If you are searching for HIV testing in Orange County, you are taking an important step. This guide points to testing sites and explains how Shanti OC supports you before and after results.
Shanti's Role: Support, Not Lab Testing
Shanti Orange County does not replace county clinics for lab draws. We provide:
- Community education on why testing matters
- Mental health counseling for anxiety while waiting or after results
- Case management to link positive clients to medical care
- Support groups including Círculo Latino and the HIV therapy group
For the appointment that collects your sample, use trusted local testers below or our Community resources page (updated from legacy listings, so verify phones before you go).
Where to Test (Examples)
These organizations appear on Shanti's community resource list:
| Provider | Notes | |----------|--------| | Radiant Health Services (formerly ASF) | HIV/STD testing, 949-809-5784 | | AltaMed | HIV/STD testing, altamed.org | | APAIT Health Center | HIV testing, 714-636-1349 | | HCA 17th Street | County testing & care hub | | Laguna Beach Community Clinic | 949-494-0761 | | LGBT Center Orange County | 714-953-5428 |
Always call ahead for hours, walk-in availability, cost, and language access.
After Your Result
If negative
Consider prevention education with Shanti outreach or counselors. Ask medical providers about PrEP eligibility. Shanti educates but does not prescribe.
If positive
- See an HIV medical provider for confirmatory labs and treatment planning
- Call Shanti intake at (949) 452-0888 for counseling and case management
- Read Just diagnosed with HIV?
Modern treatment keeps people healthy for decades, and early linkage matters.
Mental Health While You Wait
Testing anxiety is real. You can schedule counseling (in person or telehealth) even before you have results. Therapists do not need your lab paperwork to support you.
Stigma and Privacy
Fear of being seen at a clinic keeps people from testing. Many sites offer discreet entrances and confidential counseling. You control what you share with Shanti staff.
Keep the Directory Handy
Bookmark Community resources for legal aid, pharmacies, and psychiatry referrals beyond testing.
Need Support Today?
949-452-0888 · First visit · Contact. Testing is a moment; ongoing care is a path, and you do not walk it alone.
To Be Clear: Shanti Does Not Test
Shanti Orange County does not provide HIV testing or lab work. We are not a testing site and cannot give you a result.
What we do provide, and where people often actually need help:
- Case management once you have a result, connecting you to medical and dental care, specialty pharmacy, housing, benefits counseling, emergency financial assistance, and nutrition support.
- Mental health counseling, before or after testing.
- A weekly clinician-led HIV therapy group, arranged through intake.
- Community education, including sexual health and prevention programming for Orange County high schools and colleges.
- A resource directory of external Orange County clinics, testing sites, psychiatry services, and national resources.
If you need a test, ask us for the directory. If you need what comes after, that is the part we do.
The Waiting Period Is a Real Thing
Waiting for a result is its own experience, and it is a legitimate reason to talk to someone. Counseling does not require a diagnosis or a referral. "I'm waiting on a test and I can't think about anything else" is a complete reason to call.
Fees are $65 per session with an unlicensed therapist and $100 with a licensed therapist, with many insurance plans including CalOptima accepted for eligible services. Telehealth is available throughout California if coming into the Laguna Hills office is not workable.
Prevention Education
Shanti runs a Sexual Health and Shanti Ambassador program for local high schools and colleges, aligned with the California Healthy Youth Act (AB-329). The two-part presentation pairs a sexual health educator with a Shanti Ambassador, someone living with HIV/AIDS who speaks from experience.
That combination is deliberate. Information changes what people know; a person in the room changes what they do with it.
Schools and organizations can request a visit through the office.
If the Result Is Positive
You are not starting from zero, and you do not have to assemble the next steps yourself. Case management exists specifically to build a personal care plan and make the connections. Email [email protected] or call 949-452-0888.
Community is available on two different terms: the clinician-led HIV therapy group, weekly by intake, and Círculo Latino, free and open, first Tuesday of the month, 5:30 to 7 pm, in Spanish.
Hours and Crisis Cover
Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm PT, at our Laguna Hills location, 23461 South Pointe Dr., Suite 100, free parking on site. Outside those hours, 988 is free, confidential, and staffed 24/7.
