Care provided at the Health & Counseling Center is based on current recommendations and prevention is key to maintaining a healthy reproductive system. It is helpful to be familiar with your own body so you notice when changes occur and we are happy to have conversations about what is normal and when to be concerned.  

Individuals with a vagina and cervix are also encouraged to receive a pelvic exam, which includes a pap smear, starting at age 21 regardless of sexual activity.

We offer confidential STI testing and treatment. Anyone who has oral, anal, or vaginal sex, or genital skin-to-skin contact with another person can get STIs. STIs usually don’t have any symptoms and the only way to know for sure if you or a partner has an STI is to get tested.

Tests available at the Health & Counseling Center:

• Chlamydia & Gonorrhea (free)
• Rapid HIV test (free)
• Syphilis
• Hepatitis B & Hepatitis C
• Herpes

Consistent with our Catholic, Holy Cross identity, the University of Portland Health & Counseling Center staff is deeply committed to the good health, well-being, and dignity of the students entrusted to our care. This care is provided to students in a patient-centric environment that welcomes and embraces all. While we do not prescribe contraceptives for pregnancy prevention, contraceptives may be prescribed, for example, to treat various hormonal syndromes. Students are encouraged to speak to one of our providers to learn about the care options available to them. As a reminder, all conversations between students and health staff are confidential.

We offer free and confidential pregnancy testing. Our team of healthcare professionals can also offer referrals to resources off-campus. If you are pregnant, or believe that you may be pregnant, please contact us to confidentially discuss your next steps.

The Health & Counseling Center is a confidential resource and we strive to provide trauma-informed care that supports your needs. The type of care that you receive and actions that you take after an assault are entirely your choice. 

Same day healthcare and mental health appointments are available for survivors of sexual or interpersonal violence. Call 503.943.7134 to schedule an appointment. If you get the voicemail, please leave a message with your name and phone number and you will get a call back before the end of the business day.

Click here to view a video from our healthcare team discussing the on-campus medical options and services available to students who have experienced sexual violence. Health services include:

• Evaluating and treating injuries
• Testing and preventative treatment for STIs
• Pregnancy testing
• Medical referrals for forensic exams, emergency contraception, etc.

Additional resources are available through Interpersonal Violence Prevention and Survivor Support, Confidential Advocacy, and Title IX.

Our Health & Counseling Center staff strive to provide inclusive, respectful, compassionate healthcare services for students of all gender identities and sexual orientations. We encourage and provide training for our staff on healthcare challenges encountered by the LGBTQIA2S+ communities and look for ways to improve our systems and communication to better serve our patients. Our goal is to provide personalized care that helps you live your best version of healthy.

For trans-specific medical care, such as prescriptions for gender affirming hormone treatment, our healthcare team can connect you with a specialist in the community. We are happy to provide referrals for these specialists as required by your insurance provider. Please call us to make an appointment to get a referral, or to have a confidential conversation about your health.

PrEP is the use of daily HIV treatment medications by HIV-negative people to protect them from getting HIV. Our healthcare providers can prescribe PrEP to students who are at high risk of infection and would benefit from the treatment. Please call us to make an appointment to get a prescription and have a confidential conversation with a provider.

LGBTQIA+ people experience sexual violence at similar or higher rates than straight people. Within the LGBTQIA+ community, transgender people and bisexual women face the most alarming rates of sexual violence. For LGBTQIA+ survivors of sexual assault, a history of systemic discrimination often makes them hesitant to seek help from health care centers, police, shelters or sexual assault crisis centers.

The Health & Counseling Center is a confidential resource and we strive to provide trauma-informed care that supports your needs. We are here to help you explore your options and provide referrals as needed. If you are a survivor of sexual assault, you have access to other on-campus resources as well, including Title IX and Confidential Advocates. 

Please note that the following resources are not affiliated with University of Portland. 

Clinics & Health Services

• Prism Health
  “Compassionate healthcare for the LGBTQ+ community and beyond”
• Quest Center for Integrative Health
  “Integrative healthcare services, community, and education to all people seeking a wellness-focused approach to living.”
• Outside In
  "Comprehensive, integrated health care services"
• OHSU Transgender Health Program
  “We connect you with OHSU providers who are international leaders in caring for gender-diverse patients of all ages"