Adolescent Care

What is adolescent care?

Adolescent care is a specialized branch of medicine that addresses the unique needs of children between ages 11 and 19. Adolescence is an often overlooked stage of rapid growth and change. During this transitionary period, children experience many physical, mental, and cognitive changes that can affect their development.

The providers at Pediatric Associates of Southwest Missouri partner with your child to address any health concerns and challenges they may face during adolescence. 

What health concerns can adolescent care address?

Once adolescents reach puberty, a period in which children reach sexual maturity, they experience many medical, social, and emotional health concerns, including:

• Depression, anxiety, and mood disorders
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• Substance use
• Obesity and chronic diseases (diabetes, hypertension, etc.)
• Difficulty in school (poor concentration, slipping grades, etc.)
• Trouble making friends
• Low self-esteem
• Sports injuries
• Acne and other chronic skin conditions

Understanding your child’s specific needs and health concerns is essential to support them through adolescence.

What does adolescent care include?

Pediatric Associates of Southwest Missouri provides a complete catalog of adolescent care services, including:

Immunizations

Children receive many essential immunizations during adolescence, including the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. Most children should also receive their annual influenza (flu) shot and 10-year tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) booster.

Sports physicals

A sports physical is a comprehensive health assessment that evaluates your child’s fitness to participate in their activity of choice.

Sexual and reproductive health care

All adolescents can benefit from quality sexual health care during puberty. During this time, most girls experience menstruation, while testosterone production increases in boys. The team can help support adolescents through this period of sexual, hormonal, and physical development with the following:

• Safe sex guidance
• Birth control counseling
• Reproductive health exams
• STD testing and treatment
• Abnormal bleeding treatment

The team ensures your child feels safe and supported as they navigate the challenges of adolescence.

Mental health care

Many factors can affect an adolescent’s mental health, including hormonal changes, brain development, and societal pressures. The pediatric care team at Pediatric Associates of Southwest Missouri works with your child to help improve their mental health.

Nutritional counseling

Physical and mental growth during adolescence demands proper nutrition. The team can help your child follow a balanced and nutritious diet that supports their needs.

Call Pediatric Associates of Southwest Missouri today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.