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HIV Testing & PrEP in Southern California
Confidential HIV/STI testing, PrEP, and DoxyPEP with or without insurance and convenient care across five Southern California locations.
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Our Approach to HIV Testing and PrEP
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is medication that helps prevent HIV before exposure. It is available as a daily pill or a long-acting injectable, and when taken as prescribed, it is highly effective at reducing the risk of getting HIV.
HIV testing checks whether you have HIV and helps you understand your current HIV status. We offer rapid HIV testing, with results available in about 20 minutes, as well as conventional laboratory testing. Testing may use a blood sample or other testing methods depending on the test being performed.
HIV testing and PrEP are important parts of proactive sexual health care. Whether you want routine HIV screening, are considering PrEP, or need guidance after a potential exposure, SCMC provides confidential support and affordable options for patients with or without insurance.
If you're looking for confidential HIV testing or PrEP in El Monte, Long Beach, Woodland Hills, Van Nuys, or Pico Rivera, we have five convenient locations in Southern California.
What Is the Difference Between PrEP and PEP?
What Does HIV Testing & PrEP Include at SCMC?
- Rapid HIV testing with results in approximately 20 minutes
- Conventional laboratory HIV testing
- Free HIV testing
- HIV test counseling
- PrEP consultations and prescriptions
- PrEP navigation and enrollment support
- PrEP for patients without insurance
- PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis)
- Medication assistance through ADAP
- HIV case management
- STI screening alongside HIV testing
- Hepatitis B and C testing
- Condom distribution
When Should You Seek HIV Testing or PrEP?
Anyone who is sexually active can benefit from understanding their HIV status and discussing their individual risk factors with a healthcare provider. Because HIV may not cause noticeable symptoms, testing is an important way to identify an infection and begin appropriate care as early as possible.If you are HIV-negative and have ongoing risk of HIV exposure, PrEP may be an option worth discussing with a provider. We can help you understand whether PrEP is appropriate for you and which option may fit your needs.
Common Reasons Patients Seek HIV Testing or PrEP
- Having a partner who has HIV
- Condomless sex or other potential HIV exposure
- A new sexual partner or relationship
- A recent STI diagnosis
- Having multiple or anonymous sexual partners
- Sharing needles or injection equipment
- Routine or annual HIV screening
- Pregnancy or planning a pregnancy
- Starting or continuing PrEP
- Following a previous course of PEP
- Wanting additional protection against HIV
When to Seek Immediate Care
How SCMC Provides HIV Testing & PrEP
Comprehensive Care
HIV testing, treatment, prevention, and PrEP are part of SCMC's broader healthcare network. Patients can access HIV screening alongside STI testing and connect with providers for ongoing prevention, treatment, and support.
Affordable HIV Testing and PrEP
SCMC offers free HIV testing and affordable options for patients who need HIV prevention medication, such as PrEP or other sexual health services. Insurance options include Medi-Cal and other health plans, while uninsured patients may qualify for income-based assistance and sliding-scale care. Medication assistance through ADAP may also help eligible patients access HIV medications.
Convenient Southern California Locations
SCMC provides HIV testing and PrEP services across its Southern California network, with specific services varying by location. Patients can choose from five convenient locations in Van Nuys, Pico Rivera, Long Beach, El Monte, and Woodland Hills.
Confidential, Patient-Centered Support
Your sexual health is personal. We provide confidential HIV testing, PrEP consultations, and follow-up in a supportive environment. Multilingual assistance, transportation support, and care coordination help make it easier to access the services you need.
Who Can Receive HIV Testing & PrEP at SCMC?
Patients With Insurance
We accept Medi-Cal and other health insurance plans for eligible HIV testing, prevention, and healthcare services. Bring your insurance information to your visit so the team can verify your coverage and explain any applicable costs.
Patients Without Insurance
You do not need health insurance to ask about HIV testing or PrEP at SCMC. Free HIV testing and affordable options may be available, and eligible patients may qualify for sliding-scale services or medication assistance. We also serve individuals without insurance and regardless of immigration status. Cost or insurance concerns should not prevent you from asking about your healthcare options.
Adults, Young Adults & Teens
HIV testing and PrEP eligibility depend on individual circumstances, age, health history, and risk factors. We can help determine which services are appropriate for you.
What to Expect at Your HIV Testing or PrEP Visit
Before Your Visit
No referral is needed to ask about HIV testing or PrEP. Bring a photo ID and insurance card if you have one. If you're uninsured and want to explore sliding-scale options, you may also be asked for information about your household income. Appointments are recommended, but you should contact your preferred location to ask about walk-in or same-day availability.
During Your Visit
Our providers will discuss your health history, potential risk factors, and any questions you have about HIV prevention. Depending on your needs, testing may involve a blood sample or another approved testing method. If you're considering PrEP, your provider can discuss oral and injectable options, explain how PrEP works, and determine what monitoring or laboratory testing is appropriate.
After Your Visit
Rapid HIV testing can provide results in approximately 20 minutes, while conventional laboratory tests may take longer. Your results will be communicated confidentially. If you test positive for HIV, we can connect you with appropriate ongoing care and support. If you're starting PrEP, our provider will explain your follow-up schedule, monitoring, and medication refills.
HIV Testing & PrEP at Five Southern California Locations
Availability of specific services, including rapid testing, injectable PrEP, PEP, DoxyPEP, and medication assistance, may vary by location. Call ahead or book online to confirm the service you need at your preferred SCMC location.
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Frequently Asked Questions About HIV Testing & PrEP
Why Southern California Communities Trust Us for HIV Testing
- Free and Affordable Access: Free HIV testing and affordable options help make prevention and screening accessible.
- Five Southern California Locations: Convenient care in El Monte, Van Nuys, Woodland Hills, Pico Rivera, and Long Beach.
- Care in Your Language: Multilingual support helps patients communicate comfortably and understand their care.
- Confidential, Patient-Centered Care: HIV testing, PrEP consultations, and sexual health services are provided with privacy and respect.
Get HIV Testing or Start PrEP at Southern California Medical Center
Knowing your HIV status and understanding your prevention options can help you take an active role in your sexual health. SCMC provides confidential HIV testing, free HIV testing, PrEP, and related prevention services with affordable options for patients with or without insurance at five Southern California locations.
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We serve multinational and multicultural communities. We have a call team who can speak to you in Spanish, Khmer, Korean, Farsi, Hindi, Tagalog, and Armenian.
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