Herpes Support in Austin, Texas: Where to Find Help and Hope

Herpes simplex virus is a lifelong viral infection that can cause oral or genital sores. HSV-1 is usually associated with cold sores around the mouth but can also cause genital herpes, while HSV-2 primarily causes genital herpes. Both types are common; CDC data shows that approximately half of American adults carry HSV-1 and about 12% carry HSV-2.

Despite its prevalence, herpes carries significant stigma, often leading to feelings of shame, isolation, and anxiety—especially when newly diagnosed. Local support helps by connecting you with medical care tailored to your needs and with people who understand your experience, reducing feelings of isolation. Austin’s diverse and inclusive community also means there are specialized services aimed at reducing stigma and promoting healthy relationships.

Online Support Communities: 24/7 Accessible Connection

Sometimes you need support outside of scheduled meetings or prefer anonymity. Online forums and communities provide that immediate connection.

1. PositiveSingles – Austin Herpes Support

PositiveSingles offers a unique blend of dating and support tailored specifically for people living with herpes. This platform recognizes that managing herpes involves not just physical health but also emotional well-being and social connection. For individuals in Austin, PositiveSingles provides a valuable resource where they can meet others who truly understand their experiences, reducing feelings of isolation and stigma. Beyond facilitating meaningful relationships, the site includes a comprehensive directory of local resources.

This directory lists Austin-based clinics specializing in sexual health, therapists experienced in STI-related counseling, and nearby support groups, making it easier for users to find in-person assistance. Additionally, PositiveSingles hosts scheduled chat rooms and video call sessions, allowing members to connect safely and privately in real-time. These interactive features create a supportive community environment that helps users share advice, ask questions, and build friendships or romantic relationships with confidence.

2. American Sexual Health Association (ASHA) Herpes Forums

The American Sexual Health Association (ASHA) hosts one of the largest and most well-established herpes forums available online. This forum stands out not only because of its active user base but also due to its medically reviewed content, which helps ensure that discussions are grounded in accurate and up-to-date information. Members frequently post questions about managing symptoms, dealing with diagnosis, disclosure strategies, and dating with herpes. The presence of knowledgeable moderators is a major asset—they monitor conversations to maintain respectful and factual dialogue. When misinformation arises, moderators step in to provide corrections and often direct users toward reliable professional resources such as clinics, counseling services, and educational materials.

For residents of Austin, the ASHA forums can be especially useful as users often share firsthand experiences with local healthcare providers and support services. By searching for “Austin” within the forum, individuals can find posts that discuss area-specific resources, upcoming events, and personal recommendations for doctors or therapists who specialize in herpes care. This localized information helps bridge the gap between virtual support and in-person care, making it easier for Austinites to access tailored assistance. Overall, the ASHA herpes forums provide a valuable blend of peer connection and expert guidance, fostering a supportive environment where people living with herpes can find both information and community.

3. Reddit Communities (r/Herpes, r/AustinSupportGroups)

Anonymous and Immediate: Get quick advice or emotional support from thousands of users worldwide and local Austin members.
Useful for: Questions about disclosure, dating, new treatments, or finding Austin-based peers.
Safety Tip: Use throwaway accounts or pseudonyms if you want to protect your identity.

Medical Clinics in Austin: Accessing Testing, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Accurate diagnosis and ongoing treatment of herpes are critical. Austin has many clinics offering confidential, affordable testing and treatment, plus sexual health education.

1. Austin Public Health Sexual Health Clinic (RBJ Health Center)

Services: This city-run clinic offers comprehensive STI testing, including herpes evaluation for those with active lesions (routine herpes blood tests are not always recommended due to limitations in accuracy). They provide counseling on transmission risk, safe sex practices, and prescribe antiviral medications such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir to reduce outbreaks.
Why Choose RBJ? The low, flat fee regardless of income makes the clinic accessible. Walk-ins are accepted but appointments improve wait times.
Tips: Bring any previous medical records if available, and prepare questions about outbreak management or disclosure strategies.

2. Planned Parenthood – North Austin Health Center

Services: Besides pregnancy and contraceptive care, Planned Parenthood offers sexual health testing, including evaluation for herpes when symptoms appear. They provide patient-centered counseling on managing herpes, addressing stigma, and safe sexual practices.
Affordability: Sliding scale fees make services accessible, and many insurances are accepted.
Additional Benefits: They offer telehealth for prescription refills and follow-up consultations—a convenient option for busy schedules.

3. CommUnityCare Health Centers

Locations: Several clinics throughout Austin, including East Austin, Colony Park, and others, providing broad medical care with STI testing and treatment integrated into primary care visits.
Services: Confidential herpes testing (if lesions are present), antiviral treatment, mental health counseling, and health education.
Sliding Scale: Fees based on income and family size, making it affordable for uninsured or underinsured patients.
Why CommUnityCare? It’s a great option for those seeking ongoing care beyond herpes, including routine health maintenance.

4. Kind Clinic

Unique Feature: Walk-in STI testing with rapid results.
Herpes Testing: While Kind Clinic only performs herpes PCR tests if there are visible sores, they provide valuable counseling and immediate antiviral prescriptions.
Prevention Services: Alongside herpes care, they provide HIV prevention services such as PrEP and PEP, which may be beneficial for patients with herpes to reduce HIV risk.
Accessible: Walk-in hours make it convenient for those who need urgent care or who don’t want to wait for appointments.

5. University of Texas – ASHwell Clinic

Who Can Access? Primarily for UT students but offers community services when available.
Comprehensive Care: STI testing and treatment, PrEP and PEP, counseling, and referrals to mental health professionals.
Why It’s Helpful: Integrates sexual health with student wellness, and the environment is supportive and educational.

Herpes Support Groups in Austin: Building Connection and Sharing Experience

Support groups offer a safe space to share, learn, and gain emotional strength. For many, hearing others’ stories and feeling understood can dramatically improve mental health and self-confidence.

1. Austin H Friends

Format: Monthly peer-led group meetings typically lasting 1.5 to 2 hours.
Discussion Topics: Coping with diagnosis, navigating dating, disclosure strategies, handling stigma, outbreak management, and relationship challenges.
Why Join? The group fosters lasting friendships, reduces isolation, and offers access to trusted information vetted by HSV-positive individuals.
How to Join? Visit HWerks.com and subscribe to the Austin chapter mailing list. Attendance is free, though occasional donations help with meeting space costs.
Additional Activities: Some meetings feature guest speakers such as sexual health educators, therapists, or physicians.

2. Capital City Herpes Support (Meetup Group)

Frequency: Meets every 3–4 months.
Event Types: Educational presentations, social gatherings, informal discussions, and workshops on topics like sexual health rights and emotional resilience.
Benefits: Small group size encourages openness. This group often collaborates with local nonprofits to raise awareness and destigmatize herpes.
How to Participate? RSVP on Meetup.com under Austin herpes support groups; events usually require minimal fees for venue or refreshments.

3. Stigma-Free Austin: Sexual Health Support Group

Who It’s For: People living with any STI seeking to improve self-esteem and mental well-being.
Led By: Licensed counselors experienced in sexual health and stigma reduction.
Session Content: Group therapy techniques, mindfulness exercises, role-playing disclosure conversations, and resources for individual therapy referrals.
How to Find It: Search for “Stigma-Free Austin” or STI support groups on ConnectATX’s public listings.

Counseling and Mental Health Services in Austin

Living with herpes involves managing emotional health. Austin has many therapists who specialize or are knowledgeable about sexual health issues, stigma, and chronic illness adjustment.

1. Individual Therapy with STI-Competent Providers

Dr. Kathleen Ramirez, Ph.D., LPC: Focuses on chronic illness adjustment, anxiety, and stigma management.
Austin Psychotherapy Group: Several therapists here provide trauma-informed care including issues related to STI disclosure and relationship challenges.
Insurance and Sliding Scale: Many therapists accept insurance, Medicaid, or offer sliding-scale fees.
How to Find: Use Psychology Today’s therapist directory and filter for “STI/HIV” specialization or ask local clinics for referrals.

2. Community Mental Health Resources

Integral Care: Travis County’s mental health authority offers counseling services for people with chronic illness, including HIV and STIs.
University of Texas Counseling & Mental Health Center: Available for students dealing with diagnosis adjustment and stress.
Support Hotlines: 24/7 hotlines such as the National Sexual Health Hotline (1-800-227-8922) provide immediate emotional support and referrals.

Conclusion

While living with herpes can be daunting, Austin’s comprehensive network of medical clinics, support groups, online communities, and counseling services provides a strong foundation to manage your condition with confidence and dignity. These resources emphasize education, empowerment, and emotional support, helping individuals live full, healthy lives despite herpes.

Whether you are seeking medical care, emotional connection, or practical advice, Austin’s herpes support system is ready to help you every step of the way.