Preferred Location: Change location
Preferred Location: Change location
Isla Vista in Santa Barbara County recently commemorated 5 years since an extremist shot and killed six people near University of California. This made headlines all over the country. However, Santa Barbara has gone under the radar when it comes to the STD and HIV scourge which has been at its worst in recent years. STD rates have risen steadily each year from 2011 to 2015.
According to county data, there were 27 new cases of HIV infections over the last year. Santa Barbara county has 545 people living with HIV. Of this, 89% are male, and 59% are people of color i.e Hispanic. Gay men also accounted for 59% of the infected people with majority of these being youth aged between 16 and 45. Females accounted for 70% of all Chlamydia cases reported in Santa Barbara while males were more affected by Syphilis.
Condom use is extremely effective in preventing STDs transmission. This is a fact that is supported by comparing HIV and STD prevalence among condom users and non-users who have HIV infected partners.
The state of California has allocated over $12 billion on funding local health departments so that they can offer free or low cost STD testing services as well as provide science-based prevention and control methods that will curb the rising trends.
There are numerous options for STD testing in Isla Vista both public and private clinics that offer STD testing services. Some public clinics may offer free STD testing but it might be dependent on your income and eligibility. Some of the clinics where you can visit for a quick test include; Isla Vista Neighborhood clinic, UCSB Student Health and Santa Barbara County Public Health Department on Montecito Street.
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 Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics net work operates four medical service clinics, 2 dental offices, and various other offices dedicated to promoting better community health in the Santa Barbara community. They provide assistance to more than 22,000 individuals every year, more than a tenth of the population in the county.
The Isla Vista Medical Clinic employs certified health providers in various fields and promote open communication between patients and the clinic staff.
The American Indian Health & Services community health clinic was created in 1994 as a non-profit organization dedicated to serving all members of the community. The AIHS is run by a board of directors who specialize in myriad fields such as Native culture, finance, law, and epidemiology. It is also currently a Federally Qualified Healthcare Center.
The clinics run by the AIHS support individuals who fall below the poverty guidelines, those who are uninsured or underinsured regardless of native American status.
Planned Parenthood is an international organization that specializes in providing reproductive health care to individuals who are in need of it. The Planned Parenthood Central Coast chapter is responsible for the reproductive health of over 30,000 patients every year.
They emphasize accessibility and confidentiality in their interactions with their patients. Those seeking to be tested for sexually transmitted diseases will be met with discreet staff members who ensure a level of discretion and quality.
The Santa Barbara Health Care Center is the primary clinic run by the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department. Patients in the area have access to multi-specialty physicians and a full team of nurses and health care professionals. Patients can find help with medical issues ranging from Tuberculosis testing to family planning services.
The Health Care Center promises to never turn away patients for inability to pay. They offer a sliding fee discount program based on an individual's income and family size that ensures care is affordable and accessible.
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: HIV and Hepatitis C testing available for free for persons 13 years of age and older. Free HIV testing open to the general public. HIV & Hep C testing free to high risk individuals; a donation is recommended for non high risks. STI's need a Dr. appt. and there is a fee for it, call for more info. Llámanos para más información.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department.
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Description: Everyone is eligible and welcome for services at AIH&S. Eligibility for services funded by the Indian Health program is determined by the federal Indian Health Services.
Description: Free HIV testing open to the general public. HIV & Hep C testing free to high risk individuals; a donation is recommended for non high risks. STI's need a Dr. appt. and there is a fee for it, call for more info. Llámanos para más información.
Description: Social Service Organization.
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: Free HIV testing open to the general public. HIV & Hep C testing free to high risk individuals; a donation is recommended for non high risks. STI's need a Dr. appt. and there is a fee for it, call for more info. Llámanos para más información.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Closed from 12noon-12:40pm
Description: Community Based Organization. Closed all major Federal holidays
Description: Closed daily for lunch from 12noon-12:40pm
HIV and Hepatitis C testing is offered free of charge for individuals who book an appointment ahead of time. For other STDs, Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance are all available to defray the costs associated with testing.
The Isla Vista Clinic is operated by the Santa Barbara Clinics group, an organization that provides a significant amount of care to individuals in the community. The location is very central and is currently adhering to pandemic protocol as well as striving to take extra steps to ensure patient safety such as implementing new triage procedures and promoting virtual health consultations.
970 Embarcadero del Mar, Goleta, CA 93117, USA
The clinic provides free and low cost medical services (including testing) to those of American Indian and Alaska Native ancestry regardless of their tribe or ability to pay.
The American Indian Health and Services clinic offers same-day access and walk-in availability for their physicians. In addition, they also have a 24 hour phone line to a health services provider that is available every day for patients with urgent questions.
4141 State St b2, Santa Barbara, CA 93110, USA
Planned Parenthood California Central Coast provides their services at very low cost or no charge based on a sliding scale. The scale weighs income and family size against the fees associated with testing. Patients can contact the clinic billing department to get a better idea of what they may be charged for the services they require.
The Planned Parenthood operating in the Santa Barbara Center allows walk in patients for HIV testing only and requires that patients book an appointment for STD testing. They provide services in Spanish as well as other translation services via a professional translator upon request.
518 Garden St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, USA
The Health Department offers free HIV testing for any patient, even those who live outside of the county. All forms of insurance are accepted at the clinic. Patients are asked to bring photo ID.
New patients at the Santa Barbara Health Care Center are asked to bring two pieces of ID, their insurance card, a current list of prescriptions being taken, immunization records, and relevant medical records. A pharmacy is on site as well to facilitate ease of prescription pick up after consultations for patients.
345 Camino del Remedio, Santa Barbara, CA 93110, USA
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.
