Incorporating HIV/AIDS and mental health for HIV-positive African-American men: The Healthy Minds project

Issues: Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) make up almost 40% of new HIV infections among MSM. BMSM who are HIV-positive may suffer from poor mental health, and few culturally-sound mental health treatment are available or accessible to this population. However, these services are greatly needed, as HIV-positive BMSM poor mental health may be associated with increased risk for transmitting HIV and/or acquiring sexually transmitted infections that may HIV difficult to treat.\ Description: Gay Men of African Descent, an organization aimed working to improve quality of life within the New York City black gay community, developed an 8-week, group-level mental health intervention targeting HIV-positive BMSM. The intervention teaches participants about psychosocial development, and invites them to think about their personal development and issues around positive development. Intervention sessions cover a broad range of topics including, disclosure, responsibility and accountability, sexuality and sexual behavior post HIV diagnosis, loss, and spirituality. Lessons Learned: Issues around the development and implementation of the intervention will be explored. Responses to the intervention have been positive, and indicate the need for the increased availability of culturally-based mental health services for BMSM, notably those who are HIV-positive. Recommendations: Greater attention needs to be paid to mental health care and treatment among HIV-positive BMSM. The Healthy Minds intervention may be a strong vehicle through which these services can be provided.