Grant Funded Services

Ryan White Mental Health Services at the Designated AIDS Center

DAC patients are eligible to receive mental health services. Patients may self refer, be referred by a treatment team member or an outside service agency.

On-site services are provided by our clinical social workers, Brian Amidon, LMSW and Cheryl Palmer, LMSW. The process begins with a treatment team member doing a mini-evaluation to determine the patient’s needs.

If a patient has a history of non-compliance with appointments then he/she must meet with the Mental Health Case Manager, Martha Rodriguez, to complete the program intake. The goal of this intake is to identify possible barriers to care, to discuss treatment goals, and to develop a plan to address unmet needs so the patient can succeed in achieving their goals.

An attendance policy will be reviewed and will require each patient’s signature prior to meeting with the clinical social workers.

If you have received services at another mental health program we will ask you to sign a release of information for those records.

A series of three intake visits with a clinical social worker is required prior to a patient being referred to the psychiatrist. All patients are actively involved in the development of their treatment plan and goals which the clinical social workers and patients review and update quarterly.

If you would like to receive mental health services at another program we will provide you with a list of area providers. Please ask a staff member.

The Ryan White Mental Health Services Office at the DAC also offers support group for Anger Management.

For more information on Anger Management group please contact Cheryl at 315 464-7319.

Ryan White Funded Hepatitis C Grant

Our Ryan White funded Hepatitis C grant started October 1, 2010. Patients who are Hepatitis C and HIV infected will receive increased educational and support services. These services are designed to help prepare patients for Hepatitis C treatment and support them during the treatment process.

Mental Health Services are provided by Brian Amidon, LMSW and Cheryl Palmer, LMSW.

Substance Abuse Services

Substance abuse services are provided Marilyn Brown-Shakir a Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor ( CASAC ).

Nutrition Services

Nutritional services are provided by Terry Podolak, a Registered Dietician ( RD ). It is recommended that all patients of the DAC have a yearly nutritional review. Patients with chronic health issues such as diabetes, renal disease, unplanned weight loss or gain may need to be seen more often.

Treatment Adherence Services

The Treatment Adherence services are offered to DAC patients who are starting medications for the first time, starting a new regimen, or who simply have a hard time taking their medications. The Adherence team will work with patients to set up a plan of action for taking medications and monitoring progress. They offer education and training geared to the patient’s individual needs. The Adherence team’s goal is help patients be as healthy as possible while living with a chronic illness. This service is in addition to the support provided by the doctor and nurse practitioner.

For more information on any of the services listed above please ask your health care provider at the next appointment.