Young people should continue to have “well visits” with a doctor or other health professional into their adolescence and teen years, and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that these visits begin to have one-on-one time as early as age 11, with a clearly communicated policy around confidentiality. It is essential that adolescent patients have a trusting and respectful relationship with healthcare professionals who can discuss sensitive topics with them.

During this private time, healthcare professionals can cover topics, such as drug use, mental well-being, and sexual health, that patients may not feel comfortable discussing with a parent or caregiver present. This discussion will help protect the health and well-being of adolescents and also prepare them to more actively care for their own health.

Healthcare professionals should be viewed as part of “the team” caring for and educating adolescents, guiding them into a healthy adulthood.

Sexual health can be an awkward subject for adolescents and teens to discuss with anyone, even healthcare practitioners, but it doesn’t have to be. Take a look at this video produced by the Rhode Island Department of Health of a 17-year-old visiting a health professional to discuss birth control and STI testing, showing how painless it can be to have these conversations and get tested for STIs to be safe.

Ver video en español