Harm Reduction Counseling

 

Since the mid 1990’s, AIDS Community Services has integrated a harm reduction model into its HIV prevention programs. The goals of harm reduction are to:

• Eliminate the risk of HIV
• Reduce or eliminate the negative impact of substance use or sexual behavior
• Support the empowerment and health of each client

 

Harm reduction programs are client centered, and designed to empower clients to establish their own goals and objectives related to changing HIV risk behavior. Recognizing that behavior change happens in incremental steps, the provider’s role in this model is to provide non-judgmental services that promote health and clients’ accomplishments.

For more detailed descriptions of harm reduction programs click here http://www.effectiveinterventions.org/

AIDS Community Services offers several different harm reduction programs designed to prevent or reduce the further spread of HIV:

Prevention Counseling

Prevention Counseling, also known as Comprehensive Risk Counseling Services (CRCS), is designed for people who may have difficulty initiating or sustaining practices that reduce or prevent HIV acquisition, transmission, or re-infection through intensive, on-going, individualized prevention counseling, support, and education. ACS’ Prevention Counselors work with clients to address the relationships between HIV risk and drug/alcohol use, sexual behaviors, and social support factors.