In 2022, Alberta reported 25,405 cases of STIs (sexually transmitted infections) or STDs (sexually transmitted diseases), including HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). Calgary alone recorded over 8,000 cases, indicating a concerning rise in STI rates.
Prioritising STI screening is crucial for personal well-being and preventing the spread within your circle. Thankfully, many clinics offer free screenings and resources to assist those unaware of their risk.
If you’re looking to get tested or want to take part in stopping the spread, we’ve compiled the best centres for STD testing in Calgary below!
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How much does it cost to get STI or STD testing in Calgary?
STI or STD testing in Calgary is free of charge in most community testing centres and sexual health clinics. In most cases, these testing centres give free resources, counselling, and referrals to medical clinics in case a patient tests positive.
How We Chose
1. Centre For Sexuality
Address: 1509 Centre St S, Calgary, AB T2G 2E6, Canada (Google Maps)
Contact Details: +14032835580
Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Friday, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
The Center for Sexuality has been supporting the Calgary community with programmes and services for sexual health since 1972.
The CS does this through the help of the Alberta Health Services’ Safeworks where they focus on screening two-spirit individuals, bisexual, gay, and cisgender men for STI.
You can take advantage of the centres’s free vaccination programmes for Hepatitis A and B and HPV (human papillomavirus) to ensure that you are protected from other emerging infectious diseases.
They also offer rapid screenings for HIV where people can get results in as fast as one minute, saving at-risk men a lot of time and hassle, especially if they want to get tested every three to six months.
All these testing services are free of charge and only run every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. So, it’s best to reserve a slot once bookings are open a week in advance!
Pros
- Offers free STI testing for men
- Offers free vaccinations for other sexually transmitted diseases
Cons
- Programme is usually fully booked
- Limited to biologically male patients
Customer Reviews
Compassionate staff members
“Everyone working here is so polite and patient. The offices are clean and smell nice. The doctors are helpful and informative. Everyone smiles and has kind words to share. Can’t say enough what a positive experience it is going here to take care of difficult and complex issues.”
-Mr. Chris B, Google Review
Impeccable service and knowledge about STIs
“Excellent knowledge, service and understanding. Prob the best place to get tested. I might come here instead of Calgary lab services.”
-Mr. David Longpre, Google Review
2. Calgary STI Clinic – Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre
Address: 1213 4 St SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0X7, Canada (Google Maps)
Contact Details: +14039556200
Operating Hours: Monday to Wednesday, 8:45 am to 4:45 pm, Thursday, 8:45 am to 4:45 pm, Friday and Saturday, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm
Situated in the Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre is the Calgary STI Clinic, a full-service, walk-in sexual health centre that provides extensive services and screenings for STI.
The clinic ensures complete anonymity by assigning you a number during your visit. The doctors and specialists will ask about your medical and sexual history and then assist you with referrals and other possible tests you may need as a supplement.
If a diagnosis is made, the clinic can assist you in contacting your recent sexual partners and provide testing services for them as well.
The clinic prioritises those with the most urgent needs. Some cases classified as urgent include testing following a sexual assault and patients experiencing mild to severe STI symptoms.
Pros
- Best for post-sexual assault STI testing
- Offers contact tracing and partner notification services
Cons
- Walk-ins only
- Doesn’t necessarily operate on a first-come-first-served basis (urgent cases are prioritised)
Customer Reviews
Patient and understanding staff members
“I had a great experience here I don’t remember who my nurse was but she was great and so patient with me and explained things well. I got there at 845am for a walk in and got in a room by 930am as there are people with booked appts which is understandable. Would come again but I hope I won’t have to LOL”
-Ms A M, Google Review
A safe space for people who want better healthcare
“I’ve been coming to this clinic for ages and every nurse here has treated me with respect and never once did I feel judged even though I know I’m in the wrong. They never talk down to me, made me feel unwelcome and it certainly feels like a safe space to get the screening or treatment I need. Just be honest with them and they will help you as much as they can. Places like this are very hard to come by and it’s a very much needed public health service that deserves funding and support.”
-Mr. James, Google Review
3. Lakeview Medical Clinic
Address: 3109 Palliser Dr SW #5, Calgary, AB T2V 4W5, Canada (Google Maps)
Contact Details: +14032424172
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Lakeview Medical Clinic is a private health centre that provides sexual health services, like STI and HIV testing, as well as vaccinations. The clinic accepts both walk-ins and appointments.
As for the testing process, patients can book an appointment via phone, website, or show up at the clinic’s STI centre and request a kit. Afterwards, a physician will sit down and speak to patients about their medical and sexual history in a private consultation room.
If a diagnosis is confirmed, the clinic will then set another consultation for disease management. Otherwise, the clinic offers valuable sexual health resources to educate and reduce STI testing stigma.
At Lakeview, STI testing and management are covered by insurance, potentially allowing you to undergo the test at no cost through the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan, which is affiliated with the clinic.
Pros
- Offers insured sexual health services on top of testing
- Best for getting referrals to the best STI specialists
Cons
- Online appointment system sometimes doesn’t work
- Usually fully booked
Customer Reviews
Accommodating and friendly staff
“Staff is accommodating and friendly. Dr. Francis is patient, kind, knowledgeable and helpful. He doesn’t rush you – he listens, which is rare these days. He really cares about your health. Highly recommend.”
-Ms. Kelly Taylor, Google Review
Doctors that care and don’t rush
“I am satisfy with the care provided to me in this clinic.i was not rushed and the doctor is knowledgeable and explained things in a way that makes my problem feels light.”
-Mr. Seyi Ajose, Google Review
4. The Alex Youth Health Centre
Address: 2840 2 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2A 7X9, Canada (Google Maps)
Contact Details: +14032662622
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
If you or you know someone who needs STI testing and treatments and is between the ages of 16 to 24, The Alex Youth Health Centre is the STI testing centre for you. They’re a charitable organisation that is funded and supported by the Alberta Government, Alberta Health Services, and the Calgary Foundation.
The Alex team, comprising doctors, nurses, and social workers, is dedicated to providing quality and confidential support for Calgary’s youth, allowing young people to get quality testing kits, STI treatments, and other sexual health support for free.
Free same-day counselling with a social worker is available for those who may test positive. Consultations are from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm though, so it’s advisable to arrive early to avoid queues.
Appointments can also be booked via the website or by dropping by the youth centre.
Pros
- Best for teenagers and young adults
- Offers free same-day counselling
Cons
- Long waiting list
- Short window for consults
Customer Reviews
Supportive team
“The Alex was there me when I felt like I was completely alone and has been supportive for years, it’s incredibly inclusive and the staff that are so nice. I love it there”
-Mr. Shaggy Sylkie, Google Review
Generous and kind doctors
“Highly recommend. They’re a great resource for just about anything you can think of. I’m especially impressed by the doctors at this facility, as they made me feel actually listened to for the first time in years. They are kind and abundantly generous, and I’d be happy to recommend this to any of my friends or family.”
-Ms. Madyssen Straford, Google Review
5. SafeLink Alberta
Address: 1944 10 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T3C 0J8, Canada (Google Maps)
Contact Details: +14035082500
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
SafeLink Alberta offers testing services for anyone in Calgary seeking to undergo testing. The initiative is structured to offer convenient, confidential, and non-judgmental testing services for those interested in screening for STIs and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Booking an appointment with SafeLink Alberta is highly recommended, as their testing centre is only open every first and third Thursday of the month, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. They still accept walk-ins, however.
Here, you get a testing kit, and a dedicated nurse or physician will assist you in the process. They’ll speak to you about STI and HIV awareness and even provide you with free resources and materials.
They’re also conveniently partnered with nearby clinics and hospitals in case you need medical intervention. They can help get you referrals to specialists in the Calgary STI Clinic and the Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre.
Pros
- Large network of clinics for referrals
- Large team of doctors and nurses
Cons
- Short operating hours
- Only available twice a month
Customer Reviews
Comfortable and safe environment
“Yay, good news and only took 2 or 3 days to get answers for all the things tested for. I especially like their phone charger device in their waiting room. Lotsa plugs of apple and microusb but no type c yet. But anyways, much faster and so much less embarassing than last time i went like a couple years back.”
-Mr. Sea Hill, Google Review
Great resources
“Calgary’s best HIV and STD resource center
super nice and helpful staff”
-Mr. Don Wilhelm, Google Review
