Public STI clinic
Need the clearest low-cost local route?
Start with Louisville Metro Specialty Clinic for city-run STI testing, diagnosis, treatment, and the most concrete posted public-clinic pricing in Louisville.
See Louisville Metro detailsDaily city guide
Free, Low-Cost & Private STD Testing in Louisville, KY
Looking for STD testing in Louisville? Start by comparing Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness Specialty Clinic, Family Health Centers, Kentucky HIV self-testing resources, and private lab testing based on cost, privacy, scheduling, symptoms, and whether you may need treatment or follow-up.
Louisville Metro remains a practical public-health starting point, while Family Health Centers can be a better fit when sliding-fee primary care, HIV prevention, medication help, or broader follow-up is needed.
If you may need PEP after a recent HIV exposure, or if you have pelvic pain, testicular pain, sores, fever, a concerning rash, or pregnancy-related concerns, do not rely on routine screening alone. Use in-person medical care promptly.
Source-checked city guide
Written by
STD Test Options Editorial Team
Editorial review
Editorially reviewed against official public-health, clinic, and provider sources where available.
Sources checked
5 source listings and 4 clinic/resource listings. Availability, cost, hours, and appointment rules can change.
Medical review
Not medically reviewed. This guide is informational and is not medical advice.
Quick answer: Where should you get STD testing in Louisville?
In Louisville, the best starting point depends on whether you need a city STI clinic, sliding-fee follow-up care, a private HIV self-test, or a private self-pay lab route:
- Official public STI clinic: Start with Louisville Metro Specialty Clinic at 914 E. Broadway, Suite 102 for STI testing, diagnosis, treatment, and posted public-clinic fees.
- Lowest-cost local details: CDC GetTested lists free HIV testing for Louisville Metro Specialty Clinic. Ask the clinic to confirm current Fast Track or Express fees, office-visit charges, and follow-up pricing before you go.
- Sliding-fee primary care and HIV support: Use Family Health Centers when STI/HIV testing should connect to income-based discounts, primary care, homelessness services, Promise Program support, or PrEP/PEP guidance.
- At-home HIV only: Kentucky CHFS points to HIV self-testing and Together TakeMeHome, but the state page says the HIV self-test does not test for other STDs or STIs.
- Privacy questions: If privacy matters, ask before testing how results are shared, whether insurance will be billed, whether an explanation of benefits could be sent to the policyholder, and whether treatment or follow-up can stay in the same clinic system.
- Recent HIV exposure or urgent symptoms: Do not wait on routine testing alone if you may need PEP after a recent HIV exposure or if you have severe pain, pelvic pain, testicular pain, sores, fever, or a rapidly changing rash. Seek prompt in-person medical care.
Free or low-cost clinics in Louisville
These listings are starting points, not guarantees of availability or price. Call before visiting because hours, eligibility, walk-in availability, and fees can change.
| Clinic | Address | Tests listed | Cost / eligibility | Appointment | Last checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness Specialty Clinic | 914 E. Broadway, Suite 102, Louisville, KY 40204 | CDC GetTested and Louisville Metro search-result text support STI testing, diagnosis, and treatment, with local public-health services tied to HIV testing and prevention resources. Confirm the exact current testing menu when you call. | CDC lists free HIV testing plus fee, insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, and sliding-scale options. Call to confirm current Fast Track or Express fees, office-visit charges, follow-up pricing, and costs for symptom-based visits before you go. | Call 502-574-6699. CDC GetTested lists appointments as required, so verify whether routine testing is currently walk-in or scheduled and whether exams or treatment need a separate appointment. | 2026-06-02 |
| Family Health Centers Phoenix Health Care for the Homeless | 712 E. Muhammad Ali Blvd., Louisville, KY 40202 | CDC GetTested lists HIV blood draw, hepatitis A/B/C, herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis testing. Family Health Centers also lists adult primary care, homeless services, Promise Program support, and pharmacy services at the Phoenix location. | CDC lists sliding-scale or payment options. Family Health Centers publishes a sliding-fee scale based on income and family size; the lowest pay class lists a $25 medical visit including labs. | Call 502-568-6972. CDC lists appointments as required. Family Health Centers lists Monday-Friday 7:30 am-4:00 pm hours for the Phoenix location. | 2026-06-02 |
| Family Health Centers Promise Program and Immediate Care | Family Health Centers locations in Louisville; call the Promise Program or Immediate Care line for current site guidance | Family Health Centers Promise Program lists help obtaining HIV testing, PrEP/PEP services, HIV treatment, medication assistance, insurance help, appointments, and interpreter services. Family Health Centers Immediate Care lists STI testing, including HIV testing, and PEP for HIV exposure. | Family Health Centers uses its sliding-fee program for eligible patients based on income and family size; verify current discounts, insurance handling, and proof-of-income requirements before the visit. | Promise Program contact: 502-772-8145. Immediate Care or same-day appointment line: 502-774-8631. | 2026-06-02 |
| Kentucky HIV self-testing / Together TakeMeHome | Mail-order HIV self-test resources for eligible Kentucky users | Kentucky CHFS describes HIV self-testing that can be used at home, with results in about 20 minutes, and links to free HIV tests through Together TakeMeHome. | Kentucky CHFS says free tests may be ordered online through Together TakeMeHome, subject to current eligibility and availability. | Order online. The state page clearly says HIV self-tests do not test for other STDs or STIs, so use a clinic for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, hepatitis, symptoms, treatment, pregnancy-related concerns, or recent exposure follow-up. | 2026-06-02 |
When a private lab option may make more sense in Louisville
Louisville has real public-clinic and sliding-fee options, so private lab testing is usually not the cheapest starting point.
It can still be worth comparing when you want online ordering, upfront self-pay pricing, or a paid route outside public-health and FQHC workflows.
Start with a clinic instead if you have symptoms, need treatment, may need PrEP or PEP guidance, want a clinician to review which tests make sense, or need site-specific testing or follow-up after a positive result.
- You want to place an order online before visiting a lab.
- You prefer upfront self-pay pricing instead of clinic intake, sliding-fee paperwork, or insurance billing.
- You want a paid testing path outside Louisville Metro or Family Health Centers workflows.
- You need scheduling flexibility and do not need treatment, medication help, or urgent exposure evaluation at the same visit.
Paid option. Not a substitute for medical care if you have symptoms, need treatment, or may need urgent HIV prevention medication after a recent exposure.
Public clinic vs private lab vs at-home STD testing in Louisville
| Option | Best for | Pros | Trade-offs | Next step |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisville Metro Specialty Clinic | Official public STI clinic care, treatment access, and the clearest posted local fees | City-run clinic with public-health STI services, treatment access, and publicly listed contact details for follow-up questions | Fees, service menu, and appointment rules may change, so confirm current pricing and whether you need an appointment before you go | See Louisville Metro details |
| Family Health Centers | Sliding-fee care, primary-care follow-up, HIV services, and medication or insurance help | Adds income-based discounts, Promise Program support, and a broader care path than a one-time STI screening visit | Service details vary by site, and some testing routes are appointment-based rather than simple walk-in screening | See Family Health Centers options |
| Kentucky HIV self-test | Private HIV-only home screening | Can be ordered online and may be free through the state-linked program | Does not test for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, or other STIs, and it does not replace in-person evaluation for symptoms or treatment needs | See home-test details |
| Private lab | Self-pay privacy, online ordering, scheduling flexibility | Useful when you want a paid path outside clinic intake and public-health workflows | Paid out of pocket; lab visit still required; not a treatment clinic | Check private prices |
Louisville Metro Specialty Clinic
Best for: Official public STI clinic care, treatment access, and the clearest posted local fees
Pros: City-run clinic with public-health STI services, treatment access, and publicly listed contact details for follow-up questions
Trade-offs: Fees, service menu, and appointment rules may change, so confirm current pricing and whether you need an appointment before you go
See Louisville Metro detailsFamily Health Centers
Best for: Sliding-fee care, primary-care follow-up, HIV services, and medication or insurance help
Pros: Adds income-based discounts, Promise Program support, and a broader care path than a one-time STI screening visit
Trade-offs: Service details vary by site, and some testing routes are appointment-based rather than simple walk-in screening
See Family Health Centers optionsKentucky HIV self-test
Best for: Private HIV-only home screening
Pros: Can be ordered online and may be free through the state-linked program
Trade-offs: Does not test for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, or other STIs, and it does not replace in-person evaluation for symptoms or treatment needs
See home-test detailsPrivate lab
Best for: Self-pay privacy, online ordering, scheduling flexibility
Pros: Useful when you want a paid path outside clinic intake and public-health workflows
Trade-offs: Paid out of pocket; lab visit still required; not a treatment clinic
Check private pricesHow much does STD testing cost in Louisville?
CDC GetTested lists free HIV testing plus fee, insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, and sliding-scale options for Louisville Metro Specialty Clinic. Before you rely on older published fee details, call to confirm current Fast Track or Express testing charges, office-visit costs, follow-up pricing, and any separate fees for symptom-based visits.
- Louisville Metro Specialty Clinic: is the clearest source for posted public STI clinic pricing and city-run testing and treatment.
- Family Health Centers: is useful when income-based sliding-fee care, labs, HIV prevention, medication help, or broader follow-up is important.
- Kentucky HIV self-testing: may be free through the state-linked home program, but it does not screen for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, hepatitis, or other STIs.
- Recent HIV exposure or urgent symptoms: need a different decision path. Ask about PEP timing, same-day evaluation, and treatment availability rather than relying on routine screening alone.
Family Health Centers publishes a sliding-fee scale based on income and family size. Its lowest pay class lists a $25 medical visit including labs, while higher classes vary by eligibility. Kentucky’s home HIV self-test route may be free through the state-linked program, but it is HIV-only rather than a full STI panel. Private lab testing and commercial home kits are usually paid self-pay options.
If confidentiality matters, ask before the visit whether insurance will be billed and whether an explanation of benefits could be sent to the policyholder. Self-pay may be worth discussing if you do not want insurance used.
Louisville testing notes: Metro Specialty Clinic, Family Health Centers, privacy questions, and HIV self-test limits
Louisville Metro Specialty Clinic is the official local public-health anchor. The clinic is listed at 914 E. Broadway, Suite 102, Louisville, KY 40204, and CDC GetTested marks appointments as required. Call 502-574-6699 before going to confirm current hours, whether routine screening is walk-in or scheduled, and how treatment visits are handled.
Family Health Centers gives Louisville users a broader FQHC path. CDC GetTested lists Phoenix Health Care for the Homeless for HIV, hepatitis A/B/C, herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis testing, while Family Health Centers says its Promise Program can help with HIV testing, PrEP, PEP, HIV treatment, medication assistance, insurance help, interpreter services, and appointments.
If privacy matters, ask any Louisville clinic how results are shared, whether insurance is billed, whether an explanation of benefits could be sent to the policyholder, and whether treatment, prescriptions, or follow-up visits can stay in the same system. That matters more in practice than whether a page simply says a service is confidential.
Kentucky’s official HIV self-testing page can help with a private home HIV test, but it says the HIV self-test does not test for other STDs or STIs. Use clinic care if you need a full STI panel, symptoms evaluated, treatment, site-specific testing, pregnancy-related care, or help after a recent exposure.
Why Louisville Metro Specialty Clinic is the first public clinic to check
Louisville Metro Specialty Clinic is the official city clinic for STI testing, diagnosis, and treatment. The practical caveat is scheduling: some public references describe routine testing as walk-in, while CDC GetTested lists appointments as required. Call 502-574-6699 before visiting so you can confirm whether testing, exams, and treatment are handled the same way right now.
How Family Health Centers changes the decision
Family Health Centers is useful when STI or HIV testing should connect to primary care, homelessness services, income-based discounts, HIV treatment, medication assistance, interpreter services, or PrEP and PEP support. That makes it a stronger fit than a one-time screening visit when broader follow-up matters.
Why privacy questions matter before you test
A clinic page may not answer how results are shared, whether insurance is billed, or whether an explanation of benefits could go to the policyholder. If privacy matters, ask those questions before testing and ask whether treatment, prescriptions, and follow-up can stay in the same clinic system.
At-home HIV testing is not the same as full STI testing
Kentucky CHFS points to free at-home HIV self-tests, but the state page says the HIV self-test does not test for other STDs or STIs. Louisville users should choose Metro Specialty Clinic, Family Health Centers, urgent care, or another healthcare provider for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, hepatitis, symptoms, treatment, pregnancy concerns, or recent exposure follow-up.
What STD test do you need?
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When to speak with a healthcare provider
Consider contacting a healthcare provider promptly if you have symptoms, are pregnant, had a known exposure, need throat or rectal testing, or are unsure which test is right for you.
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Free STD testing in CincinnatiFAQ
Where can I get low-cost STD testing in Louisville?
Start with Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness Specialty Clinic at 914 E. Broadway, Suite 102. CDC GetTested confirms the clinic listing. Ask the clinic to confirm current Fast Track or Express testing fees, office-visit charges, and any follow-up costs before you go.
Do I need an appointment at Louisville Metro Specialty Clinic?
Some public references describe routine STI testing as available without an appointment, while CDC GetTested lists appointments as required. Call 502-574-6699 before going and do not assume walk-in care will cover exams, treatment, or same-day medication needs.
Does Louisville Metro Specialty Clinic offer free HIV testing?
CDC GetTested lists free HIV testing for the Louisville Metro Specialty Clinic. Ask the clinic about current billing and fees for other tests or exam and treatment visits.
Where can Louisville users get sliding-fee STI or HIV care?
Family Health Centers publishes a sliding-fee scale based on income and family size. CDC lists its Phoenix Health Care for the Homeless location for HIV, hepatitis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, and related testing.
Can I test for STDs at home in Louisville?
Kentucky CHFS links to at-home HIV self-testing through Together TakeMeHome, but the state says the HIV self-test does not test for other STDs or STIs. Use a clinic for STI panels, symptoms, treatment, pregnancy-related concerns, or exposure follow-up.
How can I protect privacy when getting STD testing in Louisville?
Ask before testing how results are delivered, whether insurance will be billed, whether an explanation of benefits could be sent to the policyholder, and whether treatment or follow-up can stay within the same clinic system. If that matters to you, ask about self-pay options before the visit.
Should I use a private lab or a Louisville clinic?
Use Louisville Metro Specialty Clinic, Family Health Centers, urgent care, or another healthcare provider if you have symptoms, need treatment, need PrEP or PEP guidance, may have had a recent HIV exposure, or need site-specific testing. A private lab may fit routine self-pay screening when online ordering and upfront pricing matter most.
Is private STD testing worth it in Louisville if free clinics are available?
It can be. Free clinics may be the best choice if cost, treatment access, or public health follow-up matters most. Private lab testing may be worth comparing if you want online ordering, upfront self-pay pricing, scheduling flexibility, or a testing path outside a public clinic setting.
Can I get STD testing in Louisville without using insurance?
Often, yes. Some public or community clinics may not require insurance, and private lab testing is often paid out of pocket with upfront pricing. If avoiding insurance billing is important to you, compare self-pay private lab options before choosing where to test.
Sources and methodology
- CDC GetTested Louisville Metro Specialty Clinic — CDC GetTested
- Family Health Centers Phoenix Health Care for the Homeless — Family Health Centers Louisville
- Family Health Centers Sliding Fee Scale — Family Health Centers Louisville
- Family Health Centers Promise Program — Family Health Centers Louisville
- Kentucky HIV Self-testing — Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services