Preferred Location: Change location
Preferred Location: Change location
Palo Alto is a city in Santa Clara County in Northern California. For the year 2018, there were 8,327 new cases of Chlamydia, 2,180 cases of Gonorrhea, and 528 cases of Syphilis. In 2016, there were 134 new cases of HIV.
Some sexually transmitted infections are on the upswing in Santa Clara County, according to the county. While the rates of new HIV cases have leveled out across the South Bay county, rates of gonorrhea and syphilis have nearly quadrupled since 2010, according to the county.
Santa Clara County Department of Public Health is active in the community developing relationships with care providers and community partners to provide resources for STD/HIV prevention.
They also provide Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Navigation Services, a Positive Connections Program for newly diagnosed HIV individuals, and Partner Services to inform patients of potential exposure to HIV.
A few clinics to choose from in Palo Alto is the Positive Care Clinic on Quarry Rd or the MayView Community Health Center on Grant Ave.
There is a public health clinic called the Crane Center on Lenzen Avenue in nearby San Jose. Other options include the Asian American for Community Involvement on The Alameda and the Billy DeFrank Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender Community Center also on The Alameda in San Jose.
Some clinics may offer free STD testing but others may not. Other things to take into consideration while choosing a clinic are possible long wait times and inconvenient hours or services may depend on income and welfare eligibility.
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 Positive Care Clinic is an extension of Stanford Health Care, leaders in HIV, and STI care. Each location offers HIV and STD testing, treatment, prevention, and education services for adults in the San Francisco Bay Area.
At the Palo Alto medical center has a fully-trained, caring staff that includes a psychiatrist, three qualified positive care physicians, and a certified physician's assistant.
Real Options Clinics are licensed by the California Department of Public Health that provides caring, compassionate, and confidential care. They offer walk-in STD screenings during business hours and Saturday appointments upon request. They have a full, qualified staff of OB/GYN practitioners, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and a complete support staff.
Mayview has a long history of screening and treating residents of Silicon Valley for STDs. Along with their office in Palo Alto, CA, they offer the same services at their Sunnyvale and Mountain View clinics.
The center focuses on the sexual health of teenagers and young adults. Two family nurse practitioners staff this clinic, offering personal care to each patient.
The Mountain View Planned Parenthood is operated by the Planned Parenthood Mar Monte. As one of the country's top provider of sexual health providers, they offer experience, qualified medical professionals, and walk-in care whenever they are open. This service is first-come, first-serve.
Patients that are nervous about calling the center for an appointment can use the online application.
Instant Urgent Care provides quality, same day, no appointment necessary STD screening. If you know what time you'll be heading to the clinic, you can also book an appointment by phone and online when openings are available.
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: 4th Tuesday of every month open 1pm-5pm
Description: Hospital.
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Description: Educational Organization/Institution.
Description: Educational Organization/Institution.
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: 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 household income.
Description: Social Service Organization. You are welcome to walk in any time the Health Center is open to make an appointment or see if there is a same day appointment available
Description: Need to register as a patient to receive services. If you do not have insurance, financial assistance is offered.
Description: The clinic is closed from 12noon-1pm every day. 4th Tuesday of every month open 1pm--5pm
Description: Safeway Pharmacy.
Description: Must be 12-21 years old. Free condoms available. Closed for lunch from 12noon-1pm
Financial assistance is available to anyone uninsured and underinsured. Patients must complete an application in their language to see if they qualify. Some patients may be eligible for no interest payment plans.
The medical center is conveniently located on a main city bus route for easy access. You can get screenings for all STIs, treatment if necessary, and prevention services here.
Hoover Pavilion-Main Sumc, 211 Quarry Rd #202, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
This location doesn't charge for testing or treatment. However, fees may be required for any outsourced lab services.
This clinic puts your health and privacy first. They have convenient hours and a location that's on a public bus line to improve access. If you need additional care, referral services are also available.
298 San Antonio Rd #100, Mountain View, CA 94040, USA
Free and low-cost screenings and treatment may be available for patients with no insurance that are income-qualified. All services are confidential. The clinic accepts most insurances and self-pay patients may qualify for discounts.
This location is close to public transportation. The nearest bus route is #89. The center is open for evening and weekend appointments, which makes it easy for patients to work around other obligations for testing and treatment. Post care options include HIV test counseling, and STD prevention education.
270 Grant Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94306, USA
This STI screening center is for teens and young adults ages 12 to 24. Legal immigration status isn't a barrier to free or low-cost treatment. Income-qualified patients can apply for assistance. Copay assistance may be available for patients under 26 on private health insurance through their parents.
This medical center is close to public transportation, the staff is caring and trained to work with teens and young adults. Interpretation services are also available via phone or video chat in most languages including American sign language.
200 James Ave, Redwood City, CA 94062, USA
Free services may be available at this location for qualified people. If you have health insurance, a copayment may be due at your appointment time.
The Mountain View clinic offers Spanish, Tagalog, Hindi, and Punjabi interpreters at the site. Patients need to notify the front office staff when making their appointment of any necessary language services.
225 San Antonio Rd, Mountain View, CA 94040, USA
The health center offers low-cost out-of-pocket options for screenings and treatment. Patients with insurance may have to pay a copayment for all services, including additional charges for seeing an urgent care doctor. The clinic accepts most health insurance plans including Medicare and Medicaid Advantage Plans.
With walk-in, same day, and extended evening and Saturday hours, this STI screening location is ideal for patients looking for scheduling convenience and privacy at an affordable price.
3737 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306, 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.
