Preferred Location: 1180 Beacon St Brookline,MA 02446 Brookline Change location
SaferSTD Preferred Location: 1180 Beacon St Brookline,MA 02446 Brookline Change Location
Somerville, MA is an active, diverse city with a vibrant social and cultural life. From independent films to live music performances and multicultural dining, it’s a city with something for everyone from long-term residents to college students to enjoy.
One growing concern is sexual activity which has been changing in nature. City surveys from 2016 noted a 15.4 percent decrease in the previous two years of young people using condoms when having sex, significantly increasing the risk of STD infection and pregnancy.
In fact, STDs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis are on the rise in Somerville as they are nationwide. Rates of infection are also rising faster in Somerville than statewide in Massachusetts: the number of new cases of these three infections locally has tripled from 2005 to 2015.
The Cambridge Health Alliance, a community health provider which serves Somerville, has noted the need for inclusive STD testing and counseling. They encourage the LGBTQ+ community and other underserved groups to participate and to feel comfortable.
In addition to private clinics, there are extensive public options for STD testing in Somerville. Researchers at local universities have been actively reaching out to vulnerable populations and the public at large.
These public clinics may provide free std testing as they gather information about STD infection trends. For those who don’t mind possible long waits and getting their testing and results in a busy public clinic environment, this can be a useful opportunity to keep on top of their STD status.
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.
The AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts works with the Youth on Fire center which provides drop-in services for the homeless youth in the area.
The Action Committee's mission statement involves maximizing the health of their patients while simultaneously addressing the root causes of sexually transmitted diseases.
The clinic will provide counseling along with seminars and presentations on reproductive health care. Talks may touch on best practices involving safe sex and needle usage as well as hosting guest speakers who have been through the HIV/AIDs treatment process.
The Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers is an organization dedicated to preserving Brazilian, Cabo Verdean, Portuguese, and other Portuguese-speaking communities' cultures while providing them access to health, education, and social services in Massachusetts. However, they do not restrict themselves to only helping these groups.
Members of the Alliance's medical staff are certified to help with screening and testing for STDs as well as helping patients create a customized risk management plan for the future. Case referral services to medical professionals are also provided.
Free walk-in clinic hours for STD testing is available on Thursday's between 4-6 pm but appointments can be made for regular business hours.
The Cambridge Health Alliance was created in 1996 when a Boston and Somerville hospital merged to better serve the communities they were a part of. In 2001 they acquired locations in Revere and Malden that allowed it to give assistance to more patients in need of medical care.
The Health Alliance stands behind six core values: Community, Integrity, Respect, Compassion, Learning, Excellence (CIRCLE).
All Cambridge Health Alliance locations are interested in helping diverse and persecuted populations by providing equal care for all with translation services if required.
The North End Waterfront Health clinic is a federally qualified health center that is an affiliate of Massachusetts General Hospital and Boston Medical Center.
It was created to serve the residents of Boston's North End community with a neighborhood-based facility. North End Waterfront Health strives to provide a flexible list of services to cater to its diverse population.
The clinic boasts a full roster of trained physicians and nurses. Everything from primary care to pediatrician help is available at this location. No patient will be turned away for lack of ability to pay for services rendered.
Planned Parenthood clinics exist all over America to help every individual with reproductive health care. They focus on providing not only essential care but also maintaining the privacy of patients using their services. Planned Parenthood is a good place to go if embarrassment plays a role in your health issues.
The locations are generally well-staffed with professionals who are respectful. However, it can get busy at times as the organization is very high profile.
The cost here is often mitigated if your income is not high.
The Sexual Health Clinic is a branch of the Massachusetts General Hospital that falls under the purview of its Infectious Diseases division. It is conveniently located inside the General Hospital building.
The Clinic has been in operation for over 60 years and provides both screening and treatment for STDs in a confidential and experienced setting. Trained staff members are also equipped to help with counseling for patients afflicted with a sexually transmitted disease.
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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.
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
Description: Community Based Organization. Free walk-in testing clinic: Thursdays 3pm-5pm
Description: Closed Wed., 12noon-3pm
Description: AIDS Service Organization. Serves homeless and street involved youth ages 14-24 during drop-in hours. Thurs. by appointment only
Description: AIDS Service Organization. HIV testing available to injection drug users and transgender women and their partners. Closed from 12noon-1pm daily
Description: HIV Counseling & Testing provides services & referrals for treatment and care for people who are at high risk for HIV, regardless of one's ability to pay at several sites across Cambridge and Somerville. Please call 617-591-6767 for testing dates and locations.
Description: Hospital. Insurance is not required for most services. P24 antigen HIV testing also available.
Description: HIV Counseling & Testing provides services & referrals for treatment and care for people who are at high risk for HIV, regardless of one's ability to pay at several sites across Cambridge and Somerville. Please call 617-591-6767 for testing dates and locations.
Top STD Testing Locations in Somerville, MA
Primary Item (H2)Bring a form of government ID if you have one in your possession. Youth between the ages of 14-24 are welcome at this clinic.
The proximity of the AIDS Action Committee to the Harvard college campus and its dedication to providing confidential screenings and care for its patients are two very good reasons to visit this location.
The staff is professional and adept at dealing with youth who are in need of their services. They serve individuals regardless of their ability to pay for the care received; high amounts of indigent young men and women are patients at this clinic.
1 Church St, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
Bring government ID and proof of income.
Members of Portuguese-speaking communities will feel right at home in this facility. While they don't work to exclude anyone who isn't, it's very obvious that this is a care center that focuses on a certain group.
They provide a variety of services in all parts of life which can be very useful.
It can be easy to confuse the walk-in STD screening hours as their only period of testing. Don't be alarmed, they also allow pre-booked appointments during the week for patients looking to be tested.
92 Union Square, Somerville, MA 02143, USA
Always bring a form of ID with you. Keep your insurance card handy as well.
Visits to the Somerville clinic under the Cambridge Health Alliance umbrella will get you screening and tests with professional and capable staff members from start to finish. They are intent on maintaining confidentiality and a high standard of care.
The facility is also a teaching school for nearby colleges (Harvard, Tufts, etc). Be prepared to encounter younger physicians at the cost of knowing the high level of equipment and knowledge being provided.
26 Central St, Somerville, MA 02143, USA
It is recommended you bring a form of photo ID, an insurance card, any medication you are taking, and an understanding of your symptoms.
The North End Waterfront health clinic is a community medical services center that will help you with most health-oriented needs. They offer a sliding fee schedule for patients who are on the lower end of the income spectrum.
The location is conveniently close to the Orange Line for individuals looking to arrive via public transport. They are also one of few clinics that are open on Saturday's. This can be a huge benefit for patients that are too busy during the week with work.
332 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113, USA
Bring government ID, proof of residence, and a recent pay stub to qualify for reduced or waived fees.
Planned Parenthood has a reputation for providing confidential and professional services for anyone in need of reproductive health care and it's evident in their busy yet smoothly-operated clinic. The doctors and nursing staff here are very respectful of your privacy.
The location is extremely easy to get to; it's a short walk from the Pleasant Street Green Line stop. It is also extremely convenient due to being open on Saturday, which can be important for those who are busy during working hours throughout the week.
1055 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA
Bring government ID and insurance details to the appointment.
The Sexual Health Clinic at the Massachusetts General Hospital is a professionally run, well-staffed facility for any medical service, sexual health or otherwise. It is useful to have an abundance of other care providers and specialists in the same building for consultation.
Contrary to what could be expected, the hospital accepts all forms of payment, and insurance is not mandated for service to be provided.
The Clinic is also part of cutting edge research involving all forms of infectious disease. These clinical trials and novel ways of treating STDs may be difficult to find in other health services centers.
5th Floor, Cox Building, 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA 02114, 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.