HIV/AIDS Therapists in Ann Arbor, MI

Living with HIV/AIDS can be very isolating and scary, but it does not have to be! I offer an affirming therapy environment for you to explore ways to cope with your diagnosis, and build a healthy, compassionate relationship to yourself and your health. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I am aware of the stigma that can accompany these diagnoses, and I'm here to support you in navigating all of the issues that may arise as a result or alongside HIV/AIDS in a compassionate, non-judgemental space.

I provide affirming, trauma-aware support for people living with HIV. Together we can address the emotional impact of diagnosis, medication fatigue, stigma (including from faith or family systems), and the stress of managing other mental health concerns alongside HIV care. Sessions are a place to be fully seen — LGBTQ+ identities, relationships, and chosen family included — while we build skills for mood, anxiety, and healthy boundaries.

In therapy, an individual can explore ways to cope with the mental health impacts of HIV and AIDS. Some mental health professionals may have particular training in treating people who have a life-threatening or chronic illness, and these therapists and counselors may be particularly suited to treat those who have been diagnosed with HIV or AIDS. Because AIDS, which can develop from HIV, is a life-threatening illness, people infected with HIV may also wish to seek end-of-life counseling, especially as the disease reaches final stages. In therapy, individuals can discuss medically necessary issues with a therapist, make plans for the future for any family members or children who might need care, and come to terms with the eventual end of their life. In this manner, they are able to exercise control over the aspects of life that they still are able to control, as control over the body diminishes. HIV progression may also lead to cognitive impairment, as the virus can affect the brain. Dementia, delirium, and psychosis are some of the conditions that can result, and should any of these conditions develop, a combination of therapy and psychiatric medications may be an effective treatment.

Hypnotherapy is an effective means for resolving fears and beliefs about living with HIV/AIDS in a safe and compassionate space.

Managing HIV/AIDS is tough and the more support you can get, the better. It's not just about antiviral medication, is it...it's about managing that and the stigma and having as normal a life as possible while managing it all. Let me help you create and maintain the balance.

Ann Arbor is home to the University of Michigan, one of the country's great public research universities, and has one of the highest concentrations of therapists, psychologists, and mental health professionals of any mid-size American city, reflecting both the university's production of trained clinicians and the community's exceptionally high demand for and comfort with mental health services. Michigan Medicine's psychiatry department provides world-class behavioral health services, and a remarkably well-developed private therapy sector serves the broader community including faculty, staff, and permanent residents. The city has a strongly progressive character and an exceptionally high level of mental health literacy and help-seeking, and LGBTQ+ affirming care is well represented in the local therapy landscape. Common therapy concerns include academic stress and perfectionism, identity and relationship issues, anxiety, depression, and the particular challenges of living in a community with intensely high educational and professional expectations.

Gender ID

	78%	Male
	11%	Gender Fluid
	11%	Non-Binary

Session Type

	87%	In Person and Online
	13%	Online Only

Top Treatment Approaches

63%	Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
50%	Psychodynamic Therapy
38%	Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
38%	Existential / Humanistic Therapy
38%	Psychoeducational Therapy
25%	Biopsychosocial Therapy
25%	Hypnotherapy

Ages Served

100%	Adult
88%	Senior
63%	Young Adult
38%	Teen
25%	Children

Client Focus

63%	LGBTQ+
38%	Christian
38%	Military / Veterans
38%	Persons with Disabilities
25%	Asian

HIV/AIDS therapists in Ann Arbor, MI

Lyz Luidens

Carter Doyle

Josh Murray- Hopeful Minds

Barry Lipscomb

Dr. Michael M. Grant