Preferred Location: 2001 17th St Bakersfield,CA 93301 Riviera/Westchester Change location
SaferSTD Preferred Location: 2001 17th St Bakersfield,CA 93301 Riviera/Westchester Change Location
Bakersfield is experiencing steadily climbing STD rates, indicative of the epidemic facing the nation. Rates of infection are at their highest increases in almost two decade.
Know your risk, get tested, and stay safe so you and your partner can enjoy long and healthy lives.
The most commonly reported STDs are chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. In California, chlamydia and gonorrhea take the lead in reported cases. The rate of chlamydia in 2017 was 55.2 cases per 100,000 residents, while the rate of gonorrhea reached 190.3 cases per 100,000 residents. That is a 9% increase from the prior year for chlamydia and a 16% increase for gonorrhea.
What does this mean for you? In 2017 over 300,000 cases of the most common sexually transmitted diseases โ syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia combined โ were reported across the state. Across the years, the collected data shows a 45% increase from 2013 to 2017.
The city of Bakersfield has many options: from Planned Parenthood Mar Monte located on 16th Street, to Community Action Partnership of Kern on 19th Street, and the Clinica Sierra Vista on 1st Street. The state also allows partner treatment, meaning a physician can prescribe medication for both the person they examine and their partner.
The Kern County Public Health Department also has information on free STD testing for residents that qualify. They do require an appointment for testing and can provide you with free condoms, along with treatment even if you do not have insurance.
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 CDC2ย 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.ย
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.ย
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.ย
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.ย
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.ย
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.ย
SaferSTD has researched and identified reputable locations that offer upfront pricing without hidden fees. Click here to find a preferred location near you.
Planned Parenthood has been around for decades. This has given them experience and a long list of resources that are all in place to help you care for and learn about your sexual health.
They will test anyone, over 13, for STDs. You will also have the chance to talk to a counselor, if you have any questions.
Kern County is addressing sexually transmitted diseases through their public health service clinic. They have professionals on staff, working to educate, support and provide care. They also have several resources that can also help.
Rapid HIV testing is here. It only takes 30 minutes or so to learn your status. Other tests can take a few days to return.
There are not a lot of STD clinics in the small city. It is slightly isolated and tends to be thought of as a rural community. The medical specialists at Clinica Sierra Vista recognized the need for complete health care that is also affordable.
When you are there for a STD test, you will talk to a clinician. They will explain the procedure and how long you have to wait to learn if you are positive or not.
The Family Health Center is part of the Clinica Sierra Vista network. They mainly focus on family health but they do test for HIV.
Their main goal, at this center, is to provide comprehensive health care and preventative services to underserved residents. Mainly those that cannot afford to go to a traditional family health care provider.
Testing won't take long and you will get results back in 10 days or less.
Starting in 1978, Omni started providing high-quality healthcare to individuals and their families. They have several medical services that cover almost all aspects of your health. One of these is testing for diseases that are most often transmitted sexually.
Once you are at the clinic a counselor will be with you. They will explain what the test entails and how long you will have to wait for results.
Since 1978, Omni Family Health has been providing primary and preventative medical care to residents and their families. Highlighting their achievements in the community are the two national awards they have received over the years.
A helpful technician will be with you and administering the STD test. The clinic does have a lab so results are generally back sooner than clinics that have to send them out.
Call our Expert Care Advisors at
Accredited and Certified
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
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.
Accredited and Certified
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
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.
Accredited and Certified
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
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.
Accredited and Certified
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
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.
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 your household income. 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: When visiting the health center for the first time: bring proper Identification, which may include social security card, valid driver's license, birth certificate or another form of official identification. Bring your Medi-Cal card, Medicare card or private insurance card. This location is closed for lunch from 12:30pm-1:30pm
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Description: When visiting the health center for the first time: bring proper Identification, which may include social security card, valid driver's license, birth certificate or another form of official identification. Bring your Medi-Cal card, Medicare card or private insurance card.
Description: Need to enroll as a patient.
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. Free condoms available upon request. cCosed daily at 11:15am-12:45pm
Description: When visiting the health center for the first time: bring proper Identification, which may include social security card, valid driver's license, birth certificate or another form of official identification. Bring your Medi-Cal card, Medicare card or private insurance card. Closed for lunch from 12:30pm-1:30pm. Walk-in Clinic hours daily 8am-8pm - STD testing available
Description: Need to enroll as a patient. Closed for lunch 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Description: Need to enroll as a patient.
Description: Need to enroll as a patient.
Description: When visiting the health center for the first time: bring proper Identification, which may include social security card, valid driver's license, birth certificate or another form of official identification. Bring your Medi-Cal card, Medicare card or private insurance card.
Description: When visiting the health center for the first time: bring proper Identification, which may include social security card, valid driver's license, birth certificate or another form of official identification. Bring your Medi-Cal card, Medicare card or private insurance card. Also open the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month 9am-2pm. No appointment needed for walk-in clinic which is open daily from 8am-8pm - STD testing available
Description: When visiting the health center for the first time: bring proper Identification, which may include social security card, valid driver's license, birth certificate or another form of official identification. Bring your Medi-Cal card, Medicare card or private insurance card. Closed for lunch from 12:30pm-1:30pm. Walk-in Clinic hours daily 8am-8pm - STD testing available
Description: Need to enroll as a patient.
In between visits to the Kern County and Buena Vista Museums it is also important to stop in at one of the STD clinics in Bakersfield, California to be tested for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Herpes, Hepatitis B, C, Syphilis, and HIV. While there are free STD testing centers , the increasing number of residents who are contracting a sexually transmitted disease is causing long lines and annoying waits at the cityโs clinics. Now you can schedule private STD testing with one simple phone call and only spend 15 to 20 minutes at the local lab, which still gives you plenty of time to visit the museums and see the exhibits at the Buck Owens Crystal Palace.
Bakersfield and surrounding Kern County are currently experiencing an increase in reported STDs, and health officials are worried that these percentages will only continue to rise.
Over the past twenty years, STD rates significantly rise. Chlamydia and Gonorrhea diagnoses continue to be well above the state averages, and cases of primary and secondary Syphilis continue to rise.
It is not only teens and young adults who are contracting STDs, but also men between the ages of 25 to 39. African American men and women are also among the highest risk groups, and young males are also contracting Gonorrhea at an alarming rate.
Top STD Testing Locations in Bakersfield, CA
Primary Item (H2)Go to the website for the health center. You will find a calendar that shows which times are open. This is the easiest way to book a visit.
Anyone concerned about cost, should call the center. They can help enroll you in an assistance program that might cover the cost of testing. For some, this even applies to treatment.
Planned Parenthood is a leader when it comes to providing quality and affordable health care. They also provide communities with information about STDs and how they can affect your sexual well being.
Even without insurance, you can still come in. Often these patients qualify for low cost or free testing.
2633 16th St, Bakersfield, CA 93301, USA
You don't need to call first but if you want to skip the wait, the staff suggests that you do so. You only need to be 12 to come in without your parents. They won't even know that you have been here.
Calling can also see if you qualify for the Family Pact. This can cover the cost of testing and treatment if you are without insurance.
Kern County Health Department knows that it is important to know your status concerning STDs. They have testing 5 days a week at their central clinic on Mt Vernon Ave.
If you do not drive, there is a public bus line. It doesn't go right to the center but it will drop you off close by.
1800 Mt Vernon Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93305, USA
Come right in, any time the clinic is open. You can get access to a medical expert as soon as you come in, though there might be a wait if the clinic is busy. Best time to stop by for testing is mid afternoon, when children are often in school and adults at work.
Any questions about fees or payment can be directed to the receptionist. You might want to call to find out pricing, if you do not have insurance.
Since 1971, Clinica Sierra Vista has been providing compassionate healthcare that is affordable for everyone. Over the last decade they have expanded and now have 4 locations throughout the city. Some concentrate on family or dental medicine but their central clinic tests and treats some STDs.
301 Brundage Ln, Bakersfield, CA 93304, USA
Appointments for an HIV test are your best bet. This is a family clinic and it can get busy with minor emergencies. During your phone call you can also ask about their sliding scale fee and what you might need to bring to ensure that you qualify.
Sometimes family clinics can seem a little overwhelming if you are just there for a STD test. This won't be the case here. The staff will treat you with dignity and never disclose the reason you are there.
They have a skilled staff that will be with you throughout testing.
1611 1st St, Bakersfield, CA 93304, USA
If it's not a minor emergency, make an appointment. It will save you a lot of time in the clinic. Cal-Med is accepted here and they also have fees that are based on your income. Just ask when you call to see if you can take advantage of this plan.
Omni Family Health has a few locations in the area. Some only provide behavioral or dental care so check before you go to a location other than this one on Calloway Dr.
There is parking, though shade is limited so be prepared for a possibly hot car when you come back. Testing usually only takes less than a hour, though you might be longer when you return for test results.
1014 Calloway Dr, Bakersfield, CA 93312, USA
Become a patient by enrolling online or just call for a one or two time appointment. If all you need is a STD test, most clients just call and skip filling out all the forms that come with registering as a continual patient.
Fees for testing are often based on income. Testing could be free or at least the charges are reduced.
Omni Family Health does have several locations around the area. Some are a little farther away but they might be open later than 5 pm. Some are even open on the weekend. You can find a list of all Omni's locations on their website.
Testing can be free, it depends on annual income. You can find out more when you call.
525 Roberts Ln, Bakersfield, CA 93308, USA
While the cityย does follow the state guidelines for sexual education programs in its public school system, the rising number of students who test positive for a STD indicates that not enough is being done to educate them on the dangers of unprotected sex.
Some of the problem stems from videos and other media sources that highlight the pleasure associated with sexual intercourse, while neglecting to mention the dangers inherent in having unprotected sex. The fact that Kern County and Bakersfield rank highest for its rate of teenage girls who test positive for Chlamydia shows that the stream of sexually explicated media is outweighing what students learn about unprotected sex students learn in school.
Many parents are also uncomfortable discussing sex and STDs with their children, and students can opt out of taking the sexual education classes offered in school. Teens also have the unfortunate habit of believing that a STD can never happen to them, even when they are engaging in risky behavior.
Regular STD testing is also important for teens and young adults even if they use protection during intercourse. Not all STDs are transmitted through sexual activity, and some may not display any symptoms until it is too late. Regular Herpes testing in Bakersfield can prevent the spread of the infectious virus between students, and it can even stop embarrassing sores from forming. Regular HIV testing in Bakersfield is also important, especially considering you may not display any signs or symptoms until it has turned into full blown AIDS.
Demographics will always play a role in STD statistics, and this includes ethnicity, religion, income, age, and gender.
Bakersfield and surrounding Kern County are experiencing a shortage of clinics which can make it difficult for some residents to get tested regularly, especially those living in more rural areas. Young adults and teens are often resistant to the idea of health screenings.
Some cannot afford regular health screenings, and these same individuals are frequently involved in risky behaviors.
Religious and cultural beliefs can also cause sexually transmitted disease rates to rise. The high number of practicing Catholics that advocate abstinence can make it difficult for teens to admit that they are sexually active, and the shame many residents feel when they contract a STD can also cause percentages to rise.
Even with the education programs that are in place in the public schools, it is still won’t be enough to lower the STD rate until everyone is tested regularly. .
Bakersfield has a lot to offer, unfortunately this also includes STDs. Getting tested is fast and easy, and you’ll be glad that you did. Confidentiality won’t be a problem, and you can call ahead to schedule the STI test.
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.