Sexual Health and LGBTQ+ Medical Care at Chase Brexton in Baltimore

Chase Brexton Health Services operates three Baltimore-area clinics focused on sexual health, primary care, and preventive services for LGBTQ+ patients and anyone seeking judgment-free reproductive or sexual healthcare. This guide explains what each location offers, how to access services, and where Chase Brexton fits within Baltimore's broader sexual health infrastructure.

Three Baltimore Locations and Their Differences

Chase Brexton runs clinics in Fells Point, Canton, and Towson. The Fells Point location on East Baltimore Street functions as the organization's original and largest facility, housing the full range of services including HIV testing, sexually transmitted infection screening and treatment, PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) consultation and prescription, primary care, gynecology, and mental health counseling. Walk-in patients are accommodated for rapid HIV and STI testing during designated hours, though appointment booking is available online and by phone. This clinic also hosts a pharmacy where prescriptions can be filled on-site, reducing a separate step for patients starting PrEP or other medications.

The Canton location, opened more recently, offers primary care and sexual health services but with a smaller footprint. It does not house a full pharmacy and is better suited for established patients or those seeking routine care rather than initial comprehensive screening. The Towson clinic similarly provides primary care and select sexual health services, positioned to serve patients in Baltimore County who might otherwise need to travel downtown.

For initial comprehensive sexual health assessment or complex cases (such as PrEP initiation in patients with renal concerns or those on multiple medications), the Fells Point clinic is the appropriate choice.

PrEP Access and Treatment Cascades

Baltimore's HIV prevalence remains elevated compared to national averages, particularly in West Baltimore neighborhoods and among young Black men who have sex with men. Chase Brexton's PrEP program is one of several entry points in the city; others include Johns Hopkins Infectious Disease Clinic in East Baltimore and Fenway Community Health's Baltimore satellite program.

Chase Brexton's approach to PrEP differs in practical workflow. After an initial appointment (typically 60 minutes), patients receive baseline bloodwork to assess kidney function and hepatitis B status. If results are suitable, the clinic can dispense the first dose of tenofovir/emtricitabine/bictegravir or tenofovir/emtricitabine before the patient leaves, eliminating a separate pharmacy visit. Follow-up visits occur at 3 months (with repeat labs), then every 6 to 12 months if the patient remains adherent and asymptomatic. Many insurance plans cover PrEP in full; Chase Brexton offers sliding-scale fees for uninsured patients, typically ranging from $0 to $150 per visit depending on household income.

A practical advantage over Johns Hopkins for some patients: Chase Brexton appointments are often available within 1 to 2 weeks, whereas Johns Hopkins may have a 4 to 6-week lag. Neither guarantee same-day results, but Fells Point's on-site lab can return baseline bloodwork within 24 to 48 hours, enabling faster clinical decision-making.

STI Testing and Partner Notification

Chase Brexton offers same-day nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) for gonorrhea and chlamydia from urethral, rectal, and pharyngeal specimens in cisgender and transgender patients, with results typically available within 1 to 3 business days. Syphilis serology and HIV antigen/antibody testing are also available. The clinic does not require insurance and does not report positive STI results to family members; patient confidentiality is maintained except in cases of partner notification, which Chase Brexton conducts with patient consent through a standard protocol (phone or mail notification to partners on file).

For patients who prefer anonymity or have concerns about insurance documentation, the Baltimore City Health Department's Sexual Health Clinic in the Sandtown-Winchester neighborhood offers free testing without insurance or identification verification. However, Baltimore City Health does not prescribe PrEP, limiting its utility for prevention-focused individuals.

Mental Health Integration and Transition Care

An editorial point: sexual health and mental health in LGBTQ+ populations are inseparable. Chase Brexton's Fells Point clinic includes a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist on staff, both trained in trauma-informed care and gender-affirming practice. For patients newly diagnosed with HIV or starting PrEP, mental health support is available as a co-visit option, reducing the need to navigate multiple providers.

Chase Brexton does not provide gender-affirming surgical care (that requires referral to specialized centers, typically Johns Hopkins or University of Maryland), but it does manage hormone replacement therapy for transgender and non-binary patients. Endocrinologists are not on staff; instead, primary care providers at Chase Brexton follow established guidelines (such as WPATH standards) for testosterone or estrogen initiation, monitoring, and dose adjustment. This approach is practical for continuity but less specialized than referral to an endocrinologist. For patients with complex hormonal histories or metabolic concerns, discussion with your Chase Brexton provider about referral to Johns Hopkins Endocrinology may be warranted.

Hours, Insurance, and Practical Access

Fells Point clinic hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with extended hours (until 7:00 p.m.) one evening per week, typically Wednesday; verify the current schedule online as evening availability shifts seasonally. Saturday hours are not offered at any location. Patients without insurance can access a sliding-scale fee schedule; the base cost of an initial sexual health visit (30 minutes) is $100 to $180, or $0 if household income is below the federal poverty line. Established patients pay $40 to $80 per follow-up visit.

Most major insurers (Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, CareFirst, Aetna, Medicaid) are accepted. Medicaid coverage varies by plan; call the clinic to verify your specific plan number before scheduling.

Parking at Fells Point is street-parking only; the clinic provides validated parking information for nearby lots (typically $8 to $12 per visit). The Canton and Towson clinics have dedicated lots.

When to Choose Chase Brexton Over Other Providers

If you are uninsured, seeking PrEP with quick access, or need integrated mental health support alongside sexual health care, Chase Brexton is often the most efficient choice in Baltimore. If you have complex HIV disease (CD4 count below 200, virologic failure on treatment) or need inpatient care, Johns Hopkins Infectious Disease is the appropriate referral. If you are pregnant and seeking sexual health assessment or STI treatment, University of Maryland Medical Center's obstetric infectious disease clinic is preferable, though Chase Brexton can manage routine prenatal STI screening.

The practical takeaway: call Chase Brexton's Fells Point clinic at the main number to discuss your specific need. If you describe your situation (new diagnosis, PrEP interest, routine screening, mental health need), clinical staff can direct you to the right appointment length and location on your first call, avoiding a wasted visit.