- Online & In-Person Sessions Available in Newhall-Santa Clarita, Los Angeles & Studio City
HIV/AIDS Counseling in Newhall-Santa Clarita, CA
Counseling for a Life of Strength and Hope
Welcome, I'm Julia.
I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (#104811) with over fifteen years of experience supporting individuals from marginalized communities through an intersectional lens. I’m passionate about helping clients understand how their history impacts their present, and empowering them to move forward with clarity, strength, and intention.
I offer both online and in-person sessions in Los Angeles, Newhall-Santa Clarita, and Studio City.
Office Locations
Newhall-Santa Clarita Office
24509 Walnut St Ste. 201,
Newhall, CA 91321
(818) 646-7921
Los Angeles Office
566 S. San Vicente Blvd STE 101
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 483-4225
Studio City Office
11712 Moorpark St suite 101
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 646-7921
Have questions?Call or Schedule a Consultation
What Is HIV/AIDS Counseling?
Although there have been significant medical advances in the effective treatment of HIV/AIDS, stigma still runs rampant regarding this illness. Regardless of when you were diagnosed, living with HIV/AIDS can increase symptoms of anxiety, depression, shame, frustration, substance abuse, and anger. Whether you’re a long-term survivor or just learned of your diagnosis, mental health counseling can be a great source of support.
The advancement in antiretroviral therapy (ART) allows people who adhere to medical treatment to have a normal life expectancy. HIV treatment and medical care have come an incredibly long way since the 1980s when large numbers of infected individuals were dying. Although this advancement is phenomenal, unfortunately, the stigma and shame associated with HIV persist.
HIV/AIDS Counseling is a compassionate, client-centered approach designed to support individuals living with HIV/AIDS and their loved ones. This specialized therapy acknowledges the unique challenges of managing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Through individual counseling, education, and support, I can help clients navigate medical care, mental health counseling, and daily routines, ensuring a better quality of life.
If you’re searching for HIV and AIDS Counseling in Los Angeles, you’re in the right place. I have over 10 years of experience supporting people in your situation and I would love to help you rediscover hope. With a focus on personalized individual therapy, I can help you on your journey toward improved health, stronger relationships, and a brighter future.
“Never let the things you cannot do prevent you from doing the things you can.” – John Wooden
How Can Counseling for HIV Patients Help
If you or someone you love is living with HIV/AIDS, it’s normal to face feelings of uncertainty, fear, or isolation. Counseling for HIV-infected persons is an ongoing process that addresses these emotions and explores prevention strategies. With my help, as an HIV therapist, clients gain the tools to adopt safer behaviors, improve relationships with sex partners, and manage the complex intersection of mental health and medical care. HIV/AIDS counseling can be focused on you alone or can involve family counseling and couples counseling.
HIV/AIDS counseling can help you:
- Decrease shame and other mental health symptoms related to your diagnosis
- Feel comfortable and confident engaging in sexual activities
- Find coping mechanisms to better manage mental health symptoms
- Increase your support network
- Increase feelings of hopefulness and decrease feelings of shame over time
Through over twenty years of research on HIV prevention and transmission, evidence has shown that an undetectable viral load leads to zero risk of transmission (also known as U equals U). This means if you’re adhering to your medication regimen, and tests show your viral load is undetectable, it is impossible to transmit the virus to a sexual partner.
In HIV and AIDS counseling, we will focus on your mental health and emotional well-being. I will help you find the best ways to express your fears, uncertainties, and concerns. Ultimately, we’ll develop tools to manage the challenges ahead, return to work, and re-engage in relationships and your daily routines.
What to Expect from HIV and AIDS Counseling Sessions
For improved mental health and overall quality of life, it’s imperative you work with an experienced HIV therapist. Unfortunately, not all therapists are trained to offer HIV/AIDS affirmative counseling. I have provided counseling for HIV patients and those impacted by HIV/AIDS in healthcare agencies and private practice settings for almost ten years. Before my mental health career, I had the honor of working as an advocate for this community.
In HIV/AIDS counseling, I will create a safe space for you to discuss sensitive topics. By gently exploring emotionally charged subjects, we will clear the path to acceptance and hope. I will encourage you to voice your fears of rejection and social stigma, help you get a clearer picture of possible challenges to come, and arm you with the right coping mechanisms to face them. You will be equipped with the tools to disclose to sexual partners from a place of confidence rather than a place of shame or fear. Let me guide you through the entire process and show you there is always a way!
“Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” – A. A. Milne
Work with Me
Starting therapy is a big step—and you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re brand new to therapy or returning after some time away, I’m here to meet you exactly where you are. My goal is to help you feel supported, understood, and empowered to grow in ways that feel real and sustainable.
Here’s what our work together usually looks like:
Free Consultation
We’ll start with a free 20-minute phone call. This is your space to share what’s been coming up for you, ask any questions, and get a feel for how I work—no pressure, no commitment. Some people decide to move forward right away, while others take some time to think about it. Either way is welcome.
Weekly Sessions
We’ll meet regularly (typically once a week) in a supportive, non-judgmental space. Our sessions will focus on processing your experiences, building practical tools, and gently shifting patterns that no longer serve you—all at a pace that feels right for you.
Tailored Plan
If you decide to move forward, we’ll schedule your first full session and begin shaping a plan that fits your goals, identity, and lived experience. This is where we begin exploring what’s getting in the way and how therapy can support the changes you want to make.
Ongoing Support & Growth
Therapy isn’t just about fixing what feels broken—it’s about becoming more connected to yourself. As you grow, we’ll continue adjusting the work to reflect your evolving needs, helping you stay grounded, clear, and supported through it all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Anyone impacted by HIV/AIDS can benefit, including those newly diagnosed, long-term survivors, and even their civil union partners or family members. HIV/AIDS counseling is also highly beneficial for pregnant women who may face unique challenges. It provides an ongoing process of emotional support, education on safer behaviors, and resources for medical care and alternative therapies.
HIV/AIDS counseling sessions are tailored to your needs and may include:
- Navigating antiretroviral therapy or combination therapy.
- Improving communication with sexual partners and sex partners.
- Addressing addictive behaviors such as injection substance abuse or alcohol abuse.
- Developing prevention strategies for risky behavior and disease prevention objectives.
- Managing psychological stresses, daily routines, and family issues.
Yes, HIV/AIDS counseling is completely confidential. I provide a safe and private space to share your thoughts, feelings, and concerns. Whether you’re discussing clinical issues, family matters, or questions about substance abuse, your privacy is protected at all times. As an HIV therapist, I adhere to strict ethical guidelines to ensure your comfort and trust.
Yes, families and caregivers often face unique challenges when supporting someone living with HIV/AIDS. I can provide guidance on family issues, building supportive relationships, and coping with psychological stresses. It’s a great way to ensure everyone involved feels equipped to handle manageable issues and contribute positively to the recovery process.
At this time, I am not in-network with any insurance companies. However, many insurance companies have an “out of network mental health coverage policy.” If your insurance company offers this I can provide you with a monthly “superbill” to submit for possible reimbursement.
Julia Schwab Therapy offers both online and in-person sessions. In-person appointments are available in Los Angeles, Studio City, and the Newhall–Santa Clarita area.
Related Services
Get in Touch for HIV/AIDS Counseling in Los Angeles, NV
Testing positive for HIV can feel devastating and overwhelming. Though it can be life-changing, it doesn’t mean the life you have and know is over. Modern medical treatment has made it possible to resume a normal life. Mental health counseling for HIV patients can help address emotional well-being to navigate the relevant challenges. It would be my honor to help you. You’re not alone; we’ll work through this together.