We know that sexual health can feel scary or intimidating sometimes.That’s why we do everything we can to make visiting ASHwell an empowering experience. We nurture client-centered communication so you can always talk openly and honestly about sex, sexuality, gender, or whatever’s on your mind. We value who you are as an individual and encourage you to be wholly and enthusiastically yourself. We’re dedicated to delivering sexual health services in a way that makes sense to you. Together, we will find the right fit for you.
ASHwell’s Programs + Services
Medical Care
ASHwell provides office visits and labs for the following services at
$0 out-of-pocket cost to our patients.
Almost all medications are also zero-cost to patients as well, regardless of health insurance status. If you are having any trouble getting your medicine, please contact a medication access specialist at 512-900-3116, Option 1.
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a daily medication that reduces the risk of HIV infection by up to 99%.
PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is medication taken in emergency situations AFTER a potential HIV exposure. PEP must be started within 72 hours (3 days) after a possible exposure to HIV. If you think you’ve recently been exposed to HIV during sex (either a condom wasn’t used or broke), needle stick, or you’ve been sexually assaulted, set up a PEP appointment right away.
HIV
ASHwell offers friendly and convenient outpatient care for people living with HIV. People on HIV treatment live long, healthy lives. If you are HIV positive and have an undetectable virus level, you cannot pass the virus to others.If you feel ready to start treatment, let us know. We’re here to help. When you start HIV treatment at ASHwell, we’ll explain your treatment options and provide the monitoring and support you need to help get your virus down to undetectable.
Hepatitis C
Almost everyone living with hepatitis C (HCV) can now be cured with an 8 to 12 week, once-a-day medication. In our program, you get support throughout the treatment process and you learn how to prevent reinfection.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
ASHwell provides sex-positive counseling, testing, diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). STIs can be caused by viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Regular STI testing and prompt treatment can prevent the spread of STIs in our community. These services are always free although there are potential costs relating to medication. We currently can only offer STI treatment to ASHwell patients.
Gender Affirming Care
ASHwell is committed to improving the health of trans and gender nonconforming communities. Wherever you are in your transition, you will meet with highly skilled staff who will help you explore options, answer questions, and work collaboratively to achieve your goals. ASHwell provides an affirming environment where you can receive hormone therapy and engage in an ongoing relationship with a medical provider to address a full spectrum of sexual health needs.
Currently, this service is only available to patients receiving PrEP or HIV medical care at ASHwell. While we always provide office visits and labs for free, there may be out-of-pocket costs at the pharmacy for HRT prescriptions. Please be patient with us as we work to expand our gender care program.
Vaccinations
Insured ASHwell patients can currently be vaccinated by our partner, Avita Pharmacy. At this moment, uninsured patients are being referred to Austin Public Health for vaccinations.
Wellness Visits
Wellness Visits, currently only available to ASHwell PrEP or HIV Medical Care clients, are preventative care visits to ensure that you are healthy and to catch changes in your health status early. Wellness visits are also called gynecological exams, pelvic exams, or annual exams. If you have a vulva, breasts, or a uterus, these visits are an important part of taking care of your health (no matter your gender identity).
Supportive Programs
Care Coordination at ASHwell is designed to sustain and cultivate quality of life.
Social Advocacy
ASHwell’s Social Advocacy team works directly with HIV-positive clients for support and resources. Our Social Wellness Advocates are knowledgeable HIV case managers who work with clients to construct treatment plans, help them navigate appointments and services, and advocate for them as needed to ensure all clients receive a vast array of resources and supports.
Social Advocacy support includes:
- Client-centered approach focused on improving access to care and medication adherence
- Assistance in accessing medical, social, community, legal, financial, employment, vocational, and other needed services
- Access to medical transportation as well as rental, utility, and food voucher assistance
- Aid in helping improve clients’ wellbeing and meet their needs
Learn more by calling (512) 900-3116, Option 3.
Peer Advocacy
ASHwell’s Peer Advocacy team works hard to provide emotional support and linkage to care for each client. Our team of Peer Advocates ensure clients are receiving the highest standard of care by taking the necessary time, care, and attention to support them in their journey. Our advocates aim to be every client’s cheerleader and help them discover the drive and confidence to follow through with their empowerment plans, so they host weekly drop-ins and attend outreach events to create opportunities to connect with peers.
Peer Advocacy’s programs encompass:
- Empowering mental and emotional care
- Access and adherence to medical care
- Continuity of care and coordination services
- Increased self-sufficiency and stability to grow out of the Peer Support program
- Access to medical transportation, mental health services, harm reduction education, and more
Learn more by calling (512) 900-3116, Option 3.
Medication Access
Our team of highly trained medication access specialists navigates the minefield of health insurance, co-pays, deductibles, and pharmaceutical assistance programs to make sure that you get the therapy you need.
Due to their tireless advocacy, 99% of patients – both insured and uninsured – get their PrEP, PEP, HIV and/or HCV meds for free! Your medicine can even be delivered to your door!
Learn more by calling (512) 900-3116, Option 1.
Integrative Medicine
ASHwell is now offering NO COST access to holistic services for our clients thanks to AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine.
This includes access to Medical Qigong, Tuina, and Acupuncture. Appointments are available for Fridays at our clinic on Red River St.
Medical Qigong
This energetic therapy utilizes physical movement, breathing exercises, and mental intention to balance and relax the nervous system, bringing a sense of calmness into the body and mind.
Tuina
This form of Asian bodywork involves hands on, manual manipulation of muscles, joints, and the energetic meridians of the body. Tuina is excellent in treating musculoskeletal problems, helping to relax tissues of the body and calm the mind.
Acupuncture
This ancient practice has been used for thousands of years to treat ailments of the body and spirit. The foundational philosophy is based on a holistic approach to health and healing by balancing our energetic frequencies in a gentle and nuanced way.
If you’re an ASHwell patient and would like to schedule an appointment for holistic services, give us a call at (512) 900-3116, Option 1.
Behavioral Health
ASHwell currently does not offer Behavioral Health services but we hope to in the near future. We are currently seeking grant opportunities and individual contributions to support Behavioral Health services.
Community Engagement
ASHwell’s Outreach team is constantly collaborating within the community. Depending on the day, you can find us at schools and universities, health fairs, bars, or cultural events, providing sexual health information, supplies, education, and medical care.
Our groundbreaking PrEP Pop-Up series was the first in the nation to bring PrEP medical care into nightclubs, uprooting the clinic to transport cutting-edge HIV prevention medication to highly vulnerable “hard-to-reach” and “hidden” populations.
Learn more by calling (512) 900-3116, Option 3.
Policy Advocacy
As ASHwell continues to grow alongside our vibrant community, we recognize the need to evolve our advocacy methods for our patients, clients, and community. During the 88th Texas Legislative Session, we faced an unprecedented number of anti-queer, anti-trans, and bills targeting reproductive rights. In response, ASHwell’s leadership actively defended our patient-clients and community by actively engaging at the Capitol.
Moving forward, we remain dedicated to supporting Austin’s queer health and will persist in advocating for those we serve, both in the exam room and within the halls of the Texas Capitol.
Disclaimer
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit provider of sexual health and wellness services to central Texans, ASHwell is not allowed to endorse specific pieces of proposed legislation or candidates for elected office. To a limited extent, ASHwell is permitted by law to educate the public about certain issues being discussed in the legislature, as well as advocate for or against policy campaigns that impact our clients or our ability to provide sexual health and wellness services and fulfill our organization’s core mission. ASHwell will participate in social advocacy to guarantee equitable access to care and improved quality of life to the extent allowed by 501(c)(3) restrictions.
Healthcare Access
Defend Lifesaving Gender-Affirming Care
- Support policies that ensure access to gender affirming care for transgender and gender-diverse individuals, promoting their overall mental health and wellbeing.
Access to PrEP and PEP for All
- Ensure access to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) & Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) for those at risk of HIV, including those facing financial or insurance barriers.
Reproductive Justice
- Expand access to reproductive healthcare, including contraceptives and family planning, empowering folx to make informed decisions about their sexual health.
Protect 340B Funding
- Collaborate with state government and community partners to advocate for the federal 340B program, protecting affordable access to care and medications for all.
Harm Reduction
Legalize Fentanyl Testing Strips
- Advocate for the legalization of fentanyl testing strips to enhance harm reduction efforts and protect the lives of individuals at risk of opioid overdose.
Naloxone Access
- Support policies that increase access to naloxone, a life-saving medication that can reverse opioid overdoses, to prevent overdose deaths in the community.
Drug Decriminalization & Safe Use Education
- Support the decriminalization of drug possession for personal use, therefore shifting the focus from punitive measures to public health interventions, including access to treatment and harm reduction services.
- Advocate for safe consumption and needle exchange spaces to reduce the risk of overdose and provide intervention opportunities and connection to health services.
LGBTQIA+ Protections
Expand Non-Discrimination Laws
- Advocate for comprehensive non-discrimination laws that protect LGBTQIA+ folx from discrimination in employment, housing, education, and healthcare settings.
Support for LGBTQIA+ Youth
- Advocate for increased funding and resources toward support programs to provide safe spaces and resources for young queer and trans people.
- Support legislation that bans conversion therapy for minors.
Equitable Access
State Funding for Sexual Health + Wellness
- Advocate for state funding to properly address increased HIV contraction rates and hep-C cases, ensuring equitable access to treatment.
Address Health Disparities
- Advocate for targeted initiatives that address health disparities faced by BIPOC & LGBTQIA+ communities, with the goal of eliminating barriers to equitable access.
- Support language access services to be provided in healthcare settings to ensure language barriers do not prevent folx from accessing care.
Public Health Education
Destigmatize HIV with Education Campaigns
- Work toward reducing stigma around HIV by supporting public health campaigns and policies that promote education, awareness, and testing.
Funding Cultural Competency Training
- Support policies that require cultural competency training for all healthcare providers to ensure inclusive and respectful care for diverse communities.
- Advocate for funding toward peer education programs, where trained, culturally-competent individuals from the community can educate on sexual health topics.
ASHwell Care for All Fund:
Cuts in medication assistance programs and new barriers for the uninsured have changed the way we are able to care for our patients, and that’s not cute! ASHwell has historically served QTPOC and under-insured kinky critters in a safe and affirming space designed with their unique needs in mind. Unfortunately, funding cuts and political attacks are making it harder than ever for folx who have historically been left behind to access basic care.
Last year, we launched the ASHwell Care For All Fund to bridge the cap of care for under-insured people in Austin. This fund, through the F**k Buddies monthly giving campaign with six donation levels to choose from, lets us center patient care by getting folx into services from their very first contact with ASHwell. No stress. No hassle. No cost!
