Brianna HarrisonWorried about your sexual health and want to get tested safely? We can help – we’ve rounded up the best STD testing clinics in Toronto for today’s article.
Even if you’re just doing a regular check-up to ensure everything is fine, these clinics should be capable of helping you. But first, let’s talk about the cost of getting tested!
The Cost of STD Testing in Toronto
If you have your provincial health card, STD testing is basically free. It’s free in sexual clinics, community centers, and family doctors’ offices.
In instances where your parents keep your health card (for young patients), some clinics may offer these services without a card. Don’t worry because they’re usually aware of these matters but you do have to check ahead of time.
The Top STD Testing Clinics in Toronto
For matters like this, we just want you to feel safe and comfortable throughout your experience. So, we reached out to past patients of these clinics to gain insights on how comfortable and respectful the entire experience for them was.
Note that this list is composed of non-government-funded clinics and community centers. As long as you have a health card, you can basically get any kind of STD testing for free.
1. Hassle Free Clinic
Hassle Free Clinic provides free testing and counseling services on sexual health concerns. This specialized LGBTQ clinic serves patients of all genders and sexualities.
Some of the services they offer are standard STD testing and treatment. For women/trans, there are more services available such as pap tests and treatments for genital warts and molluscum.
As for counseling services, their programs range from safe sex counseling to sexuality counseling. There’s also crisis support for victims of domestic violence or sexual assault.
On top of these services, the clinic has various HIV testing options with pre-and post-test counseling. You can get an anonymous HIV test here either via rapid on-site testing or MOH lab testing.
If you’re not comfortable with in-clinic HIV tests, we appreciate that you can order a self-test kit from them. These kits are approved by Health Canada and can be received through the mail or pick up.
Pros
- Offers a wide range of testing, treatment, and counseling services
- Various anonymous HIV testing options available
- Specialized LGBTQ clinic
- HIV self-test kits available via mail or pick up
Cons
- Clinical services are consolidated into one clinic due to COVID
- Can be difficult to contact or follow up
Customer Reviews
Welcoming and comfortable experience
They were very nice & welcoming… I didn’t feel as uncomfortable as I thought I would. I’ll be honest – I was anxious at first I was going to get asked personal questions at the front desk with people sitting right behind me, but that’s done inside closed rooms with professionals which was relieving. You just fill out a form first. I’m grateful this clinic exists and for everything they do. – Jonathan Lim
A safe and friendly space for LGBTQ
I had an amazing experience. The staff were all patient and helpful and very respectful. There was a strong focus on harm reduction and education, which is absolutely fantastic and wildly helpful. The doctor was very clear about what the tests would involve and made sure to check in that I was up for it. The wait was incredibly long and the place fills to the day’s capacity shortly after opening. But given the space they create for people, I see why it’s so popular. Definitely a very LGBTQ+ friendly space – Chase Gotfryd
2. Planned Parenthood Toronto
Planned Parenthood is a community health center made for the youth in Toronto. They offer a range of services and programs in the areas of sexual health and well-being.
This sex-positive center offers to test for various STDs. This includes infections such as trichomoniasis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and herpes.
Some of the tests may involve urine tests and blood draws, as expected. You may also expect throat, vaginal, or rectum swabs as well as visual examinations.
Anonymous HIV testing is also offered here with two options, which is good. One is a standard HIV test and the other is the Rapid Point-of-Care (POC) test.
Apart from sexual health matters, you can also come to the center for other youth-centered programs. They’re a great place for those struggling with mental health and overall health.
Pros
- Offers testing and treatment of various STDs
- Clients can receive healthcare even without a health card
- Clients can bring a support person into the appointment and exam room
- Scent-free clinic to avoid a headache, dizziness, etc.
- Youth-centered, LGBTQ-friendly, and sex-positive clinic
Cons
- Difficult to get an appointment
- Results may take a while depending on the test
Customer Reviews
A safe place for everyone
The doctor I saw today was so kind and attentive. The staff there are also lovely. I love and respect what they do for folks. It’s a safe place that offers so much for free or at a low cost. – Agnes Daeun
Knowledgeable and reassuring
The doctors here are fantastic, particularly Dr. Wendy! They explain everything that’s happened, why it might’ve happened, and how to prevent an issue from occurring again. Also give you lots of time to ask questions yourself, and constantly reassure that you know what’s going on. – Jason Alejandro Triscot
3. IWHC Toronto
IWHC Toronto offers free sexual health clinical services to clients of all genders. Their all-female staff can deal with a wide variety of issues in a safe, non-judgemental clinic.
Their clinical services include STI testing, treatment, and counseling. They can deal with various infections such as HPV and syphilis.
HIV testing is also available here with a nominal counseling service. In addition to this, they also provide pap smear tests and other services concerning pregnancies.
What sets this clinic apart is that it can serve various cultures. They even provide translations in Italian, Korean, Filipino, Spanish, Portuguese, and Mandarin.
Note that all the services here are by-appointment-only as of writing. Appointment times can be limited so it’s advisable to book as early as possible.
Pros
- Services covered by health card in any province
- Can serve clients even without a health card
- Multilingual staff on-board
- All-female staff
- Serves clients of all genders and cultural backgrounds
Cons
- Difficult to book an appointment
Customer Reviews
Gentle and professional service
I had a great experience at IWHC Toronto. The doctor was very gentle during my Pap test. The counselor that talked to me before the doctor was very nice and professional. The wait is totally worth. Thanks for the amazing services you provide.
Non-judgmental and comfortable clinic
Great clinic. Clean, courteous, non-judgmental. Waited three hours having arrived at 1pm. Had a book with me. Waiting room is very comfy. If you are in line when the clinic opens, your wait will be shorter. – Denise Pinto
4. SAFER SIX – Sexual Health Clinic
Safer Six is a gender-inclusive clinic located in West Toronto. Their clinic is designed to encourage testing among people of all genders and sexualities.
The clinic offers a wide range of testing and treatment services, all covered by health card. If you do not have one, though, you can discuss other options with them.
Some of the infections they test and treat are bacterial vaginosis, gonorrhea, syphilis, and – chlamydia. They also do HIV rapid testing for clients.
If you’re diagnosed with an STD, they’ll contact you immediately for a follow-up. Then they’ll arrange your treatment process to deal with the infection.
Apart from the mentioned services, they also offer birth control and early pregnancy options. Just note that their clinic hours are fairly limited so you need to book early.
Pros
- Offers a space safe for all genders
- Immediate follow-ups for treatment upon diagnosis
- Other options available for those without a health card
- Can treat and test a wide range of STDs
- Easy and confidential online booking process
- Prompt sending of results via email
Cons
- Limited clinic hours
Customer Reviews
Promotes a safe and inclusive safe
I recently used Safer Six for the first time after discovering them through Instagram and I’m very happy I found them. Their online booking process made it easy to book my appointment and the clinic hours are very work schedule friendly. The staff were kind and professional and promote a safe and inclusive space. I appreciate their follow up’s, they were timely and thorough and start to finish had a very positive experience with Safer Six. – Liz Clark
Professional service minus the hassle
I cannot recommend Safer Six more. I’ve gone a few times now and every visit was hassle free, and I felt the most comfortable I’ve ever felt at a clinic. Dr Bennett made me feel at ease and appeased whatever concerns I had with professionalism and kindness. They also make it very easy to book appointments online and results are sent by email promptly. Definitely will book again! – Sylvie Aucoin
5. Birth Control and Sexual Health Centre
Birth Control and Sexual Health Centre is open for all genders and has no age limit. They provide a wide range of services including STI testing and treatment and anonymous HIV testing.
Ontario cards are not required in this clinic, so services are all free. All of their doctors are also women, which can be more comfortable for a lot of clients (or otherwise, of course, depending on you).
The clinic performs STI testing for gonorrhea, vaginal infections, herpes, syphilis, and more. They also do pap tests to find out if a patient has cervical cancer.
Depending on the test, it will take them up to one week to give you the results. You can receive the news via phone or pick up a copy of it at the clinic.
If you do have an STI, treatment with them is also free. Plus, they also offer counseling services for these matters.
Pros
- No health card required
- Free STI testing and treatment
- All doctors are female
- Option to get a copy of your results at the clinic
Cons
- Difficult to book due to limited availability
Customer Reviews
A positive experience
Really good experience. I called to see if they would take me same day and the receptionist inquired about what was going on and worked something out for a quick check in as it was a bit urgent. The doctor took her time & was patient and listened to what I had to say. Really glad I decided to come here! – Marzipin
Gives great comfort to clients
I have visited a few different female doctors at this centre, and with each visit I had, the staff and the female doctors were very attentive and gave me what I needed in the comfort that I had wished. I am going onto my second year of going to this centre, and I am grateful that I have found it. – Kelly
FAQs About STD Testing in Toronto
Your sexual health matters and it’s one of the things you must prioritize in your life, especially if you’re sexually active. Make sure the rest of your overall health is well-maintained by looking through some of our reviews:
