STD Testing in Long Beach, CA

Do you suspect you might have been exposed to an STD? Sometimes, the symptoms are silent. Don’t wait to get tested for an STD.

According to the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) STD State Surveillance Ranking report, California has higher rates of STDs than other states in the country. California is No. 4 for syphilis and No. 6 for congenital syphilis. The numbers aren’t going down. The state ranks No. 15 for chlamydia cases, and No. 18 for gonorrhea.

The good news is, you can find STD testing and treatment resources near you in Long Beach. The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services provides STD testing and treatment for $25 to $90, and you might qualify for reduced fees. The CARE Center at Dignity Health is an LGBTQ+ affirming center and offers services regardless of your ability to pay.

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 Long Beach, CA?

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 Long Beach, CA?

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 Long Beach, CA?

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:

The CARE Center at Dignity Health, recognized as an LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader, provides comprehensive STD testing, treatment, and prevention, regardless of your ability to pay. The testing is private and confidential and is administered through throat swabs, urine tests, or finger pricks. In addition to STD testing, the clinic provides infectious disease care, case management, psychiatric care, food and nutrition services, and health benefits enrollment. Appointments are required for services and can be made over the phone.

1043 Elm Avenue, Suite 300, Long Beach, CA 90813, 562-453-3766
Website

The LGBTQ Center Long Beach is a local nonprofit organization that provides advocacy, education, services, and programs for people in the LGBTQ community. It offers free STD screening services for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Testing and STD-related exams are given by a nurse practitioner and are available to anyone in need, regardless of your sexual orientation or ability to pay. To receive services, you must call to schedule an appointment. The center is open for HIV testing Monday through Saturday. You can get rapid HIV testing on a walk-up basis when the clinic is open.

2017 East 4th Street, Long Beach, CA 90814, 562-434-4455
Website

Tarzana Treatment Centers, Inc. is a nonprofit, community-based organization. It has two Long Beach locations that provide a full array of health services, including nutritional counseling, health education, and treatment strategies. You can receive comprehensive medical care, along with STD screening services. Just call to schedule an appointment or to learn about the pricing structure.

2101 Magnolia Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90806, Multiple Long Beach locations, 888-777-8565
Website

Planned Parenthood operates the Long Beach Health Center. It offers various health services for men and women, including primary care, access to birth control, and STD testing and treatment. Some STDs that you can receive testing for include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, and trichomoniasis. Appointments can be made via the online booking tool or by calling the clinic directly. In some cases, STD screening may be provided through telehealth.

2690 Pacific Avenue, Suite 370, Long Beach, CA 90806, 800-576-5544
Website

The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services’ Sexual Health Clinic offers comprehensive sexual health care, including HIV prevention services and STD testing and treatment for gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, herpes, HPV, and HIV. Testing and treatment services range from $25 to $90, and reduced fees are available if you meet income guidelines. You are encouraged to make appointments to ensure service, but walk-in appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on provider availability.

2525 Grand Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90815, 562-570-4315
Website

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