Free STD Testing in San Francisco, CA

Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are the three most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in California. These are treatable bacterial infections if only early diagnosis is ensured, which is possible only through regular testing. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are more prevalent in women under 25. Chlamydia is called a silent infection because it never shows any symptoms. As per the Washington State Department of Health, STD cases are rising across all regions, but the most at-risk population is 15-24, MSM, African-Americans, and the gay/bisexual community. San Francisco offers many low-cost and free STD testing options, which you can find here.

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Medically reviewed by one or more members of the editorial board

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STD testing centers in San Francisco, CA (San Francisco County)

In 2018, the California Public Health Department recorded an all-time high rate of STD cases in three decades. In San Francisco, STDs dramatically rose in 2021; the city reported the 3rd highest STD rate in America. Gonorrhea cases rose from 4,109 in 2020 to 5,259 in 2021. Chlamydia increased to 6,185 in 2021 from 5,735 in 2021, whereas male rectal gonorrhea rates also increased, with 1,812 cases reported in 2021 and 1,160 in 2020. San Francisco residents can now access quality, free, or low-cost STD testing facilities in the following locations.

Quest Diagnostics

No Appointment Required

2198 15Th St, San Francisco, California 94114

0.88 mile

Tel: 4154318723


Tests Offered

  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Hepatitis A Testing
  • • Hepatitis B Testing
  • • Hepatitis C Testing
  • • Herpes Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Rapid HIV Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

See Tests & Prices

Today's best offer is: $10 off any order. Discount will be applied automatically.

Labcorp

No Appointment Required

2233 Post St Ste 105, San Francisco, California 94115

1.96 mile

Tel: 4159280199


Tests Offered

  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Hepatitis A Testing
  • • Hepatitis B Testing
  • • Hepatitis C Testing
  • • Herpes Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Rapid HIV Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

See Tests & Prices

Today's best offer is: $10 off any order. Discount will be applied automatically.

Quest Diagnostics

No Appointment Required

2201 Post St, San Francisco, California 94115

1.97 mile

Tel: 4159316492


Tests Offered

  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Hepatitis A Testing
  • • Hepatitis B Testing
  • • Hepatitis C Testing
  • • Herpes Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Rapid HIV Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

See Tests & Prices

Today's best offer is: $10 off any order. Discount will be applied automatically.

Strut

470 Castro St, San Francisco, California 94114

0.55 mile

Tel: (415) 437-3400

Tel: (415) 437-3450


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Rapid HIV Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Adult Hepatitis B Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis A Vaccine
  • • Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
  • • Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
  • • STD Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

  • • STD Prevention/Education
  • • Partner Notification
  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
  • • HIV Test Counseling
  • • Hepatitis Prevention/Education

Support Services

  • • PrEP Navigation

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Donations Accepted
  • • Free HIV Testing
  • • Free STD Testing
  • • No Fee

Learn More

Huckleberry Youth Programs Huckleberry Youth Health Center

Cole Street Youth Clinic

555 Cole St, San Francisco, California 94117

1.04 mile

Tel: (415) 386-9398

Tel: (415) 751-8181


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

  • • TB Testing
  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Herpes Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Family Planning
  • • HIV/AIDS Medical Treatment
  • • Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
  • • STD Treatment
  • • TB Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

  • • TB Prevention/Education
  • • STD Prevention/Education
  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
  • • HIV Test Counseling
  • • Hepatitis Prevention/Education
  • • Condom Distribution

Support Services

  • • Support Groups
  • • PrEP Navigation
  • • Case Management

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Medicare Accepted
  • • Sliding Scale
  • • Free HIV Testing
  • • PrEP for uninsured

Learn More

Mission Wellness Pharmacy

2424 Mission St, San Francisco, California 94110

1.31 mile

Tel: (415) 826-3484


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

  • • Hepatitis C Testing
  • • Hepatitis B Testing
  • • Rapid HIV Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Medication Adherence Education and Counseling
  • • Adult Hepatitis B Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis A Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis C Treatment
  • • Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
  • • Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
  • • Human Papillomavirus Vaccine

Prevention Services Offered

  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
  • • HIV Test Counseling
  • • Hepatitis Prevention/Education
  • • Condom Distribution

Support Services

  • • PrEP Navigation
  • • Case Management

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Insurance Accepted
  • • Free HIV Testing
  • • No Fee
  • • Free Hepatitis C Testing

Learn More

UCSF Alliance Health Project

Ages 12 and up. In response to the outbreak of the respiratory illness, coronavirus (COVID-19), AHP is taking steps to ensure the safety of clients, staff, and community. Until further notice, the following services are suspended: Mobile HIV/HCV/STD testing; drop-in for people seeking behavioral...

1930 Market St, San Francisco, California 94102

1.37 mile

Tel: (415) 476-3902


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

  • • Hepatitis C Testing
  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Rapid HIV Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Substance Abuse Treatment
  • • Hepatitis A Vaccine
  • • Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
  • • STD Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

  • • STD Prevention/Education
  • • Partner Notification
  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
  • • HIV Test Counseling
  • • Hepatitis Prevention/Education

Support Services

  • • Support Groups
  • • Case Management

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Free HIV Testing
  • • Free STD Testing
  • • No Fee
  • • Free Hepatitis C Testing

Learn More

Native American Health Center Incorporated NAHC San Francisco

Services available to the public. Depending on the individual's insurance, testing services for Hepatitis, STD's, and TB might have a cost included. Rapid HIV tests are free...

160 Capp St, San Francisco, California 94110

1.43 mile

Tel: (415) 621-8051


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

  • • Hepatitis C Testing
  • • TB Testing
  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Herpes Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Rapid HIV Testing
  • • Hepatitis C Rapid Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Family Planning
  • • Substance Abuse Treatment
  • • Adult Hepatitis B Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis A Vaccine
  • • HIV/AIDS Medical Treatment
  • • Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
  • • Human Papillomavirus Vaccine
  • • STD Treatment
  • • TB Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

  • • TB Prevention/Education
  • • STD Prevention/Education
  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
  • • HIV Test Counseling
  • • Hepatitis Prevention/Education
  • • Condom Distribution

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Medicare Accepted
  • • Sliding Scale
  • • Insurance Accepted
  • • Free HIV Testing

Learn More

Planned Parenthood Northern California San Francisco Health Center

If you are uninsured, you may qualify for a state-funded program or a lower fee scale. Fees for services are based on your household income.

1650 Valencia St, San Francisco, California 94110

1.43 mile

Tel: (415) 821-1282

Tel: (415) 821-9047


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

  • • Hepatitis C Testing
  • • Hepatitis B Testing
  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Herpes Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Rapid HIV Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Family Planning
  • • Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
  • • Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
  • • Human Papillomavirus Vaccine
  • • STD Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

  • • STD Prevention/Education
  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
  • • HIV Test Counseling
  • • Hepatitis Prevention/Education
  • • Condom Distribution

Support Services

  • • PrEP Navigation

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Medicaid Accepted
  • • Sliding Scale
  • • Insurance Accepted
  • • Donations Accepted
  • • PrEP for uninsured

Learn More

Mission Neighborhood Health Center Resource Center Clinic

Must be homeless.

165 Capp St, San Francisco, California 94110

1.45 mile

Tel: (415) 869-7977


Appointment Required: No


Tests Offered

  • • Hepatitis C Testing
  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Herpes Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Rapid HIV Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

Prevention Services Offered

  • • STD Prevention/Education
  • • Partner Notification
  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
  • • HIV Test Counseling

Support Services

  • • Case Management

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Sliding Scale
  • • Insurance Accepted
  • • Free HIV Testing

Learn More

San Francisco Community Health Center Castro Clinic

Free rapid HIV testing offered to MSM (men who have sex with men) & transgender clients.

1800 Market St, Ste 401, San Francisco, California 94102

1.5 mile

Tel: (415) 292-3400


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

  • • Hepatitis C Testing
  • • Hepatitis B Testing
  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Herpes Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Rapid HIV Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Family Planning
  • • Medication Adherence Education and Counseling
  • • Adult Hepatitis B Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis A Vaccine
  • • HIV/AIDS Medical Treatment
  • • Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
  • • Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
  • • STD Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

  • • STD Prevention/Education
  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
  • • HIV Test Counseling
  • • Hepatitis Prevention/Education
  • • Condom Distribution
  • • Behavioral Interventions

Support Services

  • • Support Groups
  • • PrEP Navigation
  • • Case Management

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Medicaid Accepted
  • • Medicare Accepted
  • • Sliding Scale
  • • Insurance Accepted
  • • PrEP for uninsured

Learn More

Mission Neighborhood Health Center Shotwell Clinic

240 Shotwell St, San Francisco, California 94110

1.56 mile

Tel: (415) 552-3870


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

  • • Hepatitis C Testing
  • • Hepatitis B Testing
  • • TB Testing
  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Herpes Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Rapid HIV Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Family Planning
  • • Medication Adherence Education and Counseling
  • • Adult Hepatitis B Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis A Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis B Treatment
  • • Hepatitis C Treatment
  • • HIV/AIDS Medical Treatment
  • • Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
  • • STD Treatment
  • • TB Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

  • • STD Prevention/Education
  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
  • • HIV Test Counseling
  • • Behavioral Interventions

Support Services

  • • PrEP Navigation
  • • Case Management
  • • Drug Purchasing Assistance, including AIDS Drug Purchasing Assistance (ADAP)
  • • Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS/HOPWA

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Medicaid Accepted
  • • Medicare Accepted
  • • Sliding Scale
  • • Insurance Accepted
  • • Donations Accepted
  • • Free HIV Testing
  • • Free STD Testing
  • • PrEP for uninsured

Learn More

Womens Community Clinic

Women and trans folks age 12 and up who are uninsured or qualify for Medicaid.

1735 Mission St, San Francisco, California 94103

1.57 mile

Tel: (415) 379-7800

Tel: (415) 252-7512


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

  • • Hepatitis C Testing
  • • Hepatitis B Testing
  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Herpes Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Rapid HIV Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Family Planning
  • • Substance Abuse Treatment
  • • Adult Hepatitis B Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis A Vaccine
  • • Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
  • • Human Papillomavirus Vaccine
  • • STD Treatment
  • • Primary Care

Prevention Services Offered

  • • STD Prevention/Education
  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
  • • HIV Test Counseling
  • • Condom Distribution

Support Services

  • • PrEP Navigation
  • • Case Management

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Medicaid Accepted
  • • Sliding Scale
  • • Donations Accepted
  • • Free HIV Testing
  • • PrEP for uninsured

Learn More

HealthRight 360 Lyon-Martin Health Services

HIV open to the general public. Other services for patients only. Office visits by appointment only.

1735 Mission St, San Francisco, California 94103

1.57 mile

Tel: (415) 565-7667


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

  • • Hepatitis A Testing
  • • Hepatitis C Testing
  • • Hepatitis B Testing
  • • TB Testing
  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Rapid HIV Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Family Planning
  • • Medication Adherence Education and Counseling
  • • Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
  • • STD Treatment
  • • TB Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

  • • TB Prevention/Education
  • • STD Prevention/Education
  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
  • • HIV Test Counseling
  • • Condom Distribution
  • • Harm Reduction

Support Services

  • • Support Groups
  • • Case Management

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Medicaid Accepted
  • • Medicare Accepted
  • • Sliding Scale

Learn More

San Francisco Health Network SFGH Family Health Center

995 Potrero Ave, Bldg 80 1st and 5th FL, San Francisco, California 94110

1.64 mile

Tel: (628) 206-5252


Appointment Required: No


Tests Offered

  • • Hepatitis A Testing
  • • Hepatitis C Testing
  • • Hepatitis B Testing
  • • TB Testing
  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Herpes Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Rapid HIV Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Medication Adherence Education and Counseling
  • • Adult Hepatitis B Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis A Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis B Treatment
  • • Hepatitis C Treatment
  • • HIV/AIDS Medical Treatment
  • • Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
  • • Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
  • • Human Papillomavirus Vaccine
  • • STD Treatment
  • • TB Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

  • • TB Prevention/Education
  • • STD Prevention/Education
  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
  • • HIV Test Counseling
  • • Hepatitis Prevention/Education

Support Services

  • • PrEP Navigation
  • • Case Management
  • • Drug Purchasing Assistance, including AIDS Drug Purchasing Assistance (ADAP)
  • • Ryan White Services

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Medicaid Accepted
  • • Sliding Scale
  • • Insurance Accepted
  • • PrEP for uninsured

Learn More

Do I have an STD?

Use our confidential STD symptom checker to get an idea of what STDs/STIs your symptoms align with and what STD tests are recommended to you.

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Which Method of STD Testing is Suitable for Me?

STD testing options in San Francisco, CA

Every sexually active individual must protect their sexual health. Regular STD testing is the only way to care for your sexual health. However, sometimes it becomes confusing to select the right testing method as there are so many options available. For your convenience, we have gathered information about all available STD testing methods in San Francisco, California. Check them out to find out which option is suitable for you.

Private testing (Walk-in clinic)

This is one of the most popular ways to get tested for STDs today. These tests combine the best of both worlds for convenience and accuracy. You will order the test online at home, but you can walk into a professional lab testing center to get tested.

Doctor's office

Another option is to simply visit your regular clinic and talk to your doctor.

At-home STD testing

If you do not want to visit a testing center, then a great alternative is an at-home test kit. You don’t even need to leave your house to get tested for STDs this way, which makes it the most discreet option. Everything is done through email and snail mail.

Community health centers and community clinics

One last option for STD testing is a trip to a free clinic. If you go to a public STD-testing clinic, then you may get a free or discounted test, depending on your financial situation.

Learn more in our ultimate guide to STD testing.

Are STD tests expensive in San Francisco, CA?

It can be, but it does not necessarily have to be. What many people need to understand is that laboratory tests would most often than not be relatively pricey due to the technology that is being utilized behind these diagnostic techniques. However, opting for specific laboratories that offer more convenient testing procedures and discounted prices for diagnostic tests would help ensure that the price will not be much of an issue in providing you with the conclusive diagnosis of your condition. It might take some independent scanning to find the right testing center for you in the most acceptable price range, but it is not as impossible as many people make it out to be.

How long does it usually take for results to come back for an STD test in San Francisco, CA?

Considering that a wide variety of testing kits and laboratory procedures can be performed to determine conclusively whether you have a particular STD or not, the time that it will take for your results to return will also be subject to the same inconsistency. Although there are specific laboratories that could produce your results even by the end of the day (albeit, it is extremely rare for institutions to do so unless necessary), most would often take a few days to a week before the results are either delivered or posted online through your secure personal profile (in the case of online transactions). In addition to that, the capability of the laboratory performing the test may also contribute to the overall timeframe of result delivery – causing delays in cases where there are several requests or understaffed to provide expedited results.

For more information, skip to the FAQs section on this page.

Test Advisor

Types of STD tests

Know all about STD testing options, and the costs of different STD tests.

STD testing FAQs

Although NAATs are well-known for their accuracy and sensitivity in detecting most STDs, it is also subject to certain inconsistencies, especially in the case of herpes infections. In Herpes, outbreaks often result in a relative increase in the patient’s viral load – leading to a timeline that usually has specific peaks at certain intervals instead of a consistent rise in viral load throughout. As such, sensitive tests such as NAATs are still unable to accurately diagnose herpes conditions, especially in cases where the patient has recently become asymptomatic and is currently between outbreaks. Other tests such as culture testing and type-specific virologic tests are often employed instead as a confirmatory diagnosis for the patient’s condition.

Standard STD testing can detect common sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, and hepatitis B and C. Additional tests may be required for less common STDs or specific situations.

It is recommended to get tested for STDs if you have had unprotected sexual contact, multiple sexual partners, or if you are experiencing symptoms associated with STDs. Additionally, regular testing is recommended as part of routine sexual health care, even in the absence of symptoms, especially for individuals who are sexually active.

Similar to what was previously mentioned, herpes infections are known for their recurring tendencies – causing outbreaks now and then and thus causing an intermittent spike in the patient’s viral load for specific instances. In addition to that, other STDs also take time to proliferate and produce a sufficient viral load that could warrant a positive and, more importantly, accurate diagnosis and detection from the tests being administered. As such, detecting an STD a few days following exposure is often complex and unpredictable – leading physicians to follow a certain timeframe instead for testing STDs instead of blindly testing immediately following exposure. Physical exams, however, may supplement inaccurate laboratory diagnoses, especially in cases where the test is prone to false results.

It would vary depending on the condition that is being tested. STDs behave differently due to the varying pathogenicity of each STD’s causative organism. In some instances, you can get accurately tested as early as two weeks following exposure, while some are intermittently inaccurate due to its recurrence (much like in the case of herpes infections). To avoid this, be sure to discuss the intricacies of the test with your physician to understand whether a particular test could provide you with a conclusive diagnosis or if it still needs another confirmatory test to establish its premise.

Concerned about an STD?

Help stop the spread of STDs by knowing your status. Get tested today!