Making your practice teen friendly

"I want you all to know that for a long time I felt very alone and helpless, like I couldn't do anything about my problems. I came here so scared, and I walked out relieved. You all are so sweet and helpful. I really don't know where I would be, or what position I would be in without this clinic. I have received so much good advice about a lot of things. My only suggestions are to have the clinic open at other time, besides Wednesdays. Thanks so much for everything."

~ Teen clinic client

A teen checking in at a Public Health Teen Clinic

Adolecent barriers to services

Teen friendly services are critical to reaching teens and to promote adolescent health. Adolescents face barriers to services that are unique to their age group:

Loss of confidentiality
Cost
Past poor treatment by adults
Difficulty with transportation to appointments
School, work and family schedules that conflict with appointments

Proven strategies to increase access to teens to Public Health - Seattle & King County's Family Planning Clinics

Referrals and resources

Advocates for Youth
Advocates for Youth is dedicated to creating programs and advocating for policies that help young people make informed and responsible decisions about their reproductive and sexual health.
Adolescent Health fact sheets
Printable fact sheets for adults who care about teens from the Washington State Dept. of Health (DOH).
Pregnancy publications by the Washington State DOH including information for teens

Confidentiality

In Washington State, all health care services offered at a family planning clinic are considered "confidential." This means youth of any age can get these services without a parent or guardian signing a consent form. Learn more about Teenagers and Confidentiality.