Preferred Location: 1284 Saint James Ave Springfield,MA 01104 Liberty Heights Change location
SaferSTD Preferred Location: 1284 Saint James Ave Springfield,MA 01104 Liberty Heights Change Location
Hampden County reported 48 cases of HIV in 2015, a slight decrease from the 51 cases reported in 2014. Unfortunately, chlamydia increased from 2,003 cases in 2015 to 2,262 cases in 2016. Gonorrhea almost doubled, from 285 cases in 2015 to 485 cases in 2016. And syphilis, a disease that has almost been wiped out, has now reached disease prevalence rates of 2.8 cases per 100,000 county residents.
Reports from the CDC show that younger sexually active persons โ between the ages of 15 and 24 years old โ account for at least half of all new diagnoses of sexually transmitted diseases.
Springfield offers clinics and organizations that offer, along with testing services, educational and support services in an effort to increase health and well-being. Services include counseling, risk assessments, condom distribution, needle exchanges, and support groups.
Other opportunities include free std testing care for those without medical coverage who are living with HIV or AIDS.
Throughout the Springfield area there are many std testing options, from the Caring Health Center on Main Street to Tapestry Health on Maple Street and Baystate Health System on Wilbraham Road.
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.
Caring Health opened its center in 1995. Since then, they have become one of the preferred primary health care centers in the city. Even though they provide physical, mental and dental health care, they also know that sexual transmitted viruses are a risk.
They screen any patient that asks for HIV and Hepatitis C. The tests are rapid, so in minutes you'll know if you need to speak to a doctor.
Clearway Clinic is an OBY/GYN health center. While their focus is on women's sexual health, they do encourage clients to bring their partners in.
They do have a medical staff that includes clinicians. One of them will be with you during testing and you can expect results in a 3 to 4 days.
Sexually transmitted diseases are a concern on college campuses, and it is no different here. The student health center has a clinic that will test anyone enrolled at the university.
Test results are sent to an outside lab, so it can take a few days before they come back. You will be discreetly notified, often by your student email account.
Tapestry provides quality care to the neighborhood it serves. They are a non profit they is working with women, children and men that do not have the resources needed to effectively care for their sexual health.
They are comprised of volunteers in the health industry. Testing is done by a third party lab but you will not be charged for its service.
Planned Parenthood has been at the forefront of sexual health education and medical care since 1916. They are a worldwide organization that continues to lead the way in new procedures.
Clinicians are certified by the state, before they are allowed to perform STD screenings. Your results will be sent to the lab, unless you had rapid HIV testing. These results are done in house and available in minutes.
AFC (American Family Care) is an urgent care health center that focuses on providing complete primary care for families. They are a nationwide network of clinics that are working to become a family's first stop when they need medical care.
Whether it is a physical exam, diagnosing and treating an illness or a routine screening for a STD, they want to be there for you.
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: Need to become a patient to receive services.
Description: Community Based Organization.
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Description: Community Based Organization.
Description: 13 years of age and up. Financial Counselor available to assist with obtaining health insurance. TB program access is requires a referral from a Primary Care Provider(PCP),TB nurse, or local/state Health Department as the result of a positive TB reading (positive TB test). Please call or visit website for up-to-date STD clinic schedule
Description: Free condoms available.
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 for lunch from 12noon-1pm
Description: Social Service Organization. Some charges associated with your services may be covered by your insurance or a state-funded program. If you want to use your insurance, please be sure to bring in your insurance information at the time of your visit. We also provide services for people without insurance. You may be eligible for our sliding scale fee based on income. If you have any questions about billing or eligibility, please call our main number: 1-800-258-4448.
Description: Community Based Organization.
Description: Need to enroll as a patient. Closed for lunch from 12noon-1pm
Description: Community Based Organization.
Description: Open 2nd Saturday of the month, 8am-12noon
All information for Springfield and its infectious disease rates are in the annual health reports for Massachusetts. Below the other 49, it still doesnโt indicate that everyone is happy and healthy. STIs that are plaquing others are being passed here, and before too long you will have the same epidemic. You donโt have to accept this a foregone fact, everyone has an affect on how high these rates will go.
Top STD Testing Locations in Springfield, MA
Primary Item (H2)Patient registration is a must. It's a quick phone call. This also gives you the chance to see if you are able to get the tests for free. Many of the clinics patients do qualify.
Caring Health does provide a majority of the medical services you will need to live a healthy life. This includes their screenings for two sexually transmitted viruses.
Payment is usually income based.
1049 Main St, Springfield, MA 01103, USA
You will need to call the clinic before you come in. You can also ask if your partner can get tested as well. Insurance is accepted, along with other forms of payment. If you need time to settle your bill, you will need to let them clinic know in advance.
Clearway Clinic provides several services for women. Along with this, they also have STD testing for their patients' partners. This is part of the clinic's efforts to lower the spread of STDs in the area.
You will be charged for your visit. You can ask about payment options. They don't have lower fees, but they do have plans that can make testing more affordable.
1259 E Columbus Ave #102, Springfield, MA 01105, USA
Testing is free, with or without an appointment. The only charge will be from the lab your tests are sent to.
The Student Health Center accepts walk ins and appointments. Anyone registered at the university is eligible for free testing. There are lab fees, since tests are sent to an outside facility.
They cannot provide treatment but the university clinic does have relationships with other health centers. They can refer you to one of these clinics, if that is want you wish.
263 Alden St, Springfield, MA 01109, USA
Come in, anytime the clinic is open. They see individuals of all ages, though parental consent for STD testing may be needed if you are under 14.
Tapestry is a health clinic that is working to improve the sexual health of residents in the area. Their services are free for everyone. They also have a mobile clinic that travels around the city. You can track its location on the clinic's website.
130 Maple St, Springfield, MA 01103, USA
You can schedule online or by phone. Either way lets you choose when you want to come in. Questions about fees, accepted insurance and lower costs need to be done before you come in.
Planned Parenthood is not a free clinic but they do have reduced charges for some services. You can get the information when you call to make your appointment.
Along with screenings and some STD treatment, they also provide counseling, referrals and education. They also offer PrEP here, which is something you might be interested in.
3550 Main St #201, Springfield, MA 01107, USA
You will probably want to schedule an appointment, unless you already are showing symptoms. They do require payment, but you can talk to their financial office and set up an arrangement that might be more affordable.
AFC is an urgent care center that also screens patients that ask for sexually transmitted diseases. They do charge for their services, though you can work out a plan to pay in installments.
They are not able to treat all STDs, only some.
415 Cooley St #3, Springfield, MA 01128, USA
Some are crediting the relatively low diseases rates with the volume of clinics. There are even more private than public ones. You donโt have to go very far to find a private lab. Costs here are low, and since it is not open to the public you can stay discreet. A preferred one is Quest Diagnostics, but they are not the only one.
As a patient at Caring Health Center, you are entitled to affordable STI tests. Simply let them know why you are coming in, and every detail will be taken care of. If a vaccine is needed, they can handle that too. Tapestry Health, on Main St., along with the Baystate Health System also provide the same services. Hours vary so you might have to rework your schedule, they also have a long patient list. Donโt expect to be seen that day.
Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts provides all types of services that include reproductive health. Theyโre over on Main St., with hours that mimic those of nearby businesses. Anyone without insurance might want to give them a call. Theyโll tell you what to bring to qualify for reduced or free testing.
Community-based, New North Citizens Council Incorporated isnโt too far from PP. Fees are sliding but expect crowds. They work hard to contact everyone in their neighborhood and have been extremely successful. They also vaccinate for HPV and two types of Hepatitis.
To make sure that everyone has an equal chance many clinics have additional centers with most reproductive health services.
If youโre not asked about an HIV test during an infectious disease screening, do so yourself. Itโs the perfect opportunity, and some can let you pick between conventional (2 day) or rapid HIV testing (almost instant results). The faster results sometimes cost a little extra, but if youโre already worried it is probably worth it.
Tapestry Health can be found on Maple St. They have HIV testing for walkins, however you canโt do the same if youโre there for STDs. In that case, a physician will need to be there, and they are not always available. Cost can be negotiated after youโve been assessed.
If youโre part of Holyoke Health or are getting ready to become a member, inquire about their rapid testing for HIV. They provide full health care for many in several communities, and they are only a quick drive away.
Itโs not common knowledge, but urgent care centers will test for communicable virus that include HIV. Most are only open during the day, but it gives you options often near work or home. Appointments can be made, but you donโt have too. Next time you have some free time, consider stopping in. Bring something to read or otherwise keep you occupied, you could be in the reception area for a while.
Still at a loss on where best to go? Your health care provider can probably help. All you have to do is start the discussion. Donโt be embarrassed, you are talking to your doctor.
Education isnโt hiding in Springfield. On the contrary, some parents feel that there is too much out in the open. Everything from abstinence to contraceptives is discussed, and questions are allowed between teachers and students. Developed, in part, by Planned Parenthood some claim that it is working judging by state health reports.
They arenโt the only ones โeducating the publicโ. Planned Parenthood passes out contraceptives and literature. Classes and counselors are available to anyone that asks.
NNCC (New North Citizens Council) works within the Latino communities. Open to everyone, they are particularly sensitive to their culture. Language isnโt a problem, and they work hard to put people at ease. Their programs concentrate on all types of care, not just sexual health. Since discussions are easy for all to understand, most leave knowing how best to avoid getting and spreading all types of bacterial and viral infections.
The river and cityscape are breathtaking, and so are the rides at Six Flags New England. Some of the rides are tall enough that you can almost catch a glimpse of that stunning vista. Anyone that follows basketball knows that the sport was born here, and you can see its history unfold at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. What canโt be seen are infectious viruses, even though many have one. To prevent Springfield from joining the list of other cities with deplorable health rates check briefly into a clinic for a 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.