Canberra Sexual Health Centre

We provide free testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STI) at our daily walk-in clinics every weekday, you don’t need to make an appointment. Outside of these walk-in times you will need an appointment to be seen. If you need HIV post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) you can attend any time Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. 

If you have questions or need further information you can contact the clinic Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm on 02 5124 2184. We are closed on weekends and public holidays.

We provide walk-in clinics every weekday, you don’t need to make an appointment. You can come to walk-in at the following times:

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday – 9 am to 2 pm
• Wednesday afternoon – 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm

Allow at least two hours for your visit. Your total time in the clinic will vary depending on your health issues and how busy the clinic is. On busy days, your visit may take longer than two hours.

For specialist HIV care we encourage you to call for an appointment rather than attend the walk-in clinic.

You do not need a GP referral to attend the clinic but if you would like your GP included in your care or if your GP has sent you to the clinic we appreciate GP referrals addressed to Dr Sarah Martin or Dr Alexandra Tyson. These can be faxed to 02 5124 8200 or bring it to the clinic with you.

You can access testing and treatment for STI at any GP.

For other alternatives or suggested GP clinics see: www.aidsaction.org.au/gettested

HIV PEP should be started as soon as possible after HIV exposure. Please call us between 8:30am and 5pm to arrange an urgent PEP consultation—this includes Wednesday mornings when our clinic is closed. Please tell us you need a PEP consultation when you call and again when you arrive at the clinic.

If you require after hours PEP assistance, please visit your nearest Emergency Department.

For more information, please see the PEP Brochure.

PrEP is a preventive treatment for people with a medium to high risk of contracting HIV.  PrEP is a daily medication, with 3-monthly check ups for STI and HIV, and regular kidney function checks.

GPs as well as doctors and nurse practitioners at the Sexual Health Centre can prescribe PrEP.  

PrEP medication can be dispensed by any community pharmacy, although some may need a few days to order in your medication. If you have a Medicare card, PrEP costs the same as most usual prescriptions.

If you do not have a Medicare card, you can purchase PrEP privately with a prescription through online pharmacies.  Please come and talk to us at the Sexual Health Centre or call the AIDS Action Council on 6257 2855 for more information.  We can also help you monitor your health whilst on PrEP. For more information on all aspects of PrEP, please see the PrEP Factsheet.

You can get emergency contraceptive pills from the following:

• Most pharmacies in the ACT. You do not need a prescription. To find a pharmacy in your area visit www.pharmacies.com.au
• The Walk-in Centres
• Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT
• The Junction Youth Health Service
• Canberra Sexual Health Centre

You can receive your results via SMS, phone or in person.

SMS results are sent by a private number to your mobile phone.

Phone results are available by calling us on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday before 4pm. Please leave your details with reception so one of our nurses can call you back.

You can also walk-in or book an appointment at our clinic to receive your results in person.

What is a DBS Test?

A Dried Blood Spot (DBS) test is a HIV test you can do from the privacy of your home.

It’s free, convenient, effective and confidential.

The DBS HIV test is a painless finger prick you can do yourself. It only takes 5 drops of blood.

It means you can get tested for HIV even if you don’t like needles, or you don’t have the time to visit the doctor to test for HIV.

Who can order a DBS Kit?

Currently, you can order a DBS HIV test if:

• you are a man who has sex with other men

OR

• you are from Africa or Asia or you have (or have had) a sexual partner who is from those regions

How do I order a DBS kit?

For more information and to order your DBS home testing kit, visit:

• www.hivtest.health.nsw.gov.au

Don’t forget about STIs, they won’t forget you!

Dried blood spot testing does not test for any other infections other than HIV, see your doctor or clinic if you would like a full sexual health check-up.

The sexually transmitted infections (STI) factsheets below will help you understand the sexual health issues of importance to you:

• Bacterial Vaginosis
• Balanitis
• Candidiasis
• Chlamydia
• Colposcopy
• Emergency Contraception
• Cryotherapy Aftercare
• Genital Herpes
• Genital Skin Care
• Genital Warts
• Gonorrhoea
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Herpes in Pregnancy
• HIV and AIDS
• HIV Testing
• HIV Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
• Lichen Sclerosus
• Molluscum Contagiosum
• Mycoplasma Genitalium
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
   

Please see the details below for services that can offer you support.

• Canberra Rape Crisis Centre - Crisis line (7am to 11pm) – 02 6247 2525
• Service Assisting Male Survivors of Sexual Assault (SAMSSA)
• Australian Federal Police Sexual Assault & Child Abuse Team (SACAT) - 131 444
• 1800RESPECT – National counselling helpline, information and support 24/7 - 1800 7377 328
• Domestic Violence Crisis Service - 24-hour Support Service – 02 6280 0900
• Victim Support ACT