Yet, finding the right provider, accessing medication, and receiving the proper counseling can feel overwhelming — especially if you are new to HIV prevention or unsure where to begin. Fortunately, advances in telehealth, combined with expanded community health resources, have made getting PrEP more convenient, private, and accessible than ever before.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know: where to find PrEP providers near you, how telehealth appointments work, the importance of confidential counseling, and what medication options are available.

1. Understanding PrEP: A Quick Overview

PrEP is an HIV prevention strategy that involves taking an antiretroviral medication regularly to lower the risk of infection. It is recommended for individuals who are HIV-negative but at increased risk of exposure — including those with HIV-positive partners, people in communities with high HIV prevalence, and individuals engaging in condomless sex or injection drug use.

Two main medications are currently approved for PrEP in the U.S.:

• Truvada® (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine) – approved for all individuals at risk of HIV.

• Descovy® (tenofovir alafenamide/emtricitabine) – approved for men and transgender women (not yet for cisgender women engaging in receptive vaginal sex).

Additionally, the long-acting injectable Apretude® (cabotegravir) offers an alternative to daily pills.

2. How to Find PrEP Providers Near You

Finding the right PrEP provider involves more than a quick Google search. You want a clinic, telehealth service, or healthcare professional who understands your needs, offers confidential care, and provides comprehensive prevention support.

A. Local Health Departments and HIV Clinics

Your local health department often maintains a list of PrEP-prescribing clinics. Many HIV/AIDS service organizations also provide referrals and may offer free or low-cost care.

B. PrEP Locator Tools

Several online databases can help:

• CDC’s HIV.gov PrEP Locator – lets you search by ZIP code.

• PleasePrEPMe.org – includes provider details and language capabilities.

• Local LGBTQ+ centers – often maintain trusted provider lists.

C. Primary Care Physicians

If you already have a primary care provider, ask whether they prescribe PrEP. While not all PCPs are familiar with it, many are now incorporating PrEP into regular preventive care.

D. Community Health Centers

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) often provide PrEP at reduced costs and without insurance.

3. The Rise of Telehealth for PrEP

Telehealth has transformed HIV prevention by removing barriers like transportation, scheduling, and stigma.

A. How Telehealth PrEP Works

1. Online Consultation – Complete a health questionnaire and video call with a provider.

2. Lab Testing – Get blood work and STI testing done locally or via at-home test kits.

3. Prescription & Delivery – If eligible, your medication is sent directly to your home or preferred pharmacy.

4. Follow-Up – Quarterly check-ins and testing to ensure effectiveness and monitor side effects.

B. Benefits of Telehealth PrEP

• Privacy – Discreet appointments from home.

• Accessibility – Reach providers even in rural areas.

• Convenience – No long waits or multiple in-person visits.

4. Confidential HIV Counseling

PrEP is most effective when paired with personalized HIV prevention counseling. Confidential counseling sessions can help:

• Assess your actual HIV risk.

• Discuss safe sex practices and harm reduction.

• Address myths and misinformation about PrEP.

• Provide emotional support and stigma-free care.

Many providers — both in-person and online — offer confidential HIV counseling before and during PrEP treatment, ensuring patients feel safe and informed.

5. Medication Options for PrEP

Depending on your needs, lifestyle, and medical history, you can choose from:

A. Daily Oral Pills

• Truvada® – Safe for all populations at risk.

• Generic Truvada – More affordable.

• Descovy® – Smaller pill, fewer kidney/bone side effects (but not approved for cisgender women in receptive vaginal sex).

B. On-Demand (“2-1-1”) PrEP

A dosing strategy for men who have sex with men (MSM), taken before and after sexual activity.

C. Long-Acting Injectable

• Apretude® – An injection every 2 months; ideal for those who don’t want daily pills.

6. Cost and Insurance Coverage

PrEP can be expensive without coverage, but most patients in the U.S. can access it at low or no cost thanks to:

• Private insurance & Medicaid/Medicare

• Patient assistance programs from drug manufacturers

• State PrEP assistance programs (PrEP-AP)

• Community-based clinics with sliding scale fees

7. Steps to Start PrEP

1. Get Tested for HIV – Must be HIV-negative before starting.

2. Talk to a Provider – In-person or via telehealth.

3. Get Baseline Lab Work – Kidney function, hepatitis status, and STI screening.

4. Choose Your Medication – Pills or injections.

5. Follow-Up Every 3 Months – Regular testing and prescription refills.

8. How to Maintain Long-Term Success

• Stick to Your Schedule – Missing doses reduces effectiveness.

• Combine with Other Protection – Condoms, STI testing.

• Address Side Effects Early – Most are mild and temporary.

• Stay Engaged in Care – Regular check-ins keep you protected.

Conclusion

Finding the right PrEP provider — whether locally or through telehealth — is the first step toward taking control of your sexual health and preventing HIV. With confidential counseling, affordable medication options, and flexible access models, there has never been a better time to start.

By understanding your options, asking the right questions, and using trusted resources, you can find a PrEP provider who meets your needs — and protect yourself and your community for years to come.