Services - YSCC
Specialized Services for Adolescents
Adolescents are not simply children and are not quite yet adults. Our comprehensive medical services are designed to meet these patients’ special needs.
- Counseling, treatment and follow-up for sexually transmitted infections
- Gynecological care/primary care by adolescent specialists
- Medical care and counseling about reproduction
- Risk-reduction education
- Mental health screening, consultation, treatment and referral for issues such as pregnancy, school problems, depression and self-destructive behavior
- Substance abuse screening and referral for education, support and management of addiction
- Academic/career planning
- Socialization opportunities
Primary Care Services
Comprehensive medical services are provided to patients according to the case-management model of care set forth by the New York State AIDS Institute.
- HIV counseling and testing, from infancy to age 24
- Testing, treatment and follow-up care for newborns exposed to HIV
- A plan of care is initiated for each patient with a clinical team that includes medical specialists, nurse case managers, social workers, a nutritionist, an adolescent specialist and a psychiatrist
- Diagnostic testing, early intervention and risk assessment as well as preventive care and screenings are provided
- Patient’s lab work is closely monitored and individual treatment plans are developed utilizing the most sophisticated antiretroviral therapies available
- Connections to pharmacies ensures the timely, efficient renewal and delivery of medications
- Coordination with pediatric specialists, such as those involved in cardiology, gastroenterology, nutrition, rehabilitation and dental
Psychosocial and Mental Health Support Services
Licensed clinical social workers and a psychologist provide:
- Crisis intervention
- Individual and family counseling and mental health therapy
- Counseling the child reach their potential
- Comprehensive annual psychosocial assessments
- Psychological and psychiatric consultation for learning concerns, behavioral problems, truancy, depression, anxiety and issues affecting a child’s overall functioning
- Educational assessments, assistance with school services and referrals
- Support groups
- Linkages with services, i.e., Drug Treatment & Education Center (DTEC) and multiple community-based organizations assist patients with entitlements and offsite services
Linkages with Community-Based Organizations
YSCC social workers link patients with community-based organizations for assistance with entitlements, including housing, insurance and mental health therapy.
Outreach
Outreach workers network with patients in the community.
Substance Abuse Services
Patients are referred to North Shore-LIJ'a Drug Treatment & Education Center, as well as other substance abuse programs, for education, support and management of their addiction.
Case Management
Licensed nurses provide education, access to medications, review of medications, clinical appointments and support.
Education and Prevention Services
Formal and informal programs are developed for patients and their caregivers several times a year.
Research
Treatments for HIV are constantly changing and new, more effective and safer medications and treatment strategies are emerging regularly. YSCC offers access to clinical trials that may make new treatments available sooner to our patients.
Support Groups
Pre-Teens
To promote medication adherence, socialization, and support
Teens and Young Adults
To promote medication adherence, socialization, healthy relationships/sexual behavior and independent living skills
Caregivers
To promote support for and constructive coping for caring for HIV-infected children/adolescents, access to the latest treatment and research, a safe place to discuss psychosocial concerns and information about services.
Consumer Input
The Client Advisory Board (CAB) strives to reach out to the newly infected by providing support and encouragement; educating youth and minority women, in particular, regarding prevention; and seeking to be a voice for YSCC’s clients and families. The CAB develops and monitors goals annually and focuses on but is not limited to improving the care of YSCC’s patients. The Teen Advisory Board allows direct input from the adolescents in our program.