The purpose of this research was to understand how stepped counseling intervention affects quality of life in newly diagnosed HIV-positive patients. The study made use of quasi-experimental methodology that included a three-step interview process over 45 days. The theoretical framework supporting interviews with 32 newly diagnosed HIV-positive patients in northern Taiwan included a combination of rational-emotive therapy, cognitive-behavior therapy, and health education. Participants were divided into an experimental and control group of equal size. Data collection also included responses to the WHOQOL-HIV instrument at the beginning and end of each interview session. Responses were analyzed with the SPSS software package. The results showed a 25-point difference between pre- and post-test scores in the experimental group (SD = 3.2) and a 6 point difference in the control group (SD = 4.3). The results indicate that stepped counseling techniques are effective in helping this patient population to adjust to the physical, emotional, social, and environmental stresses associated with their newly diagnosis. The researchers suggest that stepped counseling be used with all newly diagnosed HIV-positive Taiwanese patients in all hospitals and clinics to promote adaptive abilities and to control the further spread of HIV.