As children reach adolescence, our goal is to teach them about and protect them from a variety of health and behavioral risks. The dangers of tobacco use, alcohol and drug abuse, premature and unprotected sexual activity, sexually transmitted disease, unintended pregnancy, violence, psychological stress, interpersonal conflicts, and depression, along with personal safety around bicycles, automobiles and guns are all issues that may challenge our children as they mature. During these years, we expect your child will begin talking to us directly about some of their health concerns. These may include such topics as acne, diet, body piercing, and personal fitness.
We hope that you will begin the process by talking to your child and helping them to realize that you are open to discussing these topics.
The clinicians at PHCA are aware that the transition to a confidential and independent relationship between a physician and a young teenage patient is difficult and delicate. The rights of the parent and the child must be respected. Failure to provide confidentiality may prevent the adolescent from seeking treatment and counseling for sexual abuse, sexually transmitted disease, depression, suicidal ideation, drug abuse or pregnancy.
Our experience over three decades with thousands of adolescents has taught us that thirteen years of age is the best age to formally begin the process of addressing these issues. This is consistent with the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Society for Adolescent Medicine.
We will offer your child the teen questionnaire at the thirteen-year-old annual physical. Your teenager may request that our questionnaire be kept confidential. Our confidentiality rules are very clear-if the child is in serious danger, the agreement is set aside so help can be provided. In every case, we will work to encourage teens to include parents in the decision making process regarding their care.
If you believe your child is developmentally not ready for these discussions, please let us know. Otherwise, please review the questionnaire with your teenager. It may be a useful tool to begin some very important conversations. Most of all, you and your child should enjoy the exciting growth of the adolescent years!
View Parent/Teen Questionaire.
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