HIV

Last updated: 11/17/2022

HIV Testing, Prevention, and Treatment

Testing for the HIV antibody is open to everyone at Columbia:

  • Available for free to all students, their partners, staff, and faculty regardless of gender or orientation
  • Offered with convenient drop-in hours five days a week with next-day results
  • No appointment necessary
  • Client-centered peer counselors are sensitive to your situation, whether it’s your first test or routine testing. They will tailor the session to your needs
  • Our advocates welcome questions about HIV, STIs, vaccines, and safer sex
  • We are non-judgmental; our goal is to support you through your testing experience and to provide you with accurate information.
  • We uphold strict levels of confidentiality; all counselors are HIPAA-certified

For students with a known or likely exposure to HIV, the Gay Health Advocacy Project (GHAP), a part of Alice! Health Promotion, can facilitate further testing, post-exposure prophylaxis, and professional support.

 

Drop-in Hours

During the academic year, Columbia Health offers sexual and reproductive health drop-in hours for HIV antibody testing.

Consult with an Advocate

Even if you are not sure that you want a test, you can come in and talk with a peer advocate. Trained peer advocates will work with you to understand confusing and sometimes anxiety-provoking information about HIV and its transmission. We can help you assess and reduce your risk of HIV infection, and provide information about the transmission, treatment, and prevention of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as well. Advocates are also trained to provide counseling about other topics.

Treatment and Support for HIV-positive Students

Columbia Health offers clinical care and information for HIV-positive students to manage infection effectively. All services are covered under the Columbia Student Health Insurance Plan:

  • Individualized care from an HIV specialist
  • Regular monitoring of CD4 and viral load
  • Medications
  • Preventative treatments (including pre-exposure prophylaxis)
  • Psychological support

For HIV-positive students who plan to study at Columbia, the Columbia Student Health Insurance Plan provides coverage sufficient for HIV medication prescriptions. If you have other insurance, we will help connect you to services that cover the costs. Questions? Contact GHAP at [email protected].

For students with a known or likely exposure to HIV, GHAP can facilitate further testing, treatment (including post-exposure prophylaxis), and confidential support from staff or peer advocates.