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HIV/AIDS Care | Altamed
We are currently offering telephone visits for medical and case management appointments.
If you have any questions or you are seeking HIV prevention or care services, please call our Patient Service Center ahead of time at:
(323) 869-5448 (Los Angeles County) or (714) 500-0491 (Orange County)
Click here to download the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Frequently Asked Questions: Information for People Using PrEP or Living with HIV.
Click here to download the COVID-19 (coronavirus) FAQs: Information for sexually active people.
For more information about COVID-19, click here.
Providing HIV care, prevention, and support services in the community for more than 30 years.
If you are looking for ways to reduce your risk for HIV or if you received an HIV diagnosis and need help starting and staying in care – AltaMed is here for you. From testing to treatment, we are ready to support your well-being at every step of the way.
Our dedicated team is staffed with caring and experienced professionals familiar with your health care needs. We are ready to answer your questions confidentially and provide you with resources that will help you grow healthy.
Explore Prevention Options
Now there are more ways to prevent transmission of STIs, HIV, and Hepatitis C. In addition to health education and information, we offer condoms, rapid HIV testing, STI screening, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Our HIV prevention specialists are happy to make these available and explain how all these options can minimize your risk and benefit your health.
Get the Care You Deserve
AltaMed is one of the largest HIV service providers in Los Angeles and Orange Counties, serving more than 2,000 patients. Our multicultural and bilingual physicians and staff can help you explore your care options so you can make the best decisions that support your sexual health and overall well-being. AltaMed provides eligible patients with medical services, medications, and other important health and community resources at low or no cost.
Services
Health Education
We provide a sex-positive and safe space to answer your questions and support you with your sexual health needs.
Health Education
We understand that sometimes it can be difficult to talk about your sexual health. AltaMed’s individual sessions and educational groups focus on raising awareness, creating empowerment, and building leadership. We provide a supportive and friendly environment where you can feel comfortable to be yourself – and know that your voice can help others.
- Open to gay, bi, and other queer men
- Refreshments and gift cards provided to participants
Programs include:
BOYS (Bettering Our Youth Socially) - Connect offline, learn how to play safe, and create a fun space to hang out.
FRESH (Fun, Responsible, Educated, Safe Hombres) - Use your natural talents to create a healthier community.
My Voice (Live Positively) - Learn new skills to help you share your status on your own terms.
To learn more about joining a group or receiving other prevention services, text our team at (323) 400-6399.
*Education groups only offered at selected locations in Los Angeles at this time. Contact us for further details and updates.
Find an HIV Testing Site Near You
If you are unaware of your status, it only takes one minute to find out. Testing is free and your results are confidential.
HIV/AIDS: How Far We’ve Come, How Far We Still Have to Go
Here’s some good news about HIV/AIDS: science has made real progress toward creating a cure and a vaccine – we don’t have these treatments yet, but scientists and doctors are very optimistic.
HIV and STI Testing
Knowing your status allows you, your partner(s), and your community to stay protected and grow healthy!
HIV and STI Testing
Transmission of STIs, including HIV, mostly occur among people who are unaware of their status. If you are sexually active and/or sharing needles, it is recommended to get tested for STIs and HIV every 3 months or at least once a year, depending on your risk level. We offer testing to anyone who is at least 13 years old.
If you are unaware of your status, it only takes one minute to find out. Testing is free and your results are confidential.
Text our team at (323) 400-6399 to schedule an appointment for rapid HIV testing only or click here to view our locations and walk-in hours.
If you are interested in a full screening of STIs and HIV, call today to make an appointment:
Los Angeles County: (323) 869 -5448
Orange County: (714) 500-0491
HIV/AIDS: How Far We’ve Come, How Far We Still Have to Go
Here’s some good news about HIV/AIDS: science has made real progress toward creating a cure and a vaccine – we don’t have these treatments yet, but scientists and doctors are very optimistic.
PrEP and PEP
We may not have a cure, but prevention methods like PrEP and PEP offer an extra layer of advanced, reliable protection against HIV.
PrEP and PEP
Before you have sex: Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, or PrEP, is a prevention method that requires taking a medication once a day to prevent HIV transmission. When taken correctly and consistently, PrEP can reduce the risk of HIV infection through sex by up to 92%. Your risk can be even lower if you combine PrEP with condoms and other prevention methods.
If you are sexually active and HIV-negative, PrEP can be an option for you.
If you think there is a chance you have been exposed to HIV: Post-Exposure Prophylaxis, or PEP, is an emergency medication that can help you reduce your risk for potential HIV transmission after being exposed. PEP should be used only in emergency situations and must be started within 72 hours after exposure. Think of it as the morning after pill to prevent HIV transmission.
If you think you have been recently exposed to HIV, talk to your health care provider, visit an emergency room, or contact us right away if you need help:
Los Angeles County: (323) 400-6399
Orange County: (714) 500-0491
If you have additional questions, click here to schedule a phone call appointment with our PrEP/PEP specialist.
Find a Testing Site Near You
If you are unaware of your status, it only takes one minute to find out. Testing is free and your results are confidential.
HIV/AIDS: How Far We’ve Come, How Far We Still Have to Go
Here’s some good news about HIV/AIDS: science has made real progress toward creating a cure and a vaccine – we don’t have these treatments yet, but scientists and doctors are very optimistic.
Medical Care Coordination
How do you stay healthy and live positively after your diagnosis? With a full support team behind you at every step.
Medical Care Coordination
If you receive a positive diagnosis, you may feel overwhelmed juggling the needs of your care with a medication regimen and everything else you have going on in your life – but you don’t have to go through this alone. Your AltaMed care team will be right behind you to make sure you bounce back if you ever miss a step.
The goal of our Medical Care Coordination program is to help you with any unmet medical and non-medical support needs (e.g., mental health, substance abuse, and housing) through coordinated care management activities to support your retention in care and adherence to medication.
From physicians and nurses to case managers and pharmacists, we all work together to provide you with care that feels like a safety net and fits your life.
If you are interested in starting or continuing HIV medical care, contact us today:
Los Angeles County: (323) 869-5448
Orange County: (714) 500-0491
You can also conveniently schedule a phone call appointment with one of our care coordinators.
Find an HIV Testing Site Near You
If you are unaware of your status, it only takes one minute to find out. Testing is free and your results are confidential.
HIV/AIDS: How Far We’ve Come, How Far We Still Have to Go
Here’s some good news about HIV/AIDS: science has made real progress toward creating a cure and a vaccine – we don’t have these treatments yet, but scientists and doctors are very optimistic.
Case Management
Receive personalized attention from a single-point of contact who can help you access the care and services you need.
Case Management
AltaMed patients living with HIV are connected to a case manager, a single point of contact who is familiar with your unique needs and medical history. Case managers can assist with enrolling you into programs and finding resources that support your health.
No matter what stage of life you are in, our case managers can help you coordinate any medical care you may need. They can also help you access other support services – anything from getting help to pay for medications to helping with housing assistance and transportation. Remember, we are in this together.
If you are uninsured or underinsured, your case manager can help you enroll into health insurance through Medi-Cal or Covered CA, sign up for patient assistance programs like the Ryan White Program and the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), and/or find assistance for insurance premiums to help you receive low- to no-cost medical services, medications, and more to help you stay healthy.
If you are interested in starting or continuing HIV medical care, contact us today:
Los Angeles County: (323) 869-5448
Orange County: (714) 500-0491
You can also conveniently schedule a phone appointment with one of the care coordinators.
Find an HIV Testing Site Near You
If you are unaware of your status, it only takes one minute to find out. Testing is free and your results are confidential.
HIV/AIDS: How Far We’ve Come, How Far We Still Have to Go
Here’s some good news about HIV/AIDS: science has made real progress toward creating a cure and a vaccine – we don’t have these treatments yet, but scientists and doctors are very optimistic.
Pharmacy
Personalized pharmacy services provide medications for patients living with HIV and those using PrEP or PEP as an additional layer of protection.
Pharmacy
As an AltaMed patient, you have access to a full range of medications through our on-site pharmacy at low or no cost. A pharmacist can consult with you to make sure you have the right medications, give you advice about potential side effects, and safeguard you from new medications potentially interacting with other prescriptions you are taking.
Because medication adherence is so important to staying healthy, we also offer adherence treatment education and monthly reminders for your refills. If eligible, free and confidential home delivery and mail services are available to you to help you stay on top of your health.
Services include:
- Low-cost medications
- Treatment education
- Medication adherence education
- Consultations about medication interactions
- Refill reminders
- Free, confidential, same-day home delivery and mail services (for eligible patients)
- Drug coverage for meds that ADAP doesn’t cover (e.g., insulin)
We accept Medi-Cal, most private insurance plans, and provide ADAP-funded services.
If you need help paying for your medications, contact us today to help you explore your options:
Los Angeles County: (323) 869-5448
Orange County: (714) 500-0491
View AltaMed Pharmacy Hours and Locations
We offer pharmacy services through licensed providers at pharmacies located on site at many of our locations in Los Angeles and Orange Counties.
The Services to Help You Grow Healthy and the Protection to Keep You Safe
For the past 50 years, our top priority has been helping our patients grow healthy. Our locations remain open and safe to support you and your family’s health needs.
Mental Health
Besides your physical health, we understand that HIV can also affect other aspects of your life. Our mental health services can help you feel supported and empowered.
Mental Health
We understand that receiving an HIV diagnosis takes time to process. We offer mental health services including individual, couples, and group counseling. Remember, it is easier to manage your care when you are feeling confident and connected to support.
Our HIV care includes supporting not only your physical health, but also your mental health. Having a long-term health condition, like HIV, can be a major source of stress and even loneliness and depression. Our registered and licensed professionals take the time to listen, understand, and help you cope with the things going on in your life.
We have a variety of resources: for some people, our support groups may be enough to feel empowered, while others may need to talk to a professional on a one-on-one basis, or even take medication. We are dedicated to treating you with compassion and respect, and help is always confidential.
If you’re currently experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, call 911.
To request mental health services, call us today:
Los Angeles County: (323) 869-5448
Orange County: (714) 500-0491
Stress Less with These Facts and Helpful Tips
Most people experience some stress in their lives. And if you live in Southern California, you probably deal with at least a little bit of stress every day.
Dental Services
Take care of your beautiful smile! We offer a wide variety of dental services to people living with HIV. If eligible, you can receive these services for free.
Dental Services
AltaMed encourages good hygiene and prevention, to increase the likelihood that you will have healthy teeth for your entire life.
Good oral health is important because oral bacteria can spread to other areas of your body and cause an infection. Annual visits to the dentist can prevent or slow down the progression of HIV-related oral health diseases.
Services include:
- Dental exams and x-rays
- Oral hygiene education and teeth cleaning
- Fillings, extractions, and root canals
- Crowns, dentures, and partials
We only accept Denti-Cal and provide Ryan White-funded services.
Call today to make an appointment:
Los Angeles County: (323) 869-5448
Orange County: (714) 500-0491
Grow Healthy with Complete Care from AltaMed
AltaMed President and CEO Cástulo de la Rocha remembered seeing the only health clinic in his neighborhood with lines around the block and knew there had to be a better way for people to get the care they need.
Additional Care Services
Sometimes it takes a village to manage a long-term health condition like HIV. We offer additional programs and services to support the aspects of your health.
Additional Care Services
Think of AltaMed as an extension of your community – we are here to support you and help you grow healthy. We offer a variety of workshops, groups, programs, and opportunities. Most are available at no cost.
Other services include:
- Youth transitional case management
- Consultations with a registered dietician
- Prevention with Positives: risk reduction counseling for people living with HIV and their partners.
- Living Independently, Feeling Empowered (LIFE) home health care program
- Support groups
Call today to learn more:
Los Angeles County: (323) 869-5448
Orange County: (714) 500-0491
Find a Doctor
Search by location, language, and gender to find the doctor who’s right for you.
Grow Healthy with Complete Care from AltaMed
AltaMed President and CEO Cástulo de la Rocha remembered seeing the only health clinic in his neighborhood with lines around the block and knew there had to be a better way for people to get the care they need.
See Our Sexual Health Campaigns
Sex-positive videos and resources to increase awareness and reduce the risk of HIV transmission.
Watch Sin Vergüenza
Our award-winning telenovela that that uses storytelling to tackle shame and stigma associated with HIV in the Latinx Community. All episodes online now!