- Departments
- Health Department
- Programs & Services
- Clinical & Community Health Services
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
STD Testing & Counseling
The Berrien County Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinic provides confidential testing and treatment and is offered by appointment. Our clinic nurses are experienced and trained to provide confidential counseling, testing and treatment for:
Testing Process
A nurse will see you, and ask questions about your health and what your testing needs are. It is especially important to know about any body rashes or lesions/bumps in your genital area. Services are delivered in a non-judgmental manner, so please tell the nurse what you know so you get the best care. It is important to understand your risks for acquiring a STD, and the nurse can help you identify steps you can take that may prevent future infections. Rapid HIV testing is available and offered at every STD clinic visit. At your visit, a nurse will assess your immunization history and recommend vaccines that will benefit you and your health, such as vaccines for Hepatitis B, HPV, and Tdap.
Learn about Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) among young Americans.
New Testing options
Fast Track Testing: Quick and easy STD testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea. No appointment is needed for those who meet the Fast Track criteria. Fast Track is available Monday-Friday in Benton Harbor and Niles from 8:30am-4pm with a low cost of just $5. Get in, get tested, and get on with your day!
Walk-In Wednesdays: Walk-in appointments are welcomed anytime on Wednesdays between 8:30am-4pm in Benton Harbor and Niles. Appointments are seen on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Treatment
Persons who test positive for Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Syphilis, Trichomoniasis, or Bacterial Vaginitis are offered treatment at the STD Clinic. It is important to identify sexual partners that are also at risk and get them into the clinic for testing and treatment as well. STDs can be passed back and forth between sexual partner(s), and can even harm the health of an unborn baby or cause fertility issues.
Retesting Recommendation
It is recommended for persons who have tested positive for either Gonorrhea or Chlamydia, to get retested three months after treatment.
Referrals
We provide information on, but do not conduct testing for Herpes or HPV/Genital Warts. Occasionally, a person may come in with symptoms that are very serious; in that case, we will make a referral to a doctor, clinic, or emergency room.
We do not provide Pap smears in the STD Clinic, but they are available through the Family Planning Clinic. We encourage all sexually active woman to have a Pap smear every year or as often as suggested by your doctor.
Cost of Services
- STD Nurse Visit Fee for In-State Resident: $15
- STD Clinic Use Fee for Out-of-State Resident: $25
- Court Ordered STD Testing: $37
Laboratory services will be billed to your insurance provider, with permission
No one is denied services due to inability to pay.