Preferred Location: Change location
Preferred Location: Change location
Health officials in California and the rest of the US are concerned about rising STD rates. The rates had been going down, but they started going up within the last decade. With the abatement of the AIDS scare of the ‘80s, and the availability of treatments that make HIV less of a death sentence than it used to be, people have become lax about using protection.
Health officials urge all sexually active people to use condoms every time and get tested often, even if they are not experiencing symptoms.
In 2015, there were 918 people living with HIV or AIDS in Ventura County, with a prevalence rate of 130 per 100K people, under California’s rate of 376. In 2017, 2,848 people were diagnosed with chlamydia, at a rate of 332.7 per 100K people, in comparison to California’s average of 552.2. The gonorrhea and (primary and secondary) syphilis rates were 83.5 and 6.1.
There’s a Planned Parenthood on Ralston St. They test for STIs and treat all of them except HIV, and their fee is on a sliding scale. Ventura County Public Health operates two STD-testing clinics in Oxnard. Keep an eye on the community events calendars as well, 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 CDC2 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Planned Parenthood is a leader in providing high-quality health care that is also affordable. It is also one of the nation’s largest provider of sex education. Even if you do not have insurance, you can always come to Planned Parenthood for care, counseling or support.
The Ventura County Health Care Agency is working to provide comprehensive and compassionate health care that is also cost effective. They have partnered with several other health agencies so they can continue their work ensuring that all county residents have the care and help they might need.
Part of the Ventura County Health Care Agency and Santa Paula West, the Pride Clinic concentrates mainly on the LGBT community. They have dedicated medical professionals that are always seeking to provide the best health care. While they do concentrate on a certain community, all are welcome here.
They do have rapid HIV testing so you won't have to worry about your status for days. It will take longer if you were also tested for bacterial infections.
More commonly known as Clinicas, it first opened in 1971. Today, they have several locations around the state. They work mainly with the underserved population. This means residents that cannot afford to pay for traditional health care.
One of their programs is affordable STI testing. A clinician will administer the test, it only takes a few minutes. You will be contacted in a few days when they lab has returned the results.
They may have recently changed their name to Identity Medical Group, but they still provide the same excellent care. They were voted a reader's choice favorite family doctor in 2017, and they are still living up to these same high standards.
Even though you won't see a physician until it is known if you are positive for a STI, a trained clinician will be able to answer your questions before, during and after the screening process.
The Center for Family Health is a part of the Community Memorial Health System. They have several physicians on staff that specialize in a variety of fields. They even have home based medical for their patients that cannot get to the clinic due to their health condition.
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: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Closed for lunch between 12noon-1pm. Last appointment of the day is at 4:30pm
Description: Social Service Organization.
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Description: Hours of operation change frequently. Please contact the organization to verify.
Description: Vons Pharmacy.
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. Closed: 12noon-1pm
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department.
Description: Hours of operation change frequently. Please contact the organization to verify.
Description: Please register as a patient.
Description: Community Based Organization. HIV and STI screenings every 3rd Monday of the month from 1pm-5pm
Description: Social Service Organization.
Description: Hours of operation change frequently. Please contact the organization to verify. Only the Dental department is Open on Saturdays. Walk-ins are welcome.
Ventura County’s health department handles all reports of infectious diseases, which includes those that are typically passed through sexual contact.
It might give you a false sense of security not seeing Oxnard listed, but the overall health of the county does concern you.
There is some good news, Chlamydia is down but women are still above average when it comes to infection rates. Unfortunately, the same cannot be reported for Gonorrhea. It has jumped in the last few years. This also applies to HIV and Syphilis.
Before you show up, you need to let the staff know that you want to come in. You can call or go online and choose a day and time from their interactive calendar. It usually lets you choose a day up to 2 or 3 months in advance.
If you cannot afford the fees, don't panic. Planned Parenthood will work you.
Planned Parenthood is still one of the leaders in reproductive and sexual health. They are open later on Thursdays and on Saturdays. This is in an effort to be more accessible to those that have full time weekday jobs.
5400 Ralston St, Ventura, CA 93003, USA
If all you are coming in for is a screening for one or more STDs, just drop in when they are open. There are fees for the test but these can be waived or reduced depending on your age and whether you have insurance.
Since age plays a role in the cost, this does make it an affordable option for many minors that do not want to use their family's insurance.
The vision of the county health care agency is to continue to keep raising the standard in medical care. You can drop by anytime they are open, and their pricing is based on income and insurance. This makes it a good place for minors to go.
You can find their office on W C st, and it's not to far from a bus stop. There is parking but it is limited, though there is street parking during certain times.
2500 S C St B1, Oxnard, CA 93033, USA
Testing is always free, regardless of sexual orientation. Everyone will be treated with care and respect. You also do not need to schedule your visit. Just come in anytime they are open.
This is one of the divisions overseen by the Ventura Health Care Agency. They provide free screenings for most STIs, including rapid HIV tests. Physicians are there to help with exams and diagnosis, and you will never be charged for anything.
254 W Harvard Blvd Ste B, Santa Paula, CA 93060, USA
You will want to avoid walking in. Call first, it will save you a lot of wasted time. There is a set fee for testing but they do accept Medi-Cal which will cover all your costs. If you are not currently enrolled in that program they will help you with the various forms.
Clinicas has grown from one clinic in the county to 15 locations. All provide the same quality care for their patients. STD screenings are quick. You will only spend a few minutes with the clinician. Most of the staff is also bilingual, which helps to put patients at ease.
If you are unable to make it to this location, there is a complete list of their clinics on their web site. One might be easier for you to get to.
650 Meta St, Oxnard, CA 93030, USA
Call or email, they do ask that you have an appointment. They see too many patients during the day to be able to handle walk-ins. You will be required to pay for their services. If you cannot afford to pay, they will help you apply for Medi-Cal. This state insurance program will cover all your expenses at the clinic.
Identity Medical Group provides quality patient healthcare in the community. Their physicians use state of the art facilities and stay current with all medical advancements.
They do not treat all STIs but they do test for most. If you are still unsure, don't forget that the clinic has been named a reader's choice award by the Ventura County Star.
1700 N Rose Ave #350, Oxnard, CA 93030, USA
You will need an appointment. This is even if you just want to get screened for one or more sexually transmitted infections. They also expect payment at the time of services, unless you have worked out a an arrangement to make monthly or weekly installments on your bill.
The Center for Family Health is a one stop clinic that can meet many of their patients' medical needs. They do have several locations, if this one is to far away. It is about 10 miles and there is not a reliable source of public transportation.
655 N Ventura Ave, Oak View, CA 93022, USA
Once you realize how predominate sexually transmitted infections are, it makes sense to find a place where you can go for testing. Thankfully, you won’t have to go very far.
Ventura County Health Care Agency, you’ll see their building on South C Street. As part of their public health services, STI testing is provided during the week. It is “walk-ins” only, so be ready to wait. They also encourage you to call if you have additional questions. Since they stop seeing patients at 4:30, you might have to take a day off from work.
An inability to pay for STD tests is a problem many have but Clinicas del Camino Real accepts all types of insurance, including Medi-Cal. Their large building on Meta St. is hard to miss, and they are within walking distance for many residents. Booking an appointment is required, they are too busy to see most unannounced patients. Hours change depending on the day of the week, but they are open for a bit on Saturdays.
Life Centers of Ventura County have a family planning center on North A St. Their office is clearly marked, and you’ll love their expansive parking lot. They do want you to call for an appointment, but often they can get you in within a day or two. Even though they are geared more towards women, they do see men, teens and kids. FPA Women’s Health Center is similar, and might be easier for you to get to if you’re by Lombard St.
Billboards are going up warning Oxnard residents that HIV and AIDS is a problem. They are also encouraging everyone to get a blood or oral test for the virus.
Magnolia Urgent Care Center on E. Gonzales Rd is open 7 days a week for your convenience. No appointments are needed but be warned. Wait times can average up to 2 hours when they’re slow. Full panel tests that include Herpes and Syphilis are available, but you should know that this comes with extra charges. If fees are an issue, you can inquire about state sponsored insurance.
Oxnard College accepts appointments for free HIV testing at the Student Health Center. Everyone on campus is encouraged to take advantage of this, and you’ll find posters and brochures in most of the university’s buildings. There is currently a drive going on to get all students and faculty tested for STIs and HIV.
There are other public clinics but they all have one aspect in common, long lines or the possibility of having to wait days to see a doctor. Private labs are literally “no-wait”. You arrange an appointment, get tested and you’re out the door. Two popular ones are LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics.
If you are trying to find information on STIs you don’t have to go very far. Public schools are catching up, even though some parents are still protesting. Don’t worry if this isn’t an option for you, there are plenty of others. The local college holds classes and lectures for students, and some are also open to the general public.
Planned Parenthood is always ready to give advice, and their literature is usually free to anyone that asks. You’ll also be able to get condoms at no-charge here and other education health centers.
AFPL (Adolescent Family Life Program-Positive Youth Development) tackles all aspects of sexuality. The consequences of getting pregnant early in life are discussed, along with viable ways to prevent it from happening until they are ready. Sexually transmitted diseases are covered in detail, along with urging everyone that enters the center to consider their own sexual health.
At the Oxnard Adult School on 2nd St no one is ever discriminated against. This is also a topic that adults learn during the gender equality classes. Along with this comes discussions about the ramifications of STDs, especially if you ignore any warning signs and symptoms.
Even though Oxnard may be minor compared to major cities, they have taken steps to ensure residents stay healthy.
Car buffs will love The Murphy Auto Museum, while nature lovers will enjoy a day at Oxnard Beach Park. Victorian buildings that house contemporary art also draw crowds. What no one loves is a trip to a testing center for STIs. It’s almost never a short or easy trip. However, private clinics are affordable, easy to get to, and you will rarely spend more than 20 minutes there. With what could turn into a health crisis looming in the county, make an STD testing appointment today.
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.
