If you’re in Portland and need HIV testing, Pivot is an excellent choice. They focus on the LGBTQIA+ community, creating a welcoming and stigma-free space. 

We love how they offer free, confidential testing for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. It’s also impressive that results are usually ready in just 20 minutes, making the testing process hassle-free for the patients.

They also offer a secure testing environment and have expert counselors available to support you before and after your test. Their rapid testing methods guarantee precise results and swift follow-ups.

Pivot’s appointment-only system ensures personalized attention, though you might experience longer waits during busy clinic hours. However, their flexible hours make scheduling a visit convenient.

The center also offers additional services like primary care and behavioral health support, allowing patients to get all the help they need without hopping from one center to another.

Professional, friendly staff and fast process

“This is such an awesome place to go. The lobby is very clean and organized with great decorations. This isn’t really important, but I rarely find myself enjoying the lobby music of most places I go to and I was even singing along at some parts. Overall they were very professional, friendly, and the whole process was much faster than I expected. I usually feel a bit uncomfortable and anxious when I go for my annual check up, so to find a place this welcoming was a game changer. They also have a bunch of other great resources to help you succeed in finding coverage and treatment. Highly recommend if you want quality service and staff that treat you like a real person.”

Jerry Crisan, Google review

Safe and welcoming environment

“Safe and welcoming, Pivot is an exemplary establishment. The staff was extremely professional and confidential, and very non-judgemental. They strive to create a place where G/B/T men can come and get tested, without feeling guilty. Their services are free, though they will gladly accept donations or insurance if you’re able. They will not turn people away because they can’t afford it. In addition to testing, they also provide resources, prophylactics, and a meeting space for like-minded individuals to hang out and meet new people. Testing is done on a first come, first served basis, so make sure you arrive early.”

Donald Edgar, Google review

Established in 1983, Cascade AIDS Project (CAP) is the oldest and largest community-based HIV service provider in Oregon and Southwest Washington. It’s well-accredited and meets high health and safety standards.

We love CAP’s broad range of services that go beyond HIV testing. This includes tailored prevention programs for young people and men who have sex with men, supportive housing for those with HIV/AIDS, and extensive education and outreach.

They also use a rapid test that provides results in about 20 minutes. If the result is positive, they follow up with confirmatory testing and additional care.

Their client-centered counseling services are tailored to individual needs, helping people understand their risk and make informed health decisions. 

However, since they are not a primary care clinic, they do not prescribe PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) for post-HIV exposure.

Helped my husband in many ways with their ongoing support

“Can’t say enough great things about the work they do here!  They have helped my husband and I immeasurably and continue to provide ongoing support.  Excellent resource for anyone living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.  They also are a great community resource for testing and prevention services!”

Clay Robbins, Google review

Thank you CAP for providing hope

“I contacted C.A.P.  before leaving the Southeastern US and coming to Portland basically as a social/political/medical refugee. This organization has been pivotal in my transition from a homeless, recently HIV/HCV diagnosed, addict with no real reason to hope for a better tomorrow to an clean, established community member with regular medical care, no viral load, and all the reasons in the world to hope for a long life full of equal chances and equal opportunity.”

Joshua Angus, Google review

Prism Health is the only nonprofit LGBTQ+ health center in the Pacific Northwest that offers both primary and behavioral care. They’re really good at ensuring LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC folks get the support they need.

The center is an FQHC Look-Alike, which means it adheres to high standards of care and helps everyone, regardless of their insurance or ability to pay. 

They use the latest tech for rapid HIV testing, so you get results in minutes. It’s super handy for quick diagnosis and immediate next steps.

They’re big on confidentiality too, which is huge for LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities who might face stigma. 

Plus, their counseling services are top-notch. They offer support for mental health and substance use issues in a way that’s culturally relevant and supportive.

However, it’s worth noting that some customers have pointed out issues with their front desk communication.

Very inclusive space, would recommend to LGBT

“I love this clinic! All the doctors are extremely kind and there is great communication between all the staff. This is a very inclusive space and I recommended all of my LGBT start here. The main room in calm and quiet and I find it easy to talk with my doctor. They really care about all inclusive health here. Never before has a Doctor asked me if I wear a helmet while riding my bike! I can tell everyone here really cares about my health.”

Jasper Adams, Google review

A great place for queer folks

“Great place for queer folks to go for primary care; you won’t find LGBTQA+ primary care anywhere else in Portland. They also provide free HIV testing on certain days. Check online or call ahead for testing services. Additionally, they have PrEP Navigators on staff to help at-risk individuals get on pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention, sometimes at no cost to the patient (if limited income). Nurse Practitioner Miguel Carreon is smart, friendly, and gave me the type of personal care that I have not experienced elsewhere. They take most insurances. Prism provides personalized, public-health oriented care and gives back to the community. If you’re queer and need a primary care provider, this is the place.”

Jackson Howa, Google review

Outside In is a standout choice not just for HIV testing but for a bunch of other services too. They offer everything from primary care and mental health treatment to reproductive health services and specialized care for all ages.

What really sets them apart is their focus on helping people who might otherwise fall through the cracks, like the homeless or those without insurance. As a Federally Qualified Health Center, they make sure to prioritize these vulnerable groups.

Their client-centered approach builds strong, respectful relationships between providers and patients. They also use innovative outreach, like mobile health services, to reach those who might otherwise miss out on care.

They’re also big on confidentiality and a non-judgmental approach, helping ease anxiety and stigma around testing. HIV testing is free for those who qualify, and they accept most insurance plans, so getting care is more accessible.

While a majority of their patients praise the staff’s compassion, some people have had less positive experiences with certain staff members.

Staff are beyond helpful, informational, and friendly

“Love love LOVE this place! Would never choose another location for my medical services. The staff are beyond helpful, informational, and friendly. They make you feel seen and comfortable. 10/10 for Outside in! Keep up the good work and we appreciate you for everything you do!!!!”

Hayden Ford, Google review

Outside In is Godsend!

“Outstanding medical clinic. They are an oasis for all person’s. They provide medical for all who ask and give shelter services for homeless younger people. They are a Godsend trans person’s regarding of ability to pay.”

JD White, Google review

Planned Parenthood – NE Portland Health Center stands out for its rapid HIV testing, which provides results in just 10 to 40 minutes. It’s the ideal place to go if you’re looking for quick answers. 

Their trained staff offer counseling to ensure you’re comfortable and informed about your results. They also have options for anonymous or confidential testing to protect your privacy.

Beyond HIV testing, the center offers a full range of sexual and reproductive health services. They offer birth control, STD testing, and abortion services.

Cost concerns are also addressed. Some services are covered by insurance, and uninsured individuals can qualify for financial assistance. 

Additionally, they flexible payment options. They accept most major insurance plans and Medicaid, with sliding fee discounts for the uninsured.

However, it’s worth noting that some customers have pointed out issues with scheduling and appointment delays.

Such an incredible team of supportive and sweet medical professionals

“I have never been treated by such an incredible team of supportive, informative, sweet and understanding medical professionals. The entire process even with some complications has been one where I felt so grateful to have such great nurses and support staff. Thank you planned parenthood!”

Amanda Best, Google review

Excellent staff, clean facilities, and plenty of parking

“Everything about my experience here was wonderful. I arrived early for my appointment knowing I wouldn’t be able to be seen early, and the guy at the front desk was very nice and helpful. He helped with my insurance and checking me in, and explained it would be a bit of a wait. I anticipated waiting longer but as soon as my appointment time arrived they called me back, to my surprise. The rest only took about 40 minutes. Jaime was awesome and super fun to talk to, made me feel very comfortable and welcome. Tasha was wonderful as well and made me feel comfortable and safe and provided excellent care. This was one of the best planned parenthood locations I have been to, the staff is excellent and the facilities are clean and nice, plenty of parking. Highly recommend this location.”

Audrey Moss Strong, Google review