Adolescent Program

Taking care of teens and young adults requires special skills and attention. There is a lot of growing and changing — physically, emotionally and cognitively — during this time, and we want to partner with you to make sure your son or daughter looks and feels their best. 

We are also here to help them navigate some of the challenges teenagers face, by providing health education materials and a forum for dialogue. Teens are asked to take a confidential computer survey on their health and health concerns. Often, discussing tough issues with a doctor makes it easier for them to talk to you at home.

Our services to teenagers are confidential, meaning that if a young person tells us something, we cannot tell anyone else, including the parents or school. Confidentiality makes it easier for teens to discuss things truthfully with their health care provider. However, if we think there is a serious threat to the teenager's life, we will tell their parents.

In addition, we want the experience to be as positive as possible for your teen, so we let teens know that they can avoid having to wear a hospital gown by coming to the appointment in shorts and a loose t-shirt or tank top.

The following are some important areas of teen health we cover with teenagers during appointments:

• diet and exercise
• concerns about the family
• peer pressure
• dating and relationship
• sexuality and sexual behavior
• sexually transmitted diseases
• birth control
• depression
• smoking and drugs
• safety and driving