HIV services

Estimates indicate that, compared to the overall population, HIV/AIDS occurs 10 times more frequently in people with serious mental illnesses (0.3%-0.4% compared to 3.1%), conservatively.

Places for People's PATH team works with clients who are HIV positive and have co-occurring mental illness and/or substance abuse problems. PATH receives federal funds authorized under Ryan White legislation to provide services to people who are HIV positive. PATH is also the only provider in Missouri utilizing Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) philosophy with its clients.

The goal of the PATH team is to advance the health of those served by improving mental health, decreasing substance abuse, and improving access to physical healthcare. Team members partner with clients through:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Substance abuse counseling
• HIV wellness interventions
• Sexual risk reduction
• Primary and psychiatric healthcare coordination
• Practical psychosocial assistance

In order to best identify and serve people with co-occuring HIV, mental illness and/or substance abuse disorder, Places for People has developed collaborative partnerships with the St. Louis City Department of Health, Ryan White Case Management, Saint Louis University's New Hope Clinic, Washington University Infectious Diseases Clinic, and the Saint Louis University Department of Psychiatry.