STD Testing in Washington

Getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can help you catch infections early, protect your partners, and start treatment before complications develop. Many STDs cause mild or no symptoms at all, which means regular STD testing is the most reliable way to know your status.

Washington continues to see significant STD activity. According to the CDC’s 2023 STI Surveillance Report, Washington ranks 13th in the nation for primary and secondary syphilis, with 1,665 reported cases and a rate of 21.3 per 100,000 people. The state ranks 34th for gonorrhea and 42nd for chlamydia, both below the national average. However, syphilis rates have nearly doubled since 2020, reflecting a trend that health officials across the country are closely monitoring.

Many STDs are curable with antibiotics or other treatments. For those that are not curable, treatments can help manage symptoms and lower the risk of transmission. Testing is quick, often confidential, and available at low or no cost through community health centers across the state. If you prefer to test from home, an at-home STD test may be a convenient option.

STD Trends in Washington

Washington’s STD rates are shaped by a combination of factors, including gaps in health care access, substance use, housing instability, and barriers to routine screening. Chlamydia remains the most commonly reported STD, while syphilis has seen the sharpest rise. The table below shows how the state compares nationally based on the most recent CDC surveillance data.

Source: CDC 2023 STI Surveillance Report, State Ranking Tables

One consequence of rising syphilis rates is an increase in congenital syphilis, which occurs when syphilis is passed from a pregnant person to their baby during pregnancy. Washington reported 57 cases of congenital syphilis in 2023, up from 10 cases in 2020. Early syphilis screening during pregnancy is critical to preventing transmission.

Who Should Get Tested and How Often

If you are sexually active, you are at risk for STDs. The CDC recommends routine screening based on your age, sex, sexual behavior, and other risk factors. Common screenings include a chlamydia test, gonorrhea test, HIV test, and syphilis test. Talk to your health care provider about what testing schedule is right for you. Here are the general guidelines:

 

STD Testing in Washington:

Free and Low-Cost STD Testing in Washington

Community-based testing organizations help expand access to sexual health services by offering affordable, confidential testing and treatment. If cost, insurance coverage, or privacy is a concern, one of these resources may be a good fit. Availability and hours vary, so call ahead to confirm services.

Auburn Public Health Center

  • 901 Auburn Way N., Suite A, Auburn, WA 98002
  • Phone: (206) 477-0600
  • Website: https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dph
  • Offers free STD testing for teens and adults. Interpreters are available with advance notice.

Country Doctor Community Health Centers

  • 2101 E. Yesler Way, Seattle, WA 98122
  • Phone: (206) 299-1900
  • Website: https://www.countrydoctor.org/
  • Provides STD and HIV testing, treatment, and counseling services on a sliding-scale basis.

Public Health Sexual Health Clinic at Harborview

  • Harborview Medical Center, 325 Ninth Ave., Seattle, WA 98104
  • Phone: (206) 744-3590
  • Website: https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dph
  • Operated by Seattle & King County Public Health. Offers walk-in and appointment-based STD and HIV testing and treatment.

Gay City Wellness Center

  • 517 E. Pike St., Seattle, WA 98122
  • Phone: (206) 860-6969
  • Website: https://www.gaycity.org/wellness/
  • LGBTQ-focused community health center offering free HIV and STD testing, counseling, and support services.

Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department STI Clinic

Sea Mar Community Health Centers

  • Multiple locations in Tacoma, Puyallup, and throughout Washington
  • Phone: (253) 864-4550 (Puyallup location)
  • Website: https://www.seamar.org/
  • Federally qualified health center offering STD testing and treatment on a sliding-fee scale at locations across the state.

Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest (Olympia Health Center)

Community Action Program (CAP) STD Clinic

  • 100 E. 33rd St., Suite 201A, Vancouver, WA 98663
  • Phone: (360) 986-3500
  • Website: https://www.capnw.org/get-tested
  • Offers free and confidential STD testing by appointment. Serves Clark County residents.

Spokane Regional Health District

Planned Parenthood of Greater Washington and North Idaho

Frequently Asked Questions About STD Testing in Washington

How much does STD testing cost in Washington?

The cost of STD testing in Washington depends on where you go and what tests you need. A full STD panel typically covers HIV, herpes, hepatitis B and hepatitis C, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Many community clinics offer free or sliding-scale testing based on income, and some Washington health departments provide no-cost screening for qualifying patients. For the most up-to-date pricing, visit your nearest city testing page or explore at-home STD test kits for convenient options you can order online.

Where can I get free STD testing in Washington?

Several organizations across Washington offer free or low-cost STD testing. In the Seattle area, the Auburn Public Health Center and the Public Health Sexual Health Clinic at Harborview provide free screening. In Tacoma, the Pierce County Health Department offers appointment-based STI services. In Vancouver, the Community Action Program (CAP) STD Clinic provides free, confidential testing. Spokane Regional Health District serves eastern Washington, and Planned Parenthood of Greater Washington and North Idaho offers free STI testing at all of its health centers statewide.

Does insurance cover STD testing in Washington?

Most private and public health insurance plans in Washington cover at least some STD testing, especially when it is recommended by your health care provider or part of a routine screening. Under the Affordable Care Act, many preventive STD screenings are covered with no out-of-pocket cost. Washington’s Medicaid program (Apple Health) also covers STD testing. Contact your insurance provider or clinic ahead of time to confirm what your plan covers and whether a copay applies.

Can you get STD tested at an urgent care clinic in Washington?

Yes, many urgent care clinics in Washington offer STD testing, including tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, and syphilis. Walk-in availability and the specific tests offered vary by location, so it is a good idea to call ahead. Keep in mind that urgent care visits may cost more than community health clinics, especially without insurance. If cost is a concern, a community health center or county health department may be a more affordable option.

How long does it take to get STD test results in Washington?

Turnaround times depend on the type of test and where you get tested. Rapid HIV tests can provide results in about 20 to 30 minutes. Other tests, including those for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, typically take one to five business days when sent to a lab. At-home test kits generally take three to five business days after your sample reaches the lab. If you are unsure about timing, read our guide on how long to wait to test for STDs after potential exposure.

Is STD testing confidential in Washington?

Yes. In Washington, STD test results are protected health information and are subject to both state and federal privacy laws, including HIPAA. Your results are shared only with you and your health care provider unless you give written consent. Some clinics offer anonymous HIV testing, where your name is not recorded at all. If privacy is a priority, ask your clinic about their confidentiality policies before your visit.

Which STDs are most common in Washington?

Chlamydia is the most frequently reported STD in Washington, with 27,687 cases reported in 2023 at a rate of 354.4 per 100,000 people. Gonorrhea is the second most reported, with 10,129 cases. Primary and secondary syphilis has seen the sharpest increase, with 1,665 cases in 2023, nearly double the 836 cases reported in 2020. Washington now ranks 13th nationally for syphilis, making it one of the state’s most pressing sexual health concerns. Other common STDs statewide include HPV and herpes.

STD Resources in Washington

Learn more about STDs and the signs and symptoms that you might have contracted an STD. Numerous authoritative resources at the state and national levels provide valuable information about the most common STDs, testing procedures, and prevention.