Lia CabreraTaking care of your sexual health should be straightforward, especially when you need fast, confidential results. Routine testing can provide peace of mind, whether you’re addressing a specific concern or simply staying on top of your health.
Many people already invest in their overall well-being through visits to psychotherapists or relaxation practices like hypnotherapy. Sexual health deserves the same level of consistent attention.
To make the process easier, we have rounded up the top places for STD testing in San Diego. We focused on discreet, reliable, and judgment-free care that fits a range of needs and lifestyles.
How much does STD testing cost in San Diego?
STD testing in San Diego generally costs $40 to $400+ out-of-pocket, depending on the clinic, the number of tests needed, and your income or insurance coverage.
| Service Provider/Type | Average Cost |
| County Sexual Health Clinics | $40 (waivable if unable to pay) |
| Private Labs (e.g., ARCpoint Labs) | $49 to $289+ |
| Planned Parenthood | $0 to $200+ (sliding scale available) |
| Insured Visits | Varies by copay and coverage |
1. Progressive Health Services
Website: https://www.progressivehealth.org/
Address: 8880 Rio San Diego Drive, Suite 800, San Diego, California 92108
Contact: 619-260-0810
Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (By Appointment Only, No Walk-In Services)
Progressive Health Services stands out to me for how they combine fast testing with a more holistic, patient-centered approach.
We like that they offer rapid HIV testing with results in about 15 minutes, along with fairly comprehensive 10-to-11-panel STD screenings. This gives you broad coverage even if you don’t have symptoms.
We also spoke with someone who visited their San Diego location, and they said the LGBTQ+ inclusive environment really helped reduce the anxiety they usually feel during medical visits.
It’s also nice that the nonprofit setup seems more focused on education and patient support rather than rushing appointments.
That said, they don’t accept a wide range of insurance billing. You’ll likely end up paying out-of-pocket, which may not be ideal for everyone.
Very kind, efficient, knowledgeable
I have gone to Progressive Health Services for many years and
always had a positive experience. Their staff are very kind, efficient, knowledgeable and go above and beyond to make sure your problem is solved as quickly as possible.
I could not have placed my well-being in better hands.
D. Dean | Google Review
I was extremely impressed with the professionalism
I, like many women, really am extremely uncomfortable having pelvic exams. A friend told me about Progressive Health Services and I took their advice. Not only was I extremely comfortable during the exam, I was extremely impressed with the professionalism and quickness of the process. I highly recommend Progressive Health Services.
Jeanette Kangas | Google Review
2. CAPS Pregnancy + Medical Clinics
Website: https://capspregnancyclinics.org/
Address: 6663 El Cajon Boulevard, Suite L, San Diego, CA 92115
Contact: 619-603-0455
Hours: Monday & Thursday 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Tuesday & Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
CAPS Pregnancy + Medical Clinics feels like a really accessible option for people who are trying to manage sexual health without the financial stress.
They offer low-cost to even free STD testing and follow a “no one turned away due to inability to pay” policy. This makes care feel more open and available to more people.
They also combine STD screening with broader reproductive health services, so you can take care of multiple needs in a single confidential visit.
And because they primarily serve low-income and uninsured patients, the overall environment seems very focused on compassion and support.
We also like that they have multiple locations and evening hours, which makes scheduling a lot more convenient.
Just note that some patients have experienced occasional inconsistencies in communication style, including unexpected spiritual or religious discussions. If you prefer a strictly clinical experience, it may be worth setting clear boundaries early in the visit.
3. ARCpoint Labs of San Diego
Website: https://www.arcpointlabs.com/san-diego/
Address: 3434 Midway Dr Ste 1004 San Diego, CA 92110
Contact: (619) 963-2105
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
ARCpoint Labs of San Diego is a very structured, clinical option for people who want lab-grade testing without the unpredictability of a walk-in clinic.
They offer comprehensive STD panels alongside other diagnostics like thyroid and allergy testing, which makes it easier to bundle multiple health needs in one place.
I helped a friend try their services last year, and the workflow stood out to me. The process from sample collection to receiving results through a secure online portal felt very streamlined and efficient.
It’s also a plus that they accept HSA and FSA payments, which gives insured patients more flexibility when it comes to covering costs.
But keep in mind that they follow a strict appointment-only system. You don’t get the convenience of walk-in testing like you would at an urgent care clinic.
Still, they’re a strong option if you prefer privacy, structure, and highly accurate lab-processed results.
Accurate, reliable, confidential testing
Wonderful blood draw encounter. ARCpoint Labs agent Nadine was outstanding! Clean facilities. Not crowded. Easy to find the location. Highly recommend ARCpoint Labs San Diego for accurate, reliable, confidential testing.
LeRoy Acosta | Google Review
For anyone needing testing services!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I had a great experience at ArcPoint Labs today. The technician was outstanding—professional, efficient, and made the entire process smooth and comfortable. You can tell he takes pride in his work and really knows what he’s doing. I was in and out quickly, and everything was handled with care and respect. Highly recommend this location for anyone needing testing services!
Raymond Wissing | Google Review
4. AFC Urgent Care Mission Valley
Website: https://www.afcurgentcare.com/mission-valley/
Address: 8590 Rio San Diego Drive Suite 111, San Diego, CA 92108
Contact: (619) 736-4600
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Saturday-Sunday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
AFC Urgent Care Mission Valley is a good fit if you need STD testing quickly and don’t want to deal with scheduling delays.
We really like that they allow walk-ins. It makes it easier to get answers when something feels urgent.
They also work with most major insurance plans and have on-site labs, so results tend to come back faster than places that send samples out for processing.
What we also find useful is that everything is handled in one place. You can get tested, review results, and even start treatment if needed without having to bounce between different facilities.
However, the convenience can come with long and sometimes unpredictable wait times, especially since the lobby can get pretty busy.
But if you’re okay with possibly waiting a bit, their weekend availability and walk-in setup make them a very practical option.
Passionate about helping people
This urgent care facility is the best I have been to. The staff is patient, kind, and attentive. It is clear to me that they are passionate about helping people, and do their job effectively and efficiently. I had my blood drawn by Sierra and she was very careful and kind when she did so. 100% recommend.
Jose Contreras | Google Review
Very attentive and address my concerns
This was an awesome visit. The staff was great. The nurse who drew blood was awesome!!! I noticed, she didn’t push the needle deep into my vein causing additional pain. The doctor answered all of questions. He was very attentive and address6my concerns. I left feeling that I was in good hands. The wait was a little long, but worth the time I waited. The front desk receptionist let me know there was a couple of urgent patients and I would be seen as song as possible. Overall, an awesome visit.
Raif Michales | Google Review
5. The San Diego LGBT Community Center
Website: https://thecentersd.org/
Address: 3909 Centre Street, San Diego, CA 92103
Contact: 619-692-2077
Hours: Monday-Friday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
San Diego LGBT Community Center is a community-based nonprofit that offers a really supportive, sex-positive environment that makes routine health checks feel less intimidating.
They offer free STD and rapid HIV testing in a stigma-free setting, which can make a big difference for people who might otherwise avoid getting tested.
They also provide broader support around PrEP navigation and long-term HIV prevention.
They can sometimes offer walk-in testing depending on daily staffing, which adds flexibility when appointments aren’t available.
We also like that results can come back in as little as about 20 minutes, especially at no cost, which is incredibly helpful for quick peace of mind.
We did hear some reports of inconsistencies in communication, with occasional interactions feeling disorganized.
That said, the overall accessibility and supportive focus still make it a very important resource for the community.
