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HIV and AIDS

Patient receiving treatment from a doctor

HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It weakens a person’s immune system by destroying important cells that fight disease and infection. There is currently no effective cure for HIV. But with proper medical care, HIV can be controlled.

If HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).

Psychologists help people dealing with the myriad psychological and social issues associated with HIV/AIDS, including stigma and anxiety.

Adapted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Resources from APA

young man discussing issues with a therapist

Spotlight: HIV in Psychotherapy

The guest editors of the March 2020 special issue of Psychotherapy discuss the practical implications of featured articles.

Ending HIV

The Trump administration has a plan to end the U.S. HIV epidemic by 2030, but psychologists say it won’t succeed without addressing the psychosocial issues driving the epidemic

Advocacy on HIV prevention

Additional resources need to go to dealing with mental health and substance use disorders, which are linked to HIV transmission and adherence.

Federal Policy Update: Implementing ending the HIV epidemic

Implementing motivational interviewing to end the youth HIV epidemic

Motivational interviewing can improve HIV care cascade outcomes among youth.

More resources about HIV and AIDS

What APA is doing

group of multiracial people holding red ribbon for AIDS HIV awareness

Program Offices

HIV/AIDS programs

APA’s HIV/AIDS programs in the Health Disparities Office provide information, training, and technical assistance on HIV/AIDS-related topics associated with coping, mental health services, prevention, technology transfer, community collaboration, public policy, and ethics.