STD Testing in Atlanta, GA

Whether you’re concerned about potential STD exposure or just want routine testing, you have choices for getting an STD test in Atlanta. Many STD testing centers are available in the Atlanta area where you can be tested for STDs quickly and sometimes at no cost.

Georgia’s reported cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are well above the national average – the state is in the top 10 for both chlamydia and syphilis. With a high level of reported cases, it’s a good idea to test regularly for STDs if you’re sexually active.

Local physicians offer diagnosis and treatment of STDs. You can also visit area labs and pharmacies for STD testing, such as Alliance Community Pharmacy. If you need help with the cost of testing or treatment, a community clinic such as Planned Parenthood in East Atlanta or Fulton County Public Health can offer assistance. Nonprofit clinics, including the Empowerment Resource Center and Someone Cares offer free or low-cost sexual health care services.

At-Home STD Testing

Testing for STDs at home is safe, convenient, and private. Performed regularly, it can help you stay healthy and avoid unknowingly transmitting STDs.

You have many options for at-home STD testing. The best at-home STD tests are FDA approved and evaluated for safety and accuracy with fast result turnaround times and support from health care professionals.

At-home STD testing kits should include instructions for collection and test registration, along with materials such as containers and swabs to collect and send your sample to the lab. Most at-home STD tests offer results in about five days through a secure online patient portal.

Choose the STD testing option you’re most comfortable with:

• Private clinic: Your primary care physician or OB-GYN can order STD tests.
• Local lab: Some labs offer direct testing without a doctor’s orders.
• Community clinic: A community clinic, such as city or county clinics, or nonprofit organizations may offer STD testing. Some offer STD tests for free or low cost.

At home: You can test for STDs at home using a kit and send your sample to a lab for analysis.

When Should I Get Tested for STDs?

If you think you might have an STD, it’s best to get tested. STDs don’t go away if you ignore them; they’ll just get worse and could grow into more serious health consequences. If left untreated, some STDs can lead to issues like infertility and more serious infections. You can also spread STDs to sexual partners if you have an untreated infection. Ask your health care provider for STD testing recommendations or follow CDC recommendations for STD testing.

What Will Be Tested in an STD Panel?

You can request specific STD tests or a full panel. An STD clinic can recommend tests based on your sexual health and symptoms. A routine STD panel may include:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• HIV 1 and 2
• Syphilis

A full-panel STD test adds:

• Herpes (oral, genital)
• Hepatitis (A, B, C)

How Much Will STD Testing Cost in Atlanta, GA?

The cost of an STD test will vary by location and test type. Some clinics, usually community or nonprofit clinics, offer free or low-cost testing. Labs, clinics, and at-home testing companies may accept insurance to cover or lower your cost of testing. Lab testing fees range from $8 to $150. At home tests cost between $35 and $175 per test.

Do I Need an Appointment for Testing in Atlanta, GA?

Appointment policies vary by location, so call ahead or check the clinic website before you head in for a test. Some clinics or testing centers accept walk-ins or have same-day or next-day appointments.

How Fast Will I Get My Test Results in Atlanta, GA?

Your STD test results time will depend on the test. Some clinics offer rapid HIV testing, which can offer results in less than 30 minutes. Bacterial STD testing (chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis) takes several days to get results, while viral STD testing (HPV, herpes, or HIV) results can take just one to two days.

Community-based STD testing organizations generate awareness and foster social change while providing access to testing and treatment.

If you’re concerned about visiting your regular doctor or can’t afford the cost of private testing, a community testing center may be able to help. While community testing centers may charge a fee for STD testing, it’s common to find free or low-cost testing from these resources:

Fulton County Board of Health administers the Family Planning Program to adult men and women. The program provides access to birth control, education about STD prevention, and STD screening. After a comprehensive exam, you can obtain contraceptive options, such as an IUD, Depo-Provera, and other long-acting reversible contraceptive options. Fees depend on income and family size, and Medicaid is accepted at this facility. While the Fulton County Board of Health has several locations, not all offer STD screening, so it’s best to call or check online before visiting.

3700 Martin Luther King Drive S.W. Atlanta, GA 30331 Multiple Atlanta locations, 404-613-4215
Fultoncountyga.gov

Fulton County Board of Health operates a public health clinic that offers various services, including those for sexual health. Health checks, immunizations, oral health, and maternal services are just some of the options, in addition to full panel STD testing. If you’re interested in STD testing, you’re encouraged to call and register for clinical services. Registration is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. After the completion of testing, results are available over the phone. Fulton County residents are charged on a sliding scale depending on household size and income level.

10 Park Place South S.E., 5th Floor Atlanta, GA 30303, 404-613-1401
Fultoncountyboh.org

Empowerment Resource Center is a nonprofit organization that provides birth control, prevention education, risk reduction, testing, and treatment services for STDs. The ERC Comprehensive Intervention Clinic offers free to low-cost health care services, including a full range of STD screening and treatment, along with mental health therapy, substance abuse treatment, and family planning services. More than 500 patients receive treatment from the center each year. The Comprehensive Intervention Clinic is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

230 Peachtree Street NW, Suite 1800 Atlanta, GA 30303, 404-526-1148
Erc-inc.org

East Atlanta Health Center, operated by Planned Parenthood, offers a full range of STD testing and treatment for most conditions. For HIV, testing and diagnosis are provided, but treatment is referred to another agency. Safer sex education and STD prevention are also available, including condoms and female condoms. Counseling is offered along with testing, and the clinic may accept insurance. Book an appointment in advance via the web portal or by phone. For pricing information, contact the facility. The clinic is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

440 Moreland Avenue SE Atlanta, GA 30316, 404-688-9300
Plannedparenthood.org

Someone Cares is a nonprofit organization serving Marietta and Atlanta that works to remove barriers surrounding healthcare services for disadvantaged communities. While much of the grant funding provided to this organization is for LGBTQ+ communities, the clinic does not require patients to answer questions about sexual orientation and serves patients of all backgrounds, races, genders, and nationalities. With two locations in Marietta and Atlanta, the walk-in clinic offers STD testing and follow-up care for individuals with a positive result. The Atlanta location is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the Marietta location is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Appointments can be booked online.

236 Forsyth Street, Suite 201 & 204 Atlanta, GA 30303, 678-921-2706
s1catl.org

• CDC | 2019 STD Surveillance Report | Last accessed September 2021
• CDC | Which STD Tests Should I Get? | Last accessed September 2021
• HHS | Your Rights Under HIPAA | Last accessed September 2021