STD Testing in Austin, TX

Many STD testing locations in Austin offer confidential same-day STD testing with fast results for you and your partner – and some offer free or low-cost testing. At-home testing is also available.

Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are common STDs in Austin. Though Texas ranks below the national average for all three of these STDs, thousands of new STD cases are reported each year. STD testing can help you be proactive about your sexual health.

Public health resources such as Austin Public Health’s Sexual Health clinic can provide you with counseling, testing, and treatment for STDs. Planned Parenthood has several clinics in the Austin area which offer a wide range of sexual health and reproductive services, including STD testing and treatment. Other Austin STD testing options include CVS MinuteClinics and University Health Services at the University of Texas.

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 Austin, TX?

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 Austin, TX?

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 Austin, TX?

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:

AIDS Services of Austin offers free and confidential testing for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and hepatitis C, along with counseling and referrals for community resources and medical care. The center also has special programming for adults ages 18 to 29 in the LGBTQ community. The programming includes education on STD prevention and PrEP/PEP services if you may have been exposed to HIV. The clinic is open Monday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, 12 to 8 p.m.; Friday, 1 to 5 p.m.; and the first and third Saturday of the month, 12 to 3 p.m. You don’t need to make an appointment for testing.

1023 Springdale Road, Building 14, Suite A Austin, TX 78721 512-600-8378
Asaustin.org

ASHWell provides a wide range of sexual health services with no out-of-pocket cost, including HIV testing; PrEP and PEP; HIV treatment; testing and treatment for STDs, STIs, and hepatitis C; and vaccinations. The center also provides holistic therapies to minimize the side effects of medications and chronic illness. It’s open Monday 5 to 7:30 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday 1 to 3:30 p.m.; Wednesday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m., and Friday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This clinic doesn’t accept walk-ins, but you can schedule an appointment by calling or emailing the clinic.

8101 Cameron Road, Suite #105 Austin, TX 78754 512-467-0088
Ashwellatx.org

Austin’s Public Health Department operates several sexual health centers where you can receive counseling, testing, and treatment for common STDs and infections, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, trichomoniasis, and syphilis. Case management is provided if you are homeless, pregnant, under 13 years old, or are at high risk of contracting HIV. Counseling services are free, and physical examinations and testing are available for a very small fee. The center is open on weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call the clinic to schedule an appointment.

15 Waller Street Austin, TX 78702 512-972-5430
Austintexas.gov

Lone Star Circle of Care is a nonprofit community health center that provides primary and behavioral health care services for all patients, including individuals without health insurance or the ability to pay for services. The center provides confidential STD counseling, testing, and treatment for adolescents and young adults ages 11 to 22 years and pregnant women. Appointments can be scheduled through the online patient portal or by calling during regular business hours. Same-day and next-day appointments are usually available. The clinic is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

1221 W. Ben White Boulevard, Building B, Suite 200 Austin, TX 78704 877-800-5722
Lonestarcares.org

Planned Parenthood operates several clinics in the Austin area, including the North Austin Health Center. Clinics offer a wide range of sexual health and reproductive services, including access to birth control, general health care, cancer screenings, and STD testing and treatment. STD testing may include a blood test, a physical examination, cheek or throat swabs, urine tests, or testing the sores. Test results come back to the lab within a few days to a few weeks. This center accepts most major health insurance plans, and you may qualify for low-cost or free services without insurance. Visit the clinic’s website or call to schedule an appointment. The North Austin clinic is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

9041 Research #250 Austin, TX 78758 512-257-1745
Plannedparenthood.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
• Texas Health and Human Services | STD Surveillance Report | Last accessed September 2021