HIV Testing and Treatment

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Testing for the HIV antibody is provided through the Gay Health Advocacy Project (GHAP), a part of Alice! Health Promotion.

  • Open to Everyone at Columbia—The service is available free to all students, their partners, staff, and faculty regardless of gender or orientation.
  • 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.
  • Informational—Advocates from GHAP welcome questions about HIV, STIs, vaccines, and safer sex.
  • Non-judgmental—Our goal is to support you through your testing experience and provide you with accurate information.
  • Confidential—Columbia Health upholds strict levels of confidentiality and all advocates are HIPAA-certified.

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 advocates from GHAP 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). Advocates are also trained to provide peer counseling about other topics.

Treatment and Support for HIV-positive Students

Columbia Health staff offer 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
  • 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 you connect to services that cover the costs. Contact us at [email protected] with questions.

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