Adolescents

Specialties

Adolescent Services

When you think pediatrics you might think “children”, but here at Complete Children’s Health we provide comprehensive care for adolescents and young adults through 19 years of age. 

We understand that teenagers may be affected by the same health conditions and problems that occur in children but there are distinct challenges to their healthcare as they are transitioning into a new, more independent stage in their life.  Adolescence is the time of physical maturity, sexual development, powerful emotions, and rapid changes in their way of thinking. 

We strive to meet them where they are and support them through these changes.

Adolescent medicine is a specialty of its own that focuses on medical and emotional issues most specific to teenagers and young adults. This includes puberty, sexuality, identity, mental health, social and emotional development. All of this is in the setting of treating acute and chronic illnesses, providing annual physicals that include sports clearance and adolescent vaccination. We allow extra time during these appointments to follow-up on screening for anxiety, depression, and discuss risk behaviors and safety. We aim to provide an environment for all adolescents that is comfortable and accepting, providing a safe environment for open communication.

Teenagers are neither big children nor small adults. They face unique physical and mental challenges as they mature and take on the pressures of growing up.

This is even more important today when they constantly get advice while scrolling social media.

It is our goal to form a trusted therapeutic relationship with our patients. This allows us to help them navigate the information age and teach them to be better consumers of health-related information and make decisions based on evidence, not influencers.

Adolescent Services

Conditions we address, treat, and provide referral sources for include:

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Acne

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Delayed puberty or growth concerns

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Gynecological concerns

including menstrual abnormalities such as heavy, irregular or delayed cycles
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Sexually transmitted illness

based on symptoms or screening for risk behaviors
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Birth control

including oral contraception, Depo-Provera, or Nexplanon implantation
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Male genital concerns

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Non-surgical sports medicine

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Body image

such as obesity, weight management, and eating disorders

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Chronic and recurrent conditions

such as headaches, dizziness, and abdominal pain

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Substance use/abuse

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Mental health concerns

including Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, self-harm, and defiance

As specialists in pediatrics, treating adolescent conditions with medication and prescription drug management is often necessary. Medical management of mental health diagnoses can be appropriate therapy in addition to counseling. We provide comprehensive care, appropriate follow-up, and strive to educate families and patients about medication management, possible side effects, and goals for treatment.

We work with adolescents to develop coping strategies to navigate social and academic pressures as they form their identity and plan for their futures.

Many of these treatments can be temporary but some will continue into adulthood. Through education and active patient involvement in these decisions, we strive to assist young adults to become independent consumers of healthcare as they transition out of our practice to an adult medical provider

Complete Children’s Health is very fortunate to be able to work alongside a skilled group of psychologists to help our patients navigate this road as well. They are integral in working with parents and caregivers as well as the school system to provide support for teenagers to help them reach their full potential and become independent adults. Other subspecialty services may be recommended and will be coordinated through your primary care physician. These may include Gynecology, Psychiatry, Gastroenterology, Neurology, Endocrinology, and outpatient and inpatient treatment for substance use, eating disorders, and suicidal ideation.

There is nothing more satisfying than being part of a child and adolescent’s journey, watching them grow and mature into unique and amazing young adults. To do that successfully, regular medical care is essential. Call to schedule today and don’t forget to let us know if you need extra time for special healthcare concerns!

We look forward to being part of your journey!