Confidential, low-cost, and free STD testing across California — compare clinics, labs, costs, and at-home options, and see how California's reported STI rates stack up against the West and the nation.
3,321 public & community clinics serve California. Below are 14 testing centers from California's largest cities — open any city for its full local list.
Listings tagged Community health center are federally funded health centers and rural clinics that treat everyone regardless of insurance or ability to pay — required to bill on a sliding fee scale and provide confidential care, and in many states minors may consent to their own STI testing. A Title X tag flags centers funded for confidential family-planning services; confirm current participation when you call.
Beyond the public testing sites above, these federally certified (CLIA) labs operate across California — each lab's town is shown on its card below. Many
test through a doctor's order or by appointment rather than walk-in, so call ahead to
confirm STD/STI testing and availability before visiting.
Source: CMS CLIA registry (Provider of Services), Q1 2026. Federal public records, filtered to active labs
certified for moderate-to-high-complexity testing — the level chlamydia/gonorrhea NAAT and syphilis serology
require — across California. Any star rating is the CMS Hospital Compare overall rating where the lab is a rated
hospital. Inclusion is not an endorsement and doesn't confirm a facility offers STD testing — always call to verify.
Test from home
At-home STD testing in California
if you'd rather skip the
trip, an at-home kit ships to California, you collect the sample privately, and mail it back to a CLIA-certified
lab. Results come online in days, with a clinician available if anything is positive. Same labs as a clinic,
no waiting room — and you can read how accurate at-home STD tests are before you order.
Want a free option first? The CDC-supported
TakeMeHome
program mails free at-home HIV self-test kits — and, in many areas, free STI kits — to your door, with no insurance or payment needed. The paid kits below add broader panels and faster turnaround.
Best range — couples & full panels
myLAB Box
$79 & up
Screens for:
Up to 14 infections — incl. HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis & herpes
Every kit uses CLIA-certified labs. At-home testing is for screening; a reactive result should be confirmed and
treated by a clinician. Prices and panels shown are illustrative and change often — confirm current details on
the provider's site.
About California
Getting tested in California
California offers testing for eight common STDs across its 58 counties and 4,068 cities. You can choose from 720 featured labs, 3,321 public clinics, and 10,203 pharmacies, as well as sliding‑scale community health centers and at‑home kits for every budget. Explore the list of clinics, city pages, and testing options below to find the right location for you.
Free & low-cost testing in all 58 counties · at-home kits ship statewide
Largest metros
Where most California testing demand concentrates — each has its own local guide.
State-level Census (ACS) figures that shape testing demand and access. Median age and income are population-weighted estimates.
Residents
38,965,193
Median age
38
Median income
$101,583
Below poverty
12%
College-educated
36%
Statewide data
STDs & HIV in California: the statewide picture
How reported STI rates across California compare with the West region and the United States, using the most recent CDC surveillance data. Data for all 58 counties feeds the county and city pages linked below. About 6.9% of California adults are uninsured — a key reason the free and low-cost testing options below matter.
An estimated ~28% of California residents are aged 15–34 (ACS) — the age group with the highest reported chlamydia and gonorrhea rates nationally, which is why testing access across the state matters.
California ranks #22 of 51 U.S. states & DC for chlamydia
Reported STD rates per 100,000 — California vs West vs U.S.
CaliforniaWestU.S.
Infection
California
West
United States
Chlamydia
491.1191,357 cases▼ 0%
458.2
492.2
Gonorrhea
190.274,103 cases▲ 6%
164.3
179.5
Syphilis (P&S)
16.36,348 cases▲ 3%
17.9
15.8
Syphilis (early)
19.17,430 cases▲ 19%
16.3
16
Syphilis (late/unknown)
46.718,190 cases▲ 58%
39.6
29.5
Rates per 100,000 population, latest year. Source: CDC NCHHSTP AtlasPlus (all-ages basis). Bars are scaled to the highest rate shown; the badge is each California rate versus the U.S. average.
Reported STD rates in California over time (per 100,000)
Chlamydia ▼ 1% vs 2022
Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
Syphilis (P&S)
Between 2020 and 2023 in California, chlamydia has risen from 451.9 to 491.1 per 100,000 (9%), gonorrhea has fallen from 198.4 to 190.2 per 100,000 (4%), and P&S syphilis has fallen from 19.4 to 16.3 per 100,000 (16%).
The 2020 dip reflects reduced pandemic-era screening, not lower transmission. Source: CDC NCHHSTP AtlasPlus.
Community health context
What shapes testing access in California
Adults uninsured
6.9%
Primary-care shortage counties
58 of 58
Public & community clinics
3,321
Pharmacies statewide
10,203
Social Vulnerability Index · California's counties average the 74th percentile nationally
Lower insurance coverage and a thin clinic-to-population ratio raise the value of free public clinics and confidential at-home testing across California (pop. 38,965,193). Sources: U.S. Census ACS (uninsured), HRSA & CDC NPIN (clinics), NPPES & OpenStreetMap (pharmacies), CDC/ATSDR SVI.
Statewide HIV snapshot
HIV in California (2023)
New diagnoses
14.9 / 100k
People living with HIV
140,985
On PrEP (coverage)
32.2%
Virally suppressed
67.5%
California HIV care continuum (2023)
California reports 14.9 new HIV diagnoses per 100,000 — above the U.S. rate of 13.7. The rate has risen19% since 2020.
Among California residents living with HIV, 87.4% know their status · 84.3% are linked to care · 75.4% are in care · 67.5% are virally suppressed.
On prevention, 32.2% of those who could benefit from PrEP are taking it (above the 31.3% national average).
Early, routine testing is what moves these numbers — it is the entry point to PrEP, treatment, and viral suppression.
Source: CDC NCHHSTP AtlasPlus. The CDC recommends everyone aged 13–64 test for HIV at least once — every clinic and lab listed above offers HIV testing.
Also screened
Viral hepatitis in California
Comprehensive panels also screen for hepatitis B and C, both sexually transmissible. Per 100,000, California vs U.S.
Hepatitis A (acute)
0.6U.S. 0.5
Hepatitis B (acute)
0.2U.S. 0.7
Hepatitis C (acute)
0.6U.S. 1.5
Congenital syphilis in California
Pregnant or planning to be?
Congenital syphilis — passed from parent to baby in pregnancy — is the fastest-rising STI in the country.
California reported 512 cases in 2023, up from 481 in 2020.
Nationally, cases climbed from 2,163 (2020) to 3,882 (2023).
It is almost entirely preventable with a syphilis test at the first prenatal visit.
Source: CDC NCHHSTP AtlasPlus, 2023.
How California's STD rates compare
California reported a chlamydia rate of 491.1 per 100,000 in its most recent surveillance year — 0% below the U.S. average of 492.2, and above the West regional rate of 458.2. Gonorrhea ran 190.2 per 100,000, and primary-and-secondary syphilis 16.3.
Among the 50 states and DC, California ranks #22 of 51 for chlamydia. Statewide chlamydia has risen 9% since 2020. The 2020 dip in the trend reflects reduced pandemic-era screening, not lower transmission — and because most STDs are silent, reported counts understate true spread.
California offers widespread testing access with varied cost options
California has 3,321 public clinics, 10,203 pharmacies, and 720 labs offering testing. Over 6.9% of residents are uninsured, but free public clinics and sliding-scale community health centers provide low-cost options. Pharmacies also distribute at-home testing kits, expanding accessibility across the state.
All 58 counties have at least one testing site, with pharmacies and public clinics serving rural and urban areas. Sliding-scale fees at community health centers ensure affordability for low-income residents. At-home kits from pharmacies allow self-testing, reducing barriers for uninsured individuals.
Testing costs vary by provider, but free services are available at public clinics and through state-funded programs. Pharmacies offer at-home kits at retail prices, while labs charge fees based on insurance coverage. The state’s extensive network ensures most residents can access testing within their financial means.
Young adults aged 15-34 face higher STI risks
California’s population aged 15–34 comprises 28.1% of residents, a group nationally linked to higher STI rates. While the 15–24 age range carries the highest reported STI rates nationally, data for California specifically highlights the 15–34 cohort as a priority for testing. State-level STI surveillance underscores the need for targeted prevention efforts in this demographic.
Guidelines recommend annual testing for those under 25, reflecting elevated risk in this age group. Individuals with new or multiple partners should test every 3 months. All Californians aged 13–64 are advised to undergo at least one HIV test, aligning with state public health priorities to ensure early detection and care.
Adhering to these guidelines is critical for reducing transmission. Regular testing intervals are based on behavioral and biological risk factors, not state-specific rates. California’s approach emphasizes accessibility, urging eligible individuals to follow recommended schedules regardless of perceived risk levels.
California offers widespread access to STD prevention resources
California provides STD prevention options including condoms, HPV and hepatitis B vaccinations, and HIV prevention medication (PrEP). Over 720 labs, 3,321 public clinics, and 10,203 pharmacies offer these services. These facilities ensure residents can access testing, vaccines, and preventive care across the state. Condoms are available at all provider types, while vaccines and PrEP require visits to clinics or pharmacies.
Public clinics and pharmacies serve as primary prevention points. With 3,321 clinics and 10,203 pharmacies, California’s infrastructure ensures broad reach. These locations provide free or low-cost services, including vaccinations and PrEP prescriptions. Featured labs also contribute to testing and prevention efforts, complementing the network of clinics and pharmacies. This density of providers reduces geographic barriers to care.
Residents are encouraged to use these resources for regular screenings and preventive measures. The state’s 720 labs, 3,321 clinics, and 10,203 pharmacies prioritize accessibility, aligning with public health goals to reduce STD transmission. Condoms, vaccines, and PrEP are available through these channels, supporting comprehensive sexual health strategies. Utilizing these services helps protect individual and community health outcomes.
Reported counts only capture people who got tested — and because most STDs cause no symptoms, real transmission runs higher than any surveillance number suggests, so California's below-average numbers are no reason to skip screening — consistent testing is what keeps them low.
Untreated, these infections do lasting damage: chlamydia and gonorrhea scar the reproductive system and cause infertility; syphilis can lead to stillbirth and organ damage; any active STI raises HIV risk. Caught early, almost all are curable or controllable with a single course of treatment.
Make it routine, not reactive: test as part of your annual check-up if you're sexually active, every three months with new or multiple partners, and before unprotected sex with a new partner. Since 2015 the CDC has urged insurers to cover annual screening for women under 25 at no cost.
Testing protects more than you: a silent infection passes to partners unknowingly. When California residents test on a schedule, the whole state's transmission drops — knowing your status is the single highest-leverage thing you can do.
Reference
STD testing guidelines for California
Two quick references for getting tested in California: the CDC's screening schedule (who should test, and how often) and the detection "window" for each infection (the earliest a test can reliably detect it). Select any infection to open its in-depth testing guide — every clinic and lab listed above for California screens for them.
Who should get tested, and how often
Based on current CDC screening recommendations.
Group
Tests
How often
Everyone aged 13–64
HIV
At least once
Sexually active women under 25
Chlamydia, gonorrhea
Every year
Women 25+ with new or multiple partners
Chlamydia, gonorrhea
Every year
Pregnant people
HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B & C, chlamydia
Early in pregnancy
Gay & bisexual men (MSM)
Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV
Every 3–6 months
Anyone who shares injection equipment
HIV, hepatitis B & C
At least yearly
All adults at least once
Hepatitis C
At least once
When to test: STD detection windows
Testing too early can return a false negative — confirm timing with a California-area provider.
These are the federal Medicare reference prices for processing each lab test. Public clinics and the
community health centers serving California often test free or on a sliding scale; private labs and at-home kits
bundle several tests into one fee. Use this as a per-test benchmark before you pay out of pocket, or see the full
guide to STD test costs for insurance, free, and at-home options.
Test
Reference price
CPT / HCPCS
Chlamydia (NAAT)
$47.80
87491
Gonorrhea (NAAT)
$47.80
87591
Trichomoniasis (NAAT)
$47.76
87661
HIV-1/2 antigen/antibody
$79.20
87389
HIV-1/2 antibody
$22.44
86703
Syphilis (RPR/VDRL)
$5.61
86592
Syphilis (treponemal antibody)
$17.49
86780
Herpes (HSV NAAT)
$47.76
87529
Hepatitis B surface antigen
$15.33
87340
Hepatitis C antibody
$29.16
86803
Source: Medicare Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule, CMS — 2025 rates (data.cms.gov). Reference rate for the lab assay only — a clinic visit, sample collection, or a
bundled multi-test panel may cost more. Medicaid and most insurers cover STD screening at no out-of-pocket cost.
Privacy
Confidentiality & consent in California
The questions California residents ask most before testing, answered under California law — which sets confidentiality and consent the same way statewide. Prefer to keep your name off the record? See our guide to anonymous STD testing.
Can a minor consent?
In California, minors aged 12 and older can consent to confidential STI testing and treatment on their own — no parental permission is required.
Will it show on my insurance?
If you use health insurance, an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) may be mailed to the policyholder. Under HIPAA you can ask your insurer in writing to send communications confidentially. To keep a test fully private, choose a self-pay private lab, an at-home kit, or a public health clinic — none of these bill your insurance.
Anonymous & no-insurance options
Public health clinics and at-home kits let you test without involving insurance or your regular doctor. Many California health departments offer free or low-cost STI testing, and several sites provide anonymous HIV testing.
Can my partner be treated too?
Yes. California permits Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT): if you test positive for chlamydia or gonorrhea, your provider can give you medication to pass to your partner — no separate exam or appointment needed for them.
Source: Guttmacher Institute — Minors' Access to STI Services; HIPAA 45 CFR 164.522; CDC — Legal Status of Expedited Partner Therapy (last updated Jul 2025). General information, not legal advice.
Prevention & treatment
PrEP, prevention & online treatment
Testing is one step. For residents of California, telehealth covers the rest of the picture — HIV-prevention
medication (PrEP) and DoxyPEP to lower future risk, and discreet online treatment if a result comes back
positive. All prescribed by licensed U.S. clinicians.
Prevent (PrEP & DoxyPEP)
Daily or on-demand medication that prevents HIV — and DoxyPEP, which lowers the risk of syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Mistr
Free online PrEP & DoxyPEP — HIV prevention, home lab kits, no in-person visit
Pricing varies by insurance and changes often — confirm on the provider's site. These services are not a
substitute for emergency care.
Browse by city
STD testing in every California city
Choose your city for the local picture — nearby clinics, lab prices, county STI rates, and at-home kits shipped to your door. We cover all 4,068 California cities and towns; the largest are below.
Answers to the questions people ask most before getting tested.
How much does STD testing cost in California?
In California, testing is free at public clinics. A single test starts at $24, and a full panel costs about $139. At-home kits range from $99 to $209. These prices vary by provider and insurance coverage.
Where can I get tested for STDs across California?
You can get tested at 3,321 public clinics, 10,203 pharmacies, 720 featured labs, or through at-home kits. Many options offer confidential results, and pharmacies are available in all 58 counties.
How many testing options are available in California?
California has 720 featured labs, 3,321 public clinics, and 10,203 pharmacies offering STD testing. At-home kits are also shipped statewide, ensuring access in all 4,068 cities and 58 counties.
Are there free or low-cost options for uninsured people in California?
Yes, 6.9% of Californians are uninsured, and many clinics offer sliding-scale fees. Free testing is available at public health departments, and some pharmacies provide affordable care for those without insurance.
Is my STD test result private in California?
Results are confidential and not shared without your consent. At-home kits offer the most privacy, while public clinics and labs also maintain strict confidentiality under California law.
Can minors get STD testing without parental consent in California?
In California, people under 18 can consent to confidential STD testing and treatment on their own. This law applies statewide, ensuring minors can seek care without involving parents.
Why should I get tested for STDs even if I have no symptoms?
Many STDs like chlamydia have no symptoms but can cause serious health issues if untreated. California’s chlamydia rate is 491.1 per 100,000 people, highlighting the importance of regular screening.
What STDs does a standard test panel cover in California?
A standard panel checks for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis. These tests are recommended by the CDC and widely available through California’s public health providers.
How do at-home STD tests work in California?
At-home kits ship statewide and include instructions for sample collection. Results are typically ready in 1–2 days, and telehealth treatment is available through some providers if needed.
How does California’s chlamydia rate compare to the U.S.?
California’s chlamydia rate is 491.1 per 100,000 people, slightly lower than the U.S. average of 492.2. The state’s rate has remained stable over the past three years.
How often should I get tested for STDs in California?
The CDC recommends annual testing for those under 25, and every 3 months if you have new or multiple partners. California’s public clinics follow these guidelines to ensure early detection.
Editorial standards
Reviewed by EasySTD Editorial Team · Updated
How we rank, source & review
Full transparency on how this California testing guide is built and kept accurate.
How we rank clinics
Vetted partner labs (clearly marked Sponsored) are pinned first; every other center is listed free of charge and ordered by proximity, then verified review score. We never hide or down-rank a free public clinic.
How we source data
Clinic details come from official provider directories; STI rates, demographics, and community-health figures from the CDC, U.S. Census Bureau, and County Health Rankings — each cited in Sources.
Affiliate disclosure
EasySTD may earn a commission when you book through a partner lab. That never changes which free or public options we show, or the order we show them in.
