Preferred Location: 388 9Th St Oakland,CA 94607 Downtown Oakland Change location
SaferSTD Preferred Location: 388 9Th St Oakland,CA 94607 Downtown Oakland Change Location
HIV diagnoses among young people are a worrying trend. There were 5,951 people living with HIV or AIDS in Alameda County at the end of 2016, with half of them over 50. However, of the 746 new diagnoses (most of them in Oakland) between 2014 and 2016, 37.4% were between the ages of 20 and 29 and 5% were teens.
In 2017, Alameda County had a syphilis indicator rate of 13.8 per 100K people. Congenital syphilis is a problem in all of California, with 30 stillbirths in 2017. Also in 2017, Alameda County had a chlamydia rate of 556.9 per 100K people and a gonorrhea rate of 217.6.
Health officials recommend regular testing, as many STDs can be cured by antibiotics but must be caught before complications set in.
The good news is that there are plenty of STD-testing clinics in Oakland, so itโs easy to find a location near you, and some of them provide low-cost or free STD testing. Planned Parenthood has two locations, in East and West Oakland, and provides STI testing and treatment on a sliding payment scale.
AIDS Project of the East Bay, located on Enterprise Way, offers rapid HIV and Hep C testing, and some locations of Out of the Closet thrift shop offer HIV testing. For a comprehensive STD test, try Golden Gate Community Health on MacArthur Blvd.
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.
HEPPAC (HIV Education and Prevention Project of Alameda County) was started to help prevent HIV/AIDS in populations that are considered to be at the greatest risk. They try to reach the homeless population, along with intravenous drug users.
Tests are sent out to a local lab, and should be back in under a week.
APEB has been around since 1983. Even with the name change, their mission has stayed the same. It is to stop HIV infections in their community.
This is a non profit organization that provides services to everyone in the county. Counselors and doctors volunteer their time. Testing is done by a few drops of blood. You will get results back in less than two weeks.
AHF Wellness Center does not employ physicians but they do have counselors that are experienced with testing and treating various sexually transmittable diseases. They are under the umbrella of a major nationwide chain of labs that work almost solely on running tests for STIs.
It can take three or more days for results to come in. When they do, you will receive a confidential notification.
Started as a "street clinic" in 1969, it has become a trusted STD/HIV center that has helped thousands of residents. They have never charged anyone for their services and do not intend to start doing so anytime in the future.
The clinic is staffed mainly by volunteer counselors. They will explain all procedures, along with testing options. One of these is rapid HIV testing, which gives you results in as little as 40 minutes.
Affordable and high quality health care, along with education. This is what Planned Parenthood has been focused on since their beginning in 1916.
Over the decades they have held true to their mission, which is why so many people turn to them when they need to get tested for sexually transmitted diseases.
Some test results could be back in 48 hours, while others could take longer. If you created a patient profile, you will learn your results as soon as they are in.
Golden Gate Urgent Care is now affiliated with UCSF Health. This gives you more access to health care. As an urgent care clinic they have doctors on staff. They do not specialize in diseases and infections but they are more than capable of testing and diagnosing.
Testing only takes a few minutes. However, getting results will take longer. Sometimes over 7 days.
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: Everyone is welcome. Staff is fluent in English and twelve Asian languages: Cantonese, Vietnamese, Mandarin, Karen, Karenni, Korean, Khmer (Cambodian), Mien, Mongolian, Tagalog, Lao and Burmese. Teen Clinic: 1st and 3rd Tuesday 4pm-6pm; 2nd and 4th Tuesday 5pm-7pm
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Description: Testing available from 9:30am-5:30pm. Walk-ins are welcome, but calling ahead of time is recommended
Description: Social Service Organization. Shelter: 24hrs
Description: A focus of the OASIS Clinic is attending to the healthcare and psychosocial needs of persons infected with hepatitis C (HCV), and residing in the greater East Bay community.
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: All welcome. Need to register. A patient with private insurance should bring a current insurance carrier identification card. Call for HIV testing hours
Description: AIDS Service Organization. Open to all.
Description: Everyone is welcome. Staff is fluent in English and twelve Asian languages: Cantonese, Vietnamese, Mandarin, Karen, Karenni, Korean, Khmer (Cambodian), Mien, Mongolian, Tagalog, Lao and Burmese. Closed from 12:30pm-1:30pm
Description: Hospital. It serves any youth ages 12 to 24 yrs
Description: AIDS Service Organization.
Description: Community Based Organization. Call for HIV testing hours
Description: Community Based Organization. Please call for information on HIV testing
Description: Community Based Organization,
The statistics show that African American men still have the highest risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease, though the rate of Chlamydia infections in women were more than double that of males. Other statistics that have health officials worried include the rising number of reported cases of HIV/AIDS, along with the growing percentage of residents that also test positive for Syphilis.
While some city officials point out that certain STDs do seem to be decreasing, health experts are quick to mention the need for regular testing. Other statistics that support the need for regular health screenings include;
Top STD Testing Locations in Oakland, CA
Primary Item (H2)On Tuesdays and Fridays, just come in. Appointments are needed on Wednesdays and Fridays. Testing does not cost anything. All you need to do is call or walk-in, depending on the week day.
Since 1992, HEPPAC has been working with those in the community that are at the highest risk for testing positive for HIV or Hep C. Along with offering free testing, they also have a needle exchange program, provide free showers and even meals.
Parking, at this location can be problematic. However, there are buses and even a place to lock up your bike.
5323 Foothill Blvd, Oakland, CA 94601, USA
Come in anytime they are open. You will be warmly greeted and a counselor will be with you within a few minutes.
Testing is free, no matter income. All ages are also welcome, though some minors may need adult consent. You can call, if you fall into this category.
APEB may be the new name for the clinic but it's goal remains the same. Testing is still free, including treatment if you are positive. If you can't make it to the clinic, they can come to you. Just call and ask.
Due to their early closing hours, the clinic is often busy in the afternoon. Sometimes it is best to show up in the morning.
8400 Enterprise Way, Oakland, CA 94621, USA
Testing counselors are ready to see you whenever you are ready to walk in. Minors are welcome, as long as they are 14.
Any and all state funded medical insurance plans are accepted. If you are not enrolled and cannot pay, a counselor can help with the forms. Otherwise, there is a small fee if you need treatment but the test is free.
They only test two days a week, which might not be convenient for everyone. However, AHF does not charge a fee for the tests.
The Wellness Center is also easy to get to. Several bus routes run by and it is also withing walking and biking for many residents. This is a good thing, since parking can be hard to find.
238 E 18th St, Oakland, CA 94606, USA
The clinic is free, even for rapid HIV tests. You can leave a donation, if you are able. It will go to fund the clinic's various programs.
Appointments aren't required for testing but you will need one if you want to go in before the listed walk -in times.
Berkeley Free Clinic is open to everyone. Testing is free, though they do not treat infections or viruses that are usually transmitted sexually.
Parking can be a pain if you drive. There is a bike lane and a place to chain your bike. You can also take one of several buses that run down Durant Ave.
2339 Durant Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA
If you only need PrEP, come right in. If you also need to be tested, book online. You can even apply your state insurance so testing is free.
Anyone with questions should call. You can schedule a visit at the same time.
It seems like Planned Parenthood has always been there. They have been leaders in sexual health for men, women and teens.
Located off of 7th St, you will never have a problem getting there. They even have a small parking lot. Even if you don't need testing, stop by and get some information that will help you stay healthy.
1682 7th St, Oakland, CA 94607, USA
You can take your chances and just come in, though you might be in for a long wait. This is also one of the few urgent care centers that accepts appointments. You can book online, fill our the patient form and be all set. This way you can skip the wait.
There are 5 other locations in the bay area. Each can provide exceptional care. The center on Piedmont does have parking. This is a rarity in the area. You can also ride one of the city's buses, there are a few with routes down the street.
Biking is another option. There is even a rack where you can safely lock it up.
3900 Piedmont Ave, Oakland, CA 94611, USA
Unlike many cities Oakland does have a comprehensive sexual education program that is supposed to be implemented in the public schools, but unfortunately not all educators are following the curriculum.
With sexually transmitted disease rates rising steadily across the city and students becoming sexually active at an earlier age, it has never been so vital for teens to understand the dangers associated with engaging in unprotected sex.
While city officials are working to help standardize the sexual education program, students are still often unknowingly putting themselves at risk of contracting a STD. The lack of proper sexual education also means many students and even some parents do not realize that not all STDs are only transmitted through intercourse. Most sexually transmitted diseases are actually viruses, and some are easily spread through casual contact. This can often put students unknowingly at risk, especially considering someone might not even know that they are infected.
Regular Herpes testing in Oakland can help prevent the spread of this common virus and even stop embarrassing flare ups. Regular HIV/AIDS testing in Oakland is also extremely important, and it can even help save your life and that of a loved one.
Demographics will always play a role in sexually transmitted disease percentages, and this is especially true in Oakland concerning its large African American population. Generations of mistrust for government officials has made it difficult for community health experts to properly convey the importance of being checked regularly, and this is apparent in the STD rates for African American men and women.
In 2008 the CDC reported that the number of African American men who were positive for HIV/AIDS was 7 times higher than for Caucasian males, and the percentages were even higher for women.
Lower income neighborhoods are also contributing to the high STD rates, and many of these are also historically inhabited by African Americans. An inability to afford regular testing and a shortage of community centers in these neighborhoods also plays a role in the rising number of reported sexually transmitted diseases.
Before you head to Lake Merritt for a fun filled day on the water skip the community HIV center and avoid the long wait at a STI clinic. You can stay anonymous, even when receiving your same day results. It is just as affordable as mobile testing, and certainly more reliable.
http://www.eastbayexpress.com/oakland/sex-ed-still-lags-in-oakland-schools/Content?oid=3797945
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.