Addressing Psychosocial Comorbidities among HIV-Infected Youth

Successful Approaches to Care & Referrals

Not all primary care settings have the ability to provide mental health and substance abuse treatment services. Identifying and establishing relationships with service providers who are culturally competent, adolescent friendly, and able to offer prompt entry into care is recommended.

• Collaboration and coordination with existing systems of care, such as substance abuse treatment centers for youth, mental health service facilities, and social service agencies, are key factors in minimizing fragmentation of services for these youth.
• It is important to ask referral sources about service fees, accepted insurance plans, and sliding-scale rates to prevent denial of services or financial hardship for the patient and family.
• Maintaining a follow-up relationship with referral sources will help patients to make the most of them.