Adolescents and young adults have health needs that are different from those of children or adults. Through Tufts ''Medicine Pediatric Primary Care, adolescents and their parents will find a private, welcoming, and supportive environment. Our doctors aim to provide safe, confidential care to adolescents to help them transition safely from childhood to adulthood.
Ready to help
Our Adolescent Service offers a full range of health services for new patients ages 11-18 years, building long-term relationships that can extend into the college years to age 21. In addition to routine primary care, we also offer:
- Acne management, including severe cases
- Assessment and treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
- Birth control counseling and provision, including long acting reversible contraception
- Complex Medical/Psychosocial Problems
- Developmental/behavioral problems
- Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of sexually transmitted infections
- Evaluation and treatment of menstrual disorders
- Health education
- LGBTQ+ inclusive care including care of gender dysphoria
- Mood disorders
- Pregnancy diagnosis, counseling and referral
- Sexual and reproductive health services
- Transition care planning for individuals with chronic health conditions or intellectual or development disabilities
Adolescent Medicine policies
For patients under 18 years, we usually begin our visits with both patient and parent in the room and then ask the parents to return to the waiting room so we can speak confidentiality with the patient and conduct an examination.
By Massachusetts law, patients under 18 years old may consent on their own for visits and treatments for the following conditions: sexual and reproductive health, testing for sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy care, substance use disorders, mental health issues, and emergency medical care.
Massachusetts Law requires confidentiality for all health services for which patient under 18 years old may consent.
For patients ages 18 years and older, by law, we cannot disclose protected health information to their parents or family members without specific written consent from the patient. This confidentiality law includes individuals ages 18 to 26 years old who are covered as dependents' on their parents' insurance plans.
