Counselling and Testing
In today’s fast-paced and often overwhelming world, young people face various emotional, psychological, and health-related challenges.
Whether it’s academic pressure, peer issues, mental health concerns, or questions about physical well-being, it’s essential to know where to go for proper counselling and medical testing. These services offer not only diagnosis and treatment but also emotional support, guidance, and prevention education.
Here are some of the most accessible and reliable places where adolescents and young adults can seek counselling and testing:
1. School Guidance and Counselling Units
Most secondary schools and higher institutions have trained guidance counsellors who are available to help students manage personal, academic, and social issues. These professionals:
- Offer one-on-one or group counselling sessions
- Help students with career decisions
- Address emotional distress, peer pressure, and anxiety
- Refer students to external health professionals if needed
Seeking help from your school’s guidance unit is often the first and easiest step for many young people.
2. Health Centres and Hospitals
Primary health centres, general hospitals, and teaching hospitals provide a wide range of services:
- Mental health support from psychologists or social workers
- Medical testing for infections, STIs, chronic conditions, etc.
- Routine check-ups and health education
Many public health centres also have youth-friendly clinics with trained staff who understand adolescent needs and concerns.
3. Specialized Institutions
These include facilities specifically set up to handle particular issues, such as:
- Rehabilitation centres for drug and substance abuse
- Psychiatric hospitals for serious mental health concerns
- Sexual and reproductive health clinics focused on youth
Specialized institutions offer expert care, proper testing, and targeted interventions for issues that go beyond the scope of general counselling.
4. Youth Centres
Many communities have youth development centres where young people can access:
- Free or low-cost counselling services
- Workshops on life skills, self-esteem, relationships, etc.
- Health screening and peer-led programs
Youth centres are often relaxed, non-judgmental environments where adolescents can speak freely and get support without fear.
5. Adolescent-Focused NGOs
Numerous non-governmental organizations (NGOs) offer counselling and testing services tailored for young people. These NGOs may provide:
- HIV testing and counselling (HTC)
- Psychosocial support for abuse survivors
- Hotline services for emotional distress
- Education on mental health and healthy relationships
These NGOs often operate in schools, communities, and online — making them more accessible to young people who might feel uncomfortable in formal settings.
Final Thoughts
Seeking counselling or getting tested should never be seen as a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength, responsibility, and self-awareness. Whether you’re struggling with stress, relationship issues, health concerns, or simply need someone to talk to, support is available.
Knowing where to go is the first step. Don’t hesitate to reach out, your health and emotional well-being matter.
Care and support
The support and care that can be given to people living with HIV/AIDS are:
- Compassion and understanding which create a sense of love and build self-confidence
- Emotional support and nurturing which is important in maintaining a positive sense of self
- Familiar surrounding with loved ones which create a sense of security and thus break isolation.
Myths about HIV/AIDS
Myths are beliefs that are not true or scientifically proven. These include:
- HIV/AIDS can be contracted by hugging an infected person.
- It can be cured.
- HIV/AIDS can be contacted by sharing a comb and hairbrush.
- HIV/AIDS patients can be facially detected.
- HIV/AIDS can be contracted through mosquito bites.
- It can be contacted by sharing the same toilet with an infected person.
- Some birth control pills can prevent HIV transmission.
Facts about HIV/AIDS
- AIDS is real and medically proven.
- Anyone can contract HIV/AIDs.
- Most people who get AIDS die.
- AIDS is caused by a virus.
- Having sexual intercourse with many people increases the chance of getting HIV.
- HIV is not transmitted by casual contact.
- At present, there is no cure for AIDS.
CLASSWORK
- Mention 4 places a student can go for counselling on AIDS.
- Highlight three myths about HIV/AIDS.
ASSIGNMENT
SECTION A
- Which of these people is recommended to see for counseling on HIV/AIDS (a) your boyfriend (b) your classmate (c) school counselor (d) the security guards
- HIV is not transmitted by casual contact(a) true (b) false (c) barely untrue (d) indifferent.
- Students can visit the following paces for counsel on HIV/AIDS except…. (a) Market (b) specialized institutions (c) youth center (d) adolescent-focused NGOs
- HIV/AIDS can be contacted by sharing comb and hairbrush (a) true (b) false (c) barely untrue (d) indifferent.
- Which of these viruses can cause AIDS (a) Human Immunodeficiency Virus (b) Human Immune-efficiency Virus (c) Human Immutable Virus (d) Human Immune-duo Virus.
SECTION B
- Highlight three ways of care and support for HIV/AIDS patient.
- Enumerate four means of transmitting HIV/AIDS
See also: