness: Part of a Well-Rounded Approach

Living well with HIV/AIDS requires that you stay on top of your health. When you're feeling physically unwell, you want to find out what is wrong. You meet with your doctor and you do what it takes to get better.

Living well also requires you to stay on top of your mental health. When you feel emotionally unwell, AIDS Community Heath Center can help you find out what troubles you by working with Rochester Rehabilitation Center's on-site mental health clinic to do what it takes to get better.

If you feel anxiety or depression is interfering with daily functions, or if you are dealing with an emotional crisis such as a change in physical health or death of a loved one, talk to your doctor or case manager for an appointment or referral. Feel better already by visiting the onsite offices of Rochester Rehabilitation Center's Emotional Wellness team.

You could get an appointment the same day to talk about such issues as non-medical approaches to stress reduction. Or perhaps a loved one or your caregiver needs intensive support to cope. Rochester Rehab's staff is also there for people in your life who are affected by HIV/AIDS. (An individual need not be a patient of AIDS Community Heath Center to receive on-site mental health services.)

The first step is meeting with one of Rochester Rehab's on-site therapists such as Caroline Atti (244-9000, ext. 442), a professional with advanced training in individuals, couples and family counseling. She will help you identify the central problem to be addressed. Then a treatment plan is developed. This may include an evaluation by a physician trained in psychiatry or neuropsychiatry such as Dr. Andrea Faulkner.

Treatment can include individual or "talk therapy," family or couple therapy, a treatment group, psychoactive medication, training in stress management, etc. Whatever the course of action, it's important to note that all staff has training and experience in working with people who are living with HIV/AIDS.

The goal of emotional wellness services for people with HIV/AIDS is to reduce your emotional distress, to bolster your coping skills, and to help you gain the insight or confidence needed for problem solving and decision making.

After-hours crisis support is available when the need is urgent. For individuals receiving in-home health care, mental health care can also be provided at home.