To teenagers, confidentiality is critical. Even though family input is important, it is usually helpful if family members are absent for much of the interaction. The provider will try to obtain the adolescent's trust and find out what issues he or she is struggling to resolve. Assistance or advice may be offered, including ultimately encouraging the teen to talk with his or her family. There are many health care professionals who can offer excellent preventive care for adolescents.
Most young children receive care from pediatricians or family physicians.
Others may have seen nurse practitioners or physician assistants. These same providers will likely remain receptive to caring for teens. Parents can make a simple phone call to their chosen provider to find out who their child should see. Obviously, there is no substitute for quality parenting. Most adolescents make decisions based upon values that they have learned at home.