HIV/AIDS Prevention, Testing and Treatment

RWHAP can help with medical, dental behavioral health and substance misuse services.  PHC has provided and coordinated top-quality care under the Ryan White CARE Act in Montana for over 20 years and now serves 16 counties in Western Montana.  

For more information, please call (406) 258-4121 

We offer both in-office (in-clinic) and at-home rapid HIV testing.  Additionally, telehealth visits can be arranged for patients who need or prefer to avoid the clinic setting.  

Rapid HIV testing is quick and convenient for individuals who have a concern and need to know their HIV status. We use 1-minute rapid HIV testing that has greater than 99% accuracy in detecting HIV.  

For people who are HIV negative but at risk for contracting HIV, PrEP is a medication you can take to prevent contracting HIV from sex or injection drug use.  

Is PrEP safe?   

• PrEP is safe but some people experience side effects like diarrhea, nausea, headache, fatigue, and stomach pain. These side effects usually go away over time. Taking PrEP medication requires regular follow-ups with a provider to monitor any potential side effects that might be experienced.  

How do I get PrEP?  

• Individuals who have decided that PrEP is right for them must first see a provider for a PrEP screening. The screening consists of HIV and STI testing and other specific labs that are necessary to ensure a person is healthy to start PrEP medication. 

How do I pay for PrEP?  

• Insurance is not required for PrEP services.  
• PrEP medication and follow-up care can be expensive; however, patients seeking PrEP services may be eligible for financial assistance through the Montana PrEP Assistance Program offered at PHC. The program is supported by the Montana DPHHS STD/HIV Division and assists patients with the costs of provider fees and labs associated with ongoing PrEP care. PHC can also assist patient with obtaining financial assistance for the cost of PrEP medication.  

Contact Information / Learn More 

• To learn more about PrEP and to schedule a PrEP screening appointment, please contact our HIV Prevention and Community Health Specialist at (406) 258-4418.   

Click Here to Learn More About PrEP!​ 

PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) means taking medicine to prevent HIV after a possible exposure. Talk right away (within 72 hours) to your healthcare provider, an emergency room doctor, or an urgent care provider about PEP if you think you’ve recently been exposed to HIV.  

Is PEP safe?  

• PEP is safe but some people experience side effects like diarrhea, nausea, headache, fatigue, and stomach pain. These side effects usually go away over time. Taking PEP medication as prescribed by a provider is critical in preventing HIV infection. 

How do I get PEP?  

• Individuals that experience a need for PEP would need to see a provider within 72 hours of possible HIV exposure. PEP screening consists of HIV and STI testing and other specific labs. PEP usage requires follow-up with a provider and additional HIV testing after completing the course of medication. 

How do I pay for PEP?  

• Insurance is not required for PrEP services.  
• PrEP medication and follow-up care can be expensive; however, PHC can help patients obtain financial assistance.   

Contact Information / Learn More 

• To learn more or discuss your options, please contact our HIV Prevention and Community Health Specialist at (406) 258-4418.   

Click here to learn more about PEP 

STI screening services available for PHC patients:  

• HIV, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Syphilis, Hep C 

How to schedule or access STI Testing 

• Walk-in 

• Patients can walk-in to PHC during regular business hours, meet with reception staff member and ask to see a nurse for STI screening.  

Schedule online or over the phone 

• Click here to schedule a regular medical appointment  
• Call our main line at (406) 258-4789 

Contact / More Information:  

• For more information or to discuss your options please call PHC’s HIV Prevention and Community Health Specialist at (406) 258-4418