Just like everyone else, it is often difficult for medical providers to talk about important and sensitive topics with teens. For doctors, nurses, as well as receptionists and medical technicians (anyone a teen may speak with when getting health care), it is important for them to put their adolescent patients at ease when receiving health care. If teens feel comfortable with their health care providers, this relationship can reduce risky behaviors, help teens make healthy decisions, and prevent chronic health problems.

DC Campaign offers a free, in-house training for health care staff to assist medical offices in being more teen-friendly. To discuss a training, call Brenda Rhodes Miller at 202-789-4666 extension 11 or e-mail her at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

A few tips to make your practice more teen-friendly:

• Stress the importance of preventative care;
• In the District of Columbia, teens can consent for:
  • contraception services
  • prenatal care
  • STI/HIV services
  • alcohol and/or drug abuse treatment
  • outpatient mental health services
• Encourage teens to involve their families in health care decisions, but guarantee confidentiality;
• Maintain information on other health, social and educational programs that meet the physical and mental health needs of teens;
• Have teen magazines and teen-related brochures on display in your waiting rooms; and
• Always look for opportunities to emphasize the need for teens to make healthy choices.