Care Team
Everyone deserves someone in their corner
Whether it’s a doctor, nurse, social worker, friend, or someone in your community—the people around you matter. Building a care team that supports your whole health starts with finding even one person you trust. A care team is more than just doctors—anyone who supports your well-being can be part of it.
Why do I need a care team?
Teamwork makes things happen. Your care team gives you access to the healthcare you need. Primary care providers and HIV specialists, doctors, nurses, and pharmacists—all of them may help you manage HIV and your overall health through medicines, lab work, checkups, vaccines, and routine care.
But your team can also include the people who support you every day: Loved ones and friends, patient navigators, mental health professionals, case managers, and dietitians or nutritionists. All of them play a role in helping you stay well.
Why should I know about my care team?
Your care team and support network depend on available resources in your area. Access may vary, but starting with available support and building gradually is important. Every strong care team begins with connection, trust, and people who genuinely care about your well-being.
You are the most important member of your care team. You want a care team that makes you feel like an active participant in your health journey and making you more comfortable communicating how you feel about your health, the challenges you’re facing, and your needs—especially as they change over time.
Whether you need support with medical care, housing, food assistance, mental health, or anything in between, there are organizations out there that may be able to help. Reaching out to HIV organizations might feel overwhelming at first—and you’re not alone in feeling that way. But taking that first step is important, even if you are unsure of where to start.
Looking for additional services?
Find local help and resources with the HIV Community Services Locator, powered by HIV.gov. Find testing services, housing assistance, health centers, and more.
Start the conversation with your care team: Download Hive Keeper, your guide to whole health.
Print the physical health section, save it on your phone, or bring it along to your next care visit.
Images may include models used for illustrative purposes only. They are not individuals with HIV unless explicitly stated.