Preferred Location: Change location
Preferred Location: Change location
Los Angeles County is a densely populated area. Southern California is a fast-paced, fun place to live, and Whittier is no exception. With the growing population, Whittier has seen an increase in syphilis cases over the last decade.
After a few years of reported decreases, gonorrhea and chlamydia are also now on the rise. County officials state that the best way to stay on top of your health, other than using protection, is to get regular screening for STDs.
For 2015, Los Angeles County and the Whittier area show a rate of 171 per 100,000 people infected by gonorrhea. The same year, the chlamydia rates were at 555 for every 100,000 people. For primary and secondary syphilis, the rate has climbed to 15 per 100,000. This may sound low, but it is a 30 percent increase from numbers reported in 2014.Â
The reported cases for the new diagnoses of people living with HIV in LA County are continuing to show a steady decrease. Medical professionals believe this is thanks to regular health screenings, prevention education, and treatment.Â
If you’re in the Whittier area, there are a few options available to you. Planned Parenthood on Greenleaf avenue has you covered for the following STI tests: chlamydia, bacterial vaginosis (BV), genital warts, gonorrhea, HIV, syphilis, herpes, and more. If you’re uninsured you may qualify for financial assistance, give them a call to confidentially discuss your eligibility. For free testing, keep an eye out on community calendars, or check out local events at Whittier College especially during STD awareness month in April.
To find the best services and location for you, use our search tools below to compare location features across Whittier clinics with our easy-to-read chart.Â
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
Santa Fe Springs HIV Services Center treats persons with HIV/AIDS, addiction, and behavioral problems by providing client-centered health care services to the community members. The facility has licensed medical staff who are committed to providing quality medical care and work towards the patient's full recovery. Intensive outpatient services are provided for adults aged 18 and over with substance use or co-occurring disorders.
Wesley Health Centers is a health agency established to improve the health and wellness of the county residents through direct provision and coordination of healthcare, educational services, and research. Some of the services provided by physicians, nurse practitioners, and other medical staff include medical outreach, STD testing, and treatment, psychological assessment, and intervention as well as primary medical care and family planning services.
Central City Community Health Center was established in 1994 to serve the low-income and medically underserved residents by providing them with affordable and comprehensive health care services. The medical staff at the clinic provides compassionate medical care that’s sensitive to patients seeking HIV/STD services.
Since 1965, Planned Parenthood - Whittier Health Center has provided quality, affordable, and comprehensive reproductive health care to communities living in Whittier city. The facility provides education and outreach programs to promote sexual health care and family planning to the general public. It also involves people and community leaders to take part in reproductive policies that push for the provision of a full range of quality reproductive health care services.
Whittier Health Center conducts surveillance and monitoring of communicable diseases to prevent the spread of infections in the county. The facility also provides outreach activities to help the community adopt and maintain sexual health behaviors, and it has a well-equipped modern laboratory that utilizes recent technology to conduct medical tests and give timely results.
PIH Health Urgent Care provides quality health-care without discrimination and contributes to the health and well-being of the community through its various health programs that focus on prevention and health management. The clinic is equipped with an on-site lab staffed by CLIA certified lab technicians to perform diagnostic testing for HIV/STD infections.
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.
Description: Social Service Organization. If you are uninsured, you may qualify for a state-funded program or a lower fee scale. Please bring the following documents: photo ID. Fees for services are based on your household income. You will not be turned away because of your inability to pay. By appointment only Tuesdays
Description: Closed for lunch Mon-Fri 12noon-1pm
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Description: Community Based 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: Closed between 12noon-1pm
Description: Closed for lunch from 12noon-1pm
Description: Saturday hours subject to change
Description: Must register as a patient to receive services. Closed for lunch from 12noon-1pm
Description: Must be registered as a patient to receive services. Closed for lunch from 12noon-1pm
The CDC and Los Angeles County Health Department recently released statistics that show the number of STDs reported in the city are rising, and have been for the past twenty years. While the statistics do include the entire county and LA metro area, they still affect residents in the small outlying city. Currently the rates for all of the sexually transmitted diseases are higher than state averages, and health officials do not expect this to change anytime soon.
Chlamydia rates in teens are rising at a slower rate, but this is countered by an increase in cases reported in women ages 20 to 24. While Gonorrhea rates have been decreasing in females, the same is not true for men. African American and Hispanic males are among those with the highest risk of contracting the infectious disease.
Men are testing positive more often for HIV and Syphilis, especially among males over the age of 24. The statistics also show that all men are equally at risk, regardless of their sexual preference. There has been an increase in Syphilis incidents in women in the last five years, and this indicates that the sexually transmitted disease is spreading faster than previously suspected.
With residents of all ages, genders and ethnicities testing positive more often for one or more of these sexually transmitted diseases it has never been so important for residents to be tested on a regular basis. Here are some of the other statistics that highlight the growing STD problem.
In response to the rising teen pregnancy and STD rates the state recently passed a bill that now requires all public school systems to provide students with comprehensive and medically accurate sex education classes. Referred to as the “California Healthy Youth Act” the new law standardizes sex education so students across the state can receive the information they need to protect their sexual health.
While this won’t be an immediate fix for the high STD rates, it will take school districts time to implement the classes, it is being seen as a positive step towards lowering the number of sexually transmitted diseases reported annually.
There are some problems with the new law and this could determine how effective the new standardized curriculum is. Some of the rural school districts simply do not have the funding necessary to implement the classes, and the state cannot afford to help. There are only a few appointed officials tasked with overseeing the numerous public school districts and this means that there is no way to be sure that everyone is following the new curriculum.
Until every student receives comprehensive sex education they will continue to be at risk for contracting a STD. This makes it even more important for everyone to participate in regular HIV testing in Whittier, regardless of past sexual activity. The same is true regarding regular Herpes testing in Whittier, and the simple procedure could finally prevent the virus from spreading to others.
Free rapid HIV testing is available to everyone irrespective of their age, gender, or financial standing.
LACADA has a Family Hope Program that helps high risk pregnant and postpartum women and their families access to comprehensive health care services including counseling. Women are given access to medical services and education in early parenting to nurture their skills as mothers.
11015 Bloomfield Ave, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670, USA
Medicare and Medi-Cal are some of the health insurance covers accepted at the medical center for insured residents, and uninsured persons may pay cash at a sliding fee scale. Moreover, the facility does not discriminate against patients in terms of age, sexual preference, or gender.
Wesley Health Center may provide dental health services such as deep cleaning, fillings, root canals, extractions, and dentures at pocket-friendly prices. The facility also has the Enhanced Services Program that provides primary health care and housing services to homeless persons, and a mobile testing unit is also available to reach persons who can't access STD testing services at the medical center.
12360 Firestone Blvd, Norwalk, CA 90650, USA
All individuals are eligible for confidential STD testing services irrespective of their age, gender, or income background. New patients are required to fill in registration forms before accessing medical services, and both insured and uninsured patients are welcome for treatment.
Women's and maternity health care programs are available at the medical center and offer prenatal care services to women, ensuring that they stay healthy throughout their pregnancy journey. Pediatric care services such as check-ups and routine immunizations are also provided to infants and children.
10050 Garvey Ave #111, El Monte, CA 91733, USA
Low-cost and confidential STD testing services are accessible to everyone despite their age, gender, or sexual orientation. The clinic accepts Medicaid, Medicare, and cash payments for uninsured individuals who may be charged at a sliding fee scale.
Expectant women seeking health care at Whittier Health Center may also access pregnancy testing and prenatal care services, and the clinic is prominent for its low-cost cervical and testicular cancer screening services. Women at risk of getting pregnant can receive emergency contraception at the hospital.
7655 Greenleaf Ave, Whittier, CA 90602, USA
Everyone is eligible for STD testing services regardless of their age, gender, or sexual preferences, and the facility provides free STD/HIV testing services to the county residents. New patients may be required to fill out a patient's form for the facility to have their medical details and history.
Whittier Health Center provides language interpretation services in Spanish for patients not familiar with the English language. Free influenza vaccinations are also available to all persons aged six years and above, and sex education is also provided to the community to create awareness on matters concerning sexual and reproductive health.
7643 Painter Ave, Whittier, CA 90602, USA
Adults and teenagers may access confidential STD testing and treatment services despite their age, gender, or sexual preference. The clinic accepts most medical insurance covers, debit cards, and cash payments.
Diabetes self-management classes are offered monthly to facilitate the skill, knowledge, and ability needed for diabetes self-care, and the clinic has a Cancer Program for cancer patients and survivors to share their experiences. The medical center also has an emergency room for individuals seeking treatment for non-life threatening illnesses and injuries.
15733 Whittier Blvd, Whittier, CA 90602, USA
Now that all public schools are required to included comprehensive sex education to all of their students, starting in the 7th grade, health officials are hopeful that this will help to lower the county’s high STD rates. While this is a positive step towards lowering the number of sexually transmitted diseases reported each year, there are still issues that need to be addressed.
Recent budget cuts due to the state’s 2008 financial crisis have forced many STI clinics to close their doors. This has resulted in long lines and crowded waiting rooms at the few that are still open, and many residents prefer to risk their sexual health rather than spend all day at the clinic. Changes in federal law is also making it difficult for lower income residents to afford the STI testing fees since it is no longer covered under Medicaid.
Advances in health care is making it possible for older residents to stay sexually active longer, and this is increasing their risk for contracting a STD. This is also being blamed for the rise in sexually transmitted diseases that are reported in adults over the age of 40.
While some steps are being taken to help lower the STD rates, until all of the issues are resolved the city can expect to see the number of reported cases continue to rise.
Before you head downtown for a day of sightseeing and shopping it is important to take a few minutes to think about your sexual health. It is understandable if you don’t want to spend hours waiting in line at a community health center, and now there is a faster and easier way to take care of your sexual health. With one simple phone call you can schedule confidential STD testing and only spend a few minutes at a local lab. This way you can take responsibility for your sexual health, and still have plenty of time to enjoy a day in the city.
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.
