Choices is committed to both the physical and the emotional wellness of our patients. The Counseling Department at our clinic in Queens, NYC exists to ensure that each and every patient feels comfortable with the medical care they choose to receive, and is able to process the many important and complex emotions that reproductive health care involves. Patients are provided individualized counseling and education in a warm, non-judgmental, supportive and confidential environment.

Patients will be given guidance and support in the following areas:

Options Counseling
Each patient is provided the opportunity to process her feelings about her pregnancy, and together with the counselor, she will have the space to explore all of her options and alternatives to make the best choices for herself.

Abortion Counseling
In a private counseling session, each patient is afforded the opportunity to discuss her decision to have an abortion. In this safe, confidential space, the patient can have an honest dialogue about this very important decision that she has been empowered to make for herself.

Family Planning
All patients are provided with educational information about birth control methods. By comparing different forms of birth control, the patient and the counselor will determine the right form of birth control for the patient. Together, the patient and the counselor will develop a personal plan to ensure that the patient takes her birth control method as often as is required. Additionally, the patient will learn how to refill a prescription and obtain a new one. She will also learn how to schedule appointments with her gynecologist as needed for routine care.

Depression Screening
Patients will meet with a mental health professional to diagnose, address, and treat depression. Additionally, our counselors are trained to address internal issues of anxiety, stress, trauma, low self-esteem, grief; and can help cope with stress from external factors such as economic stability and relationships. If the patient's emotional state is negatively affecting her ability to carry out her everyday routines, the counselor will guide her to appropriate referrals in the mental health community.

Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counseling
If a patient is struggling with addiction to alcohol and drugs, she can work with a counselor to identify the behaviors and problems that correspond to her addiction. The counselor will help the patient to understand how her addiction not only affects her entire person, but those around her. Together, they will develop a personalized recovery plan that will help establish healthy behaviors and provide coping strategies. Because recovering from addiction is a process, the counselor will refer the patient to a program within the patient's community where she can receive consistent, quality care to address her addiction and work towards a drug-free life.

Prenatal/Postpartum Counseling
From joyful anticipation to fearful concern, pregnancy is an emotionally complex process. Based on a psychosocial assessment of the patient, an individualized plan will be developed to address all of her concerns and prepare for the arrival of the baby.

After the patient has given birth, a counselor will meet with the patient to conduct an assessment of patient’s emotional status. Together, they will work to identify the patient's emotions, and the counselor will help teach the patient how to manage her feelings while providing support to make sure all of her emotional needs are met.

HIV Pre/Post Counseling
The counselor will speak with the patient about the risks associated with contracting HIV, and will review the reasons to be tested. If a patient tests positive, the counselor will explain the specific health care issues that the patient needs to be aware of, and can provide medical referrals. It is our goal to empower HIV positive patients to make informed and responsible health care choices. HIV counseling, like all counseling, is completely confidential and non-judgemental.

Smoking Cessation Program
At Choices, we understand how difficult it can be to stop smoking. Addiction to smoking, like any other addiction, is multidimensional: it involves a person's emotional and social life, as well as a physical dependence. In order to fight addiction on all levels, our program involves several different approaches, from medication to individual counseling. We are committed to educating patients about the effects of smoking on their health and overall well-being, which can be a very useful tool in recovery.  Most people who successfully quit smoking use a combination of treatments and techniques. The medical team at Choices will assist the patient to create a plan to quit smoking and will provide support to the patient in implementing their quit plan in their everyday lives.