title: Psychotherapy with HIV/AIDS patients: assessment and treatment plan development.
abstract: Successful psychotherapy with patients who test positive for HIV/AIDS involves a sensitive, careful, and thorough biopsychosocial assessment with specific, detailed attention to the impact that a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS has on overall level of patient functioning. Careful evaluation and review of a patient's level of functioning in the areas of mental health and/or substance abuse, intimate relationships, family relationships, social support and peer relationships, work, and overall health are critical to an accurate assessment. Once the clinician fully evaluates these areas, a treatment plan that identifies specific problem areas can be developed. Clear goals, objectives, and treatment modalities, which address areas of concern, can then be established.
authors.affiliation: Drexel University College of Medicine, USA. david.rubenstein@drexelmed.edu
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Rubenstein
authors.forename: Diane
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Sorrentino
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000523:psychology*; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D010379:Peer Group; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D012803:Sick Role; D012944:Social Support; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D019562:Viral Load