HIV Program
Accessing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing or treatment can feel overwhelming. But knowing your status and getting appropriate care can help you stay healthy. At Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, we do everything we can to put you at ease.
We offer the full range of HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) services to adolescents and young adults ages 12-24. Whether you are living with HIV, HIV-negative or unsure, our team is here to help.
Our HIV Program strives to be a safe and supportive place to come for HIV and STI screening, prevention and treatment. We provide supportive care to people of all genders and sexual identities in a sex-positive, trauma-informed environment. (Trauma-informed means we recognize how past experiences and current circumstances may affect your health and well-being.)
HIV Care: Why Choose Us
In 1989, CHLA created the HIV Program within the Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine to improve care outcomes for young people. Our goal is to make it easier for you to get the screening and treatment you need.
Benefits of our program include:
- Youth-focused care: All aspects of our program are designed with you in mind. We listen to your needs and give you the information you need to make informed decisions. Our Youth Community Advisory Board meets monthly to provide feedback on how we can better meet the needs of adolescents and young adults.
- Free, confidential support: We offer free care regardless of insurance. You never have to pay for HIV or STI screening and treatment at CHLA. We keep your appointments and medical information private. By law in California, anyone 12 and older can receive HIV and STI care without parental permission.
- Coordinated, holistic services: We care about your total well-being. That’s why our services go beyond medical HIV care. Along with medical care, you can also get mental health support, health education, care coordination and access to social services. We work with you to find solutions tailored to your needs.
HIV and STI Services
The HIV Program provides comprehensive services, including:
- HIV and STI screening and treatment: Knowing your status is necessary for making healthy choices. We offer free testing for HIV and STIs, with incentives to encourage regular testing. If you test positive for anything, we provide top-notch medical care. Learn more about HIV and STI Screening and Treatment at CHLA.
- Counseling and peer support: We provide emotional support along with medical care. Our counselors specialize in sex-positive, trauma-informed care for adolescents and young adults. Peer support groups allow you to connect with others who have similar backgrounds and experience. Counseling can help you cope with challenges and confront stigma. Explore our HIV Patient Resources.
- Health education: Our team can provide you with knowledge about the human body, sex and sexual health. Learn about safer sex practices, STI transmission and what you can do to protect yourself. We also hold space for you to explore and celebrate how your identities impact your health.
- Primary care: HIV and STI care is part of comprehensive health care. We make sure you also receive primary care to maintain your overall health. Our case managers can help you find a doctor if you don’t have one.
- Referrals to support services: We assess your physical health, emotional wellness and social circumstances. This assessment helps us identify additional support needs you may have and connect you with services that can help. For example, we offer financial screening along with insurance enrollment support.
Support services
Our health educators work with you to identify your non-medical needs and priorities. Then they connect you to the appropriate resources, including:
- Clothing
- Educational groups
- Emergency assistance
- Food support
- Housing resources
- PrEP/PEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis/post-exposure prophylaxis)
- Primary medical care
- STI/HIV testing and care
You can also find resources through HIV Connect. This database lists HIV-related support services available throughout Los Angeles County.
Opportunities for Youth to Get Involved
Children’s Hospital is committed to partnering with adolescents and young adults in the design, implementation and evaluation of our HIV services. The HIV Program offers paid internships and youth community advisory board positions.
For more information about these opportunities, please contact Miguel Martinez at MiMartinez@chla.usc.edu.
Getting here
The HIV Program is located at 3250 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 300, at the corner of New Hampshire and Wilshire Blvd. We are 1 block from the Vermont/Wilshire Metro station.
We are approximately 1 block from the Wilshire/Vermont Station of the Metro B (Red) and Metro D (Purple) Lines and bus lines 204, 51, 720 and 754.
Some services are held at partner agencies so please confirm location of groups with facilitators.
