LSS mental health therapist offers support to people living with HIV; mental health resource list included
- lssofnefl
- May 18
- 3 min read
Meet Reggie Taylor, our mental health therapist in the ACE program at Lutheran Social Services of Northeast Florida (LSS). He provides counseling to ACE program clients living with HIV.
With a background in banking and mortgages, Reggie pursued a master’s degree during the pandemic to fulfill his goal of becoming a therapist. Today, he continues supporting clients at LSS through compassionate mental health counseling and care.
Through the ACE program at LSS, Reggie supports clients in accessing comprehensive Ryan White HIV/AIDS services and care in Northeast Florida.
If you or someone you know is navigating an HIV diagnosis, don't hesitate to reach out to the ACE program at 904-448-5995.
Reggie continues to make a meaningful impact through his work with clients in the ACE program, helping individuals navigate mental health challenges with compassion and support.
If you're in need of mental health support, look at the end of this article for a list of local resources.
What inspires or motivates you in your work as a mental health therapist?
Helping people with their mental health issues is my greatest joy. I have a unique gift of relating to people, humanizing their issues, thinking outside the box, and helping them change their perspective on things.
What are some common mental health challenges individuals face, and how might they be compounded for those living with HIV?
Common mental health challenges that individuals face, since I've started are anxiety, depression, and fear (fear of failure, fear of rejection, and/or fear of abandonment). Clients living with HIV tend to have compounded trauma, lack of resources, and layers of hurt that I help them sift through and process. A lot of my clients have never gone to therapy and it is a joy to be able to be their first encounter with dealing with their mental health.
Can you recommend any mental health resources or support groups that you find particularly beneficial for individuals seeking support?
Finding a good therapist for you is legitimately like going on dates. PSYCHOLOGY TODAY offers a great resource where you can scroll through a list of therapists. You can filter whether you're looking for a male, female, or gender neutral and see in what areas that they specialize: trauma, EMDR, LGBT, relationships, etc. You'll be able to see where their office is located, what insurance they accept, and their rates.
LSS also hosts Beacons of Hope, a support group for those living with HIV, at our office at 4615 Philips Highway.
What advice would you offer to someone who may be hesitant to seek help for their mental health concerns, whether due to stigma, fear, or other factors?
The advice that I would give somebody who is hesitant to start seeing a therapist would be asking "what do you have to lose?" I genuinely believe that everybody can benefit from therapy, no matter if someone is in crisis or simply wanting to have a non-biased opinion to hear them out. Going to a therapist doesn't mean you're weak or that you're "crazy", but really it shows how courageous you are and willing to invest in yourself.
Mental Health Resources in Northeast Florida
During Mental Health Awareness Month, the City of Jacksonville introduced Mental Health Matters Jax, a campaign packed with resources for the community. Explore this list of mental health resources in your area:
National Suicide Crisis Hotline
Dial 988
Spanish Suicide Hotline
1-888-628-9454
Their mission is to improve care for the mentally ill by becoming a resource on mental health, connecting those who need help with providers, and providing financial assistance for those who need it.
Website: https://www.hearts4minds.org/
NAMI Jacksonville
Offers free programs in safe environments to anyone touched by mental illness.
Website: https://www.namijax.org/
Helpline directory: https://assets-global.website-files.com/620282eba80b8f70955bb8d1/662ff02464f89826209d1312_NAMI%20Resource%20Directory%20March%202024.pdf
United Way
Provides a directory of mental health and substance abuse resources.
United Way Mental Health Directory: https://nefin.myresourcedirectory.com/index.php?option=com_cpx&common_id=1907&task=search.query&code=R&name=Mental-Health-and-Substance-Abuse-icon-mental
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It's heartwarming to see Reggie Taylor's dedication to supporting those living with HIV through mental health counseling. His journey from banking to therapy is truly inspiring. I'm curious, how has the ACE program at LSS impacted the lives of clients? Word to markdown.
It's great to see Reggie making a difference for people living with HIV through compassionate counseling. When I share stories like his in community workshops, I rely on a presentation timer to keep my talk on schedule and respectful.
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I found it really insightful how the therapist emphasizes the link between mental health and living with HIV. Slope Run What strategies do you recommend for someone just starting to seek help?