Preferred Location: Change location
Preferred Location: Change location
Over 200,000 cases of chlamydia, over 75,000 cases of gonorrhea, and over 10,000 cases of syphilis reported last year alone. Statistics show that nearly half of all sexually active adults will contract an STD within their lifetime.
In Santa Barbara County gonorrhea cases have doubled and syphilis cases have quadrupled just within the past seven years.
Chlamydia statistics are among the highest across California counties.
Many of these diseases can be present without any symptoms, so regular testing is the best chance for catching and treating these conditions. In response to these issues, and to try to help curb the rapid spread of disease, some doctors are following the federal recommendations of prescribing antibiotics for both the patient and their partner.
The county has a free STD testing program. You do have to be a resident and show proof of residency.
STD testing clinics are located throughout the Santa Barbara area, including Pacific Pride Foundation on East Haley Street and the Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics on North Milpas Street. On State Street the American Indian Health and Services Corporation provides testing services, and the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department can be found 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 Pacific Pride Foundation aims to help members of the LGBTQ+ community who are living with HIV/AIDS gain awareness of the disease, get educational materials, and learn how to prevent the spread of the disease. PPF started in 1975 originally as a Drug and Alcohol Abuse Counseling and Referral center for gay men and women. Now since they changed its name they now operate two locations, one in Santa Barbara and the other one is located in Santa Maria.
The Eastside Neighborhood Clinic is one of the locations that the Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics operates. Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics was created in 1998. SBNC has for medical clinics, two dental clinics, an integrated care clinic, and health promotion services. Each year their centers see more than 22,000 people. SBNC is happy to help families get the healthcare services they need to be completed no matter if they can pay or not.
The American Indian Health and Services has been a community Health Center that has been providing their services for more than 20 years. AIHS has been serving residents of Santa Barbara since 1994. This facility provides medical, dental, pediatric, and behavioral health care for those of all ages. AIHS has nine medical providers that provide care for chronic conditions and host educational sessions ho to prevent some other diseases like HIV, diabetes, high blood pressure, and much more. Dr. Bradley Hope is the Medical Director and is a Family Care Physician. He has been the Medical Director at AIHS since September 2016.
Clinicas del Camino Real, Incorporated dates back to 1971 when social activists and a Reverend teamed up together to make those in Ventura County get the medical services they need, especially those who are underserved. Now, this corporation operates 13 full-service health centers within Ventura County. Those who can’t come to one of their health clinics can be reached in other ways like with their fully equipped mobile dental and medical units. The goals of this health corporation are to help restore good health to those living in and around Ventura County.
The Santa Barbara Center is operated by the Planned Parenthood of the California Central Coast. Planned Parenthood California Central Coast is a primary provider to individuals and families when it comes to reproductive health care. They help women make their own choices when it comes to their own health. They believe empowering women with information can help them make the right choices when it comes to building families and other related items. Last year, PPCCC provided almost 26,000 visits such regarding sexually transmitted infections alone.
The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department operates animal services, environmental health, numerous health care centers, health programs, disease prevention, and health promotion services, and the EMS Agency. The Public Health Department of Santa Barbara County operates eight federally qualified Health Centers. These centers offer services for adults, teenagers, children, and infants.
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: Social Service Organization.
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: 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.
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Closed from 12noon-12:40pm
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: Public Health Department/Social Services Department.
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: 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: Closed daily for lunch from 12noon-12:40pm
Description: Hospital.
Description: Hours of operation change frequently. Please contact the organization to verify.
From 2013 to 2015 Gonorrhea rates almost tripled, and Chlamydia infections rose by 22.6 percent. What is most alarming is the fact that during this 3 year period Syphilis incidents doubled.
Teens aren’t the only ones contracting these STDs, but adults 20 to 24 yrs old are actually testing positive for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea more often than other age groups. Older men ages 25 to 29 are at an increased risk for Syphilis. New HIV diagnoses are also up.
African Americans and Hispanics are more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with a STD than other ethnicities. Statistics do show that Caucasian males are twice as likely to contract Gonorrhea or Syphilis than women. When it comes to Chlamydia women ages 18 to 24 are among those with the highest risk, and in 2015 accounted for over 68 percent of the cases reported that year.
The Pacific Pride Foundation mainly operates to help those in the LGBTQ+ community get access to STD/HIV testing they need, but anyone is welcome to be tested here. There are no preset qualifications for this location. Their testing services are free. If you choose to go with their conventional HIV test, results will be ready in one to two weeks.
Pacific Pride Foundation knows the commitment it takes to build healthier and more inclusive neighborhoods, that is why this foundation aids specify populations and discusses sensitive subjects so more people are helpful and feel more at ease regarding their mental and sexual health. This clinic is clean, updated, and spacious. Guests will feel welcomed here.
608 Anacapa St Suite A, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, USA
The Eastside Neighborhood Clinic doesn’t have any qualifications in place before anyone can be tested for sexually transmitted diseases.
The Eastside Neighborhood Clinic provides services like internal medicine, family medicine, pediatrics, reproductive health, behavioral health, chronic care management, and health promotion classes. This clinic has eight on-site providers. The Eastside Neighborhood Clinic is right next to Bossie’s Kitchen.
915 N Milpas St, Santa Barbara, CA 93103, USA
Everyone is eligible and welcome for STD testing at AIHS. There are no qualifications residents have to be worried about, so they can just make an appointment or walk-in.
The American Indian Health and Services has been improving individual health for many years and hosts many events and special programs in order to keep the community healthier and aware of the medical care provided by AIHS. Some programs they operate include a Clinic on Wheels, which is a licensed extension of their medical department. This clinic offers immunizations and check-ups. People can provide health education on various topics at AIHS, so don’t be afraid to ask questions.
AIHS is located very closed to the 101 Freeway and the El Mercado Shopping Center.
4141 State St, Goleta, CA 93110, USA
There are no qualifications a person must meet before they can be tested for sexually transmitted diseases.
Clinicas del Camino Real, Inc. offers many different health services like laboratory work, school physicals, inpatient care, pediatric care, immunizations, senior health care, and so much more. You should find their staff to be prompt and courteous. The Ojai clinic location is located close by the Los Padres National Forest and the Ojai Valley Inn.
1200 Maricopa Hwy, Ojai, CA 93023, USA
The Santa Barbara Center has no qualifications anyone has to meet before they can be tested for sexually transmitted diseases. The process is quick, pain-free, and stress-free. Trained staff members who are culturally sensitive perform the testing for HIV and STDs.
The Santa Barbara Center strives to make sure each person coming into the center has a good experience. Upon leaving this Planned Parenthood location you should feel satisfied with the customer service and care you have been offered. The parking lot for this center is quite small so please be sure to locate other nearby parking as your driving to the destination. This center is located not too far from the Marcia Burtt Gallery.
518 Garden St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, USA
The Carpinteria Health Care Center offers STD/STI testing with no prior qualifications. Testing is open to the public.
The Carpinteria Health Care Center helps residents make healthy choices so future generations can make healthier decisions as well. When you first arrive at this center, you may notice the surrounding area is a bit run down and not as updated as other facilities, but once inside the care is still the same. Motivated and passionate employees help all people no matter if they can pay or not. Parking at this smaller facility may be limited. The Carpinteria Health Care Center is located next to the Carpinteria Library and the Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Station.
931 Walnut Ave, Carpinteria, CA 93013, USA
Recently state lawmakers passed a bill that now requires all public school systems to provide students grades 7 through 12 with medically accurate and relevant information concerning sexual activity and STDs. By the time students graduate from high school the goal of the new bill is to ensure that they know the risks of STDs and how to protect themselves if they do decide to become sexually active.
Even though not all parents and educators approve of the new requirements for schools’ sex education programs, everyone agrees that something needs to be done about the area’s high STD rates. With teen pregnancy rates also reaching all-time highs, many of the new policy’s supporters are hopeful that when students learn the importance and benefits of using contraceptives these percentages will also start to drop.
Along with learning how important it is to always use protection during sexual activity, students will also discuss all of the ways STDs can be spread. This alone can be critical in helping to slow down the spread of these diseases. Regular Herpes testing in Santa Barbara will also be covered, and school administrators are hopeful that this will help slow the spread of the virus. Students will also learn how important regular HIV testing in Santa Barbara is, even if they are not sexually active.
Health officials believe that one of the main contributing factors to the rapidly rising STD rates is technology. Dating websites and apps have made it even easier for teens and adults to meet someone for the sole purpose of engaging in sexual activity, and this type of risky behavior is putting their health at risk.
Very seldom is any thought given to the possibility that their partner might already have a STD, especially if they are only planning on being together for one evening. The new sex education curriculum currently being implemented in the public school districts is addressing this issue, but until everyone realizes that their behavior is putting their sexual health at risk it will continue to be a problem.
The area is also bringing in a lot of new residents and visitors looking to spend time in the nearby mountains and enjoy the city’s beaches. While this added revenue is good for the city’s economy, it is also contributing to the rising STD rates. Many of the annual tourists have never been tested for a sexually transmitted disease, and this means that they might have contracted one without even realizing it. The same is often true for new residents moving into the city.
Like the rest of the state the city’s community health centers were affected by the budget cuts, and this has resulted in a shortage of STI testing facilities. Lower income families are also finding it more difficult to afford regular testing since it is no longer covered by Medicaid. Until these problems are resolved residents can expect to see the city’s STD rates continue to rise.
It is important that you remember your sexual health before you head off for a day at the beach or historic Stearns Wharf. You don’t have to go to a free HIV clinic if privacy is a concern. You can also skip mobile testing. There are affordable STI clinics in Santa Barabara, and you can get anonymous same day results.
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.
