Preferred Location: Change location
Preferred Location: Change location
The San Francisco Bay area is known for high STD rates. Contra Costa County’s rates are not as high as those of San Francisco County, but they’re not low either.
In 2015, there were 2,066 people living with HIV and AIDS in Contra Costa County, with a prevalence rate of 220 per 100K people, below California’s rate of 376 and well below San Francisco’s rates.
But it’s the bacterial STD rates that are more concerning. In 2017, 5,735 people in Contra Costa County were diagnosed with chlamydia at a rate of 503.9 per 100K people, a bit under California’s rate of 552.2. The gonorrhea and (primary and secondary) syphilis rates were 155.1 and 11.6.
Syphilis was under control in the US a short decade ago, but it has made a comeback in recent years, mostly due to decreased condom use. Health officials urge all sexually active people to use protection every time and to get tested often, even if they are not experiencing symptoms.
Planned Parenthood is located on Pacheco St. They test for STIs and treat all except HIV, and the fee is on a sliding scale. The Concord Health Center provides STI testing at their clinic on Willow Pass Rd.
The Contra Costa Public Health Department operates a mobile HIV-testing clinic from a van. Don’t forget to check the community calendar, especially during STD Awareness Month. You may be able to find free STD testing.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention1 (CDC) recommends screening for the most common STDs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis, herpes 1, herpes 2, and HIV for both men and women. In addition, the CDC suggests women get screened for trichomoniasis.
SaferSTD recommends searching for locations that offer a 10-test panel which tests for the most common bacteria and viral STDs in the U.S. with additional premium add-ons like early HIV detection, if needed.
The CDC2Â provides detailed STD testing information as to when you should get tested. In summary, you should get tested today if you are sexually active, never been tested before, have had unprotected sex in the past, or if you exhibit symptoms.Â
According to the World Health Organization3, the majority of STI cases reported every day, more than one million, are asymptomatic; another reason to get tested today.
You should get tested again in 90 days to rule out STDs that have specific exposure waiting times, including HIV.
STD testing can be a quick and simple process, depending on the type of test you choose and where you get tested. Some may require an oral or genital swab, a urine test or blood sample, or a physical exam to check your genital area for signs of an STD.
SaferSTD has identified preferred providers that require only a urine test, a blood sample, or both without a physical exam.
The speed at which you receive your STD testing results depends on where you get tested. Before you choose your location, find out how long testing results will take.Â
At-home STD testing results are usually 3-5 business days, depending on the manufacturer of your test. You also need to take into account the amount of time it takes to receive the test or pick one up, perform the test, and ship it back, before the lab can analyze your results and report back to you.Â
If you test at a public facility such as a neighborhood clinic, you may have to wait a week, if not more for the results, which could delay treatment. If you test through a private facility, they have the fastest turnaround within 1-3 business days.Â
SaferSTD has researched and identified the most accredited and most reputable testing locations. Click here to find a preferred location near you.
Some STD testing clinics offer same-day walk-in options without an appointment. Below are nearby preferred locations that offer this option.
The cost of STD testing depends on whether you select private, public, or at-home testing, as well as the type of test(s) you need.
Several at-home STD options and public testing locations can cost up to $250, with most on the higher end, depending on the brand and type of testing. Public testing fees also vary based on income and welfare eligibility.Â
With private testing, you may save money on a low-cost comprehensive 10-test panel that tests for the most common bacterial and viral STDs in the United States.Â
SaferSTD has researched and identified reputable locations that offer upfront pricing without hidden fees. Click here to find a preferred location near you.
Order a home-test kit onlineThe test takes just 5 minutes and then mail in your sampleReceive your lab results in 2 to 5 daysFDA approved technologyEnjoy free shipping
The Rainbow Community Center is taking steps to lower the number of STDs in their community. One step they are taking is to offer testing at the majority of their clinics. There are three in the county that do so, right now.
Testing is done by a qualified technicians and experienced counselors are also on hand. You should expect to wait up to a week before learning your STD status.
The Berkeley Free Clinic is taking steps to lower the number of STDs in their community. One step they are taking is to offer testing at the majority of their clinics. There are three in the county that do so, right now.
Testing is done by a qualified technicians and experienced counselors are also on hand. You should expect to wait up to a week before learning your STD status.
It is almost impossible to at least not be familiar with the name Planned Parenthood. They are leaders in research concerning sexual health care. Some may think they only perform one service but nothing is further from the truth.
You can easily get tested for sexually transmitted infections here. You also have the advantage of having a counselor to talk to when results are in.
It is almost impossible to at least not be familiar with the name Planned Parenthood. They are leaders in research concerning sexual health care. Some may think they only perform one service but nothing is further from the truth.
You can easily get tested for sexually transmitted infections here. You also have the advantage of having a counselor to talk to when results are in.
Testing is done by a qualified technicians and experienced counselors are also on hand. You should expect to wait up to a week before learning your STD status.
The Solano County Health and Social Services Department (Vallejo Health Clinic) is taking steps to lower the number of STDs in their community. One step they are taking is to offer testing at the majority of their clinics. There are three in the county that do so, right now.
Testing is done by a qualified technicians and experienced counselors are also on hand. You should expect to wait up to a week before learning your STD status.
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Accredited and Certified
Description: Order online and receive a doctor's order to visit this lab to get tested in as little as 15 mins. Get your results privately within 1-2 business days and speak with a doctor over the phone if your test results come back positive. Doctors may prescribe treatment or refer you to a specialist if needed.
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Accredited and Certified
Description: Getting an STD test at a clinic near you has never been easier. When you choose this location, you can get a doctor's requisition to get tested in as little as 15 minutes. Following your test, you receive your results privately within 2 business days, and can speak to a doctor over the phone with confidence, should results come back as positive.
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Accredited and Certified
Description: Why go to a public clinic? Get convenient and fast STD testing that is 100% confidential. Individual tests under $50. Order online and visit this lab the same day for a quick 15 min test. Get your results online within 1-2 business days, and view them privately. Doctor consultation available over the phone, should results come back as positive.
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Accredited and Certified
Description: Get Fast, Easy and Affordable testing at this location. Results come back within 2 business days and be in and out of the lab in less then 20 minutes.
Show only locations where privacy and discretion is taken into importance.
Show only locations where privacy and discretion is taken into importance.
Description: Community Based Organization. Free condoms available.
Description: Social Service Organization. If you are uninsured, you may qualify for a state-funded program or a lower fee scale. Fees for services are based on your household income. Typically, only open the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month; call for schedule
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Sexual Health Clinic: Tuesdays, 5:15pm to 8:15pm
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Description: services by appointment only. Please call and leave a message to schedule an appointment
Description: services by appointment only. Please call and leave a message to schedule an appointment
Show only locations where they offer the HIV RNA Early Detection Test for people who think they may have been recently exposed to the HIV virus.
Show only locations where they offer the HIV RNA Early Detection Test for people who think they may have been recently exposed to the HIV virus.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Please call for Mpox vaccine appointments. Vaccines offered at stationary clinics and pop-up vaccine clinics. Call for information
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Please register as a patient to receive services. For HIV testing a $20 donation is requested but no one is turned away if unable to pay. Closed between 12noon-1pm. The health center is closed on all major holidays
Description: Social Service Organization. If you are uninsured, you may qualify for a state-funded program or a lower fee scale. Fees for services are based on your household income.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. STD Clinic: Wed., 5:15pm-8:15pm. HIV Specialty Services: Wed., 8am-12noon
Description: Social Service Organization. Open 2 Saturdays a month. Please check online appointment schedule to verify availability
Description: Social Service Organization. If you are uninsured, you may qualify for a state-funded program or a lower fee scale. Fees for services are based on your household income. Typically, open only the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department, Services for low income, uninsured and underinsured patients.
Description: Safeway Pharmacy.
Description: Community Based Organization, The Berkeley Free Clinic provides STI testing, pregnancy tests, and other gynecological services for non-cisgender males (women, trans*, and other gender non-conforming persons). Free condoms available. Call or visit website for information on hours for specific services
With statistics showing that the STD rate has been steadily rising for the past twenty years, health officials are hopeful that the new education programs will help protect residents, and reduce the number of infections. Even though the data shows that the programs seem to be helping women protect their sexual health, the increasing numbers of men who continue to test positive for at least one STD indicate that there is still a long way to go.
Testing isn't free, but they do accept insurance and Medicaid. During your phone call the staff can help you apply for financial assistance if you need it and don't have any yet.
Anyone over 14 can come in. The fees are often on a sliding scale. If you need help paying, ask before you go in.
Rainbow Community Center might be an urgent care clinic but they also handle STDs. They have a close partnership with an accredited lab so you won't have to wait long for results from your test.
Check the wait time online and go in at your convenience. They also have ample free parking, if you choose to drive.
2118 Willow Pass Rd #500, Concord, CA 94520, USA
Testing isn't free, but they do accept insurance and Medicaid. During your phone call the staff can help you apply for financial assistance if you need it and don't have any yet.
Anyone over 14 can come in. The fees are often on a sliding scale. If you need help paying, ask before you go in.
Check the wait time online and go in at your convenience. They also have ample free parking, if you choose to drive.
2339 Durant Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA
If you call ahead you might be able to get in that day. You can also go online and look through their availability calendar and find a time that is best for you.
Anyone over 14 can get an appointment. without bringing their parents. Calling ahead can also get you enrolled in a plan that will help cover testing expenses.
You can everything from Pep and PrEP at Planned Parenthood. Free condoms are also available for men and women. After all these years, the organization is still at the forefront when it comes to protecting your sexual health.
2185 Pacheco St, Concord, CA 94520, USA
If you call ahead you might be able to get in that day. You can also go online and look through their availability calendar and find a time that is best for you.
Anyone over 14 can get an appointment. without bringing their parents. Calling ahead can also get you enrolled in a plan that will help cover testing expenses.
You can everything from Pep and PrEP at Planned Parenthood. Free condoms are also available for men and women. After all these years, the organization is still at the forefront when it comes to protecting your sexual health.
200 Porter Dr #200, San Ramon, CA 94583, USA
Testing isn't free, but they do accept insurance and Medicaid. During your phone call the staff can help you apply for financial assistance if you need it and don't have any yet.
Anyone over 14 can come in. The fees are often on a sliding scale. If you need help paying, ask before you go in.
Check the wait time online and go in at your convenience. They also have ample free parking, if you choose to drive.
3052 Willow Pass Rd, Concord, CA 94519, USA
Testing isn't free, but they do accept insurance and Medicaid. During your phone call the staff can help you apply for financial assistance if you need it and don't have any yet.
Anyone over 14 can come in. The fees are often on a sliding scale. If you need help paying, ask before you go in.
Solano County Health and Social Services Department (Vallejo Health Clinic) might be an urgent care clinic but they also handle STDs. They have a close partnership with an accredited lab so you won't have to wait long for results from your test.
Check the wait time online and go in at your convenience. They also have ample free parking, if you choose to drive.
365 Tuolumne St, Vallejo, CA 94590, USA
While this new program has just gone into effect at the start of the new year, the small city of Concord has already taken steps to help get the high STD rate under control. The effectiveness of the programs are already evident in the decreasing number of women who test positive for a STD/STI each year, but with rates rising in men it is evident that sexually transmitted diseases still present a serious health problem for residents.
Part of the problem is the lack of compliance with the new sexual education classes by school districts, with some choosing to omit certain information regarding how STDs are spread. Until all teens and young adults receive the same information and learn how to adequately protect themselves, sexually transmitted diseases will continue to be a threat to everyone’s health.
Regular Herpes testing in Concord is vital in stopping the spread of the virus in area high schools. Regular HIV testing in Concord is also crucial to protect everyone’s sexual health. As rates keep rising in certain demographics, regular STD testing remains the best way to protect your health.
The city and surrounding Contra Costa County have a diverse demographical makeup, due in part to the large naval presence in the area. Along with the military base, the small city is also located along the San Francisco Bay which draws in a large number of tourists from around the world every year.
While this influx of military personnel and tourists is stimulating the local economy, it is also putting residents sexual health at risk. Many visitors to the area are not tested regularly for STDs, and it is not uncommon for them to infect residents without even realizing it. As the military continues to enact more stringent STD testing requirements in an effort to keep soldiers and the community safe, the same cannot be said for the other visitors to the area.
The state and county has recently suffered severe budget cuts to its health care programs, especially in smaller cities. This has forced several community facilities to close its doors, which is making it difficult and inconvenient for residents to get tested regularly. Long lines at the few clinics still open are causing many people to put off this important health test, and the majority of lower income families simply cannot afford regular screenings. Until everyone has access to the health care that they need, the city can continue to expect STD rates to rise significantly.
With its charming downtown and beautiful scenery many aren’t aware the city is also dealing with a high rate of STDs, especially in adult males. While there are a few community centers uncomfortably waits has some making the wrong decision to not get screened. You can avoid the long wait and still take care of your sexual health simply by making one simple phone call. Spend 20 minutes or so at a local lab, and then explore the old military bases in the area.
Each page below contains a detailed report of the local area, location STD statistics and clinic reviews of some the top STD testing locations. The content is curated by our very own editors and medical experts.
