For Teens

Our pediatricians understand the needs of teens and offer specific care for their growing physical and mental health.

All of our primary care practices provide comprehensive care for teens. In addition to the great adolescent care you can receive at your teen’s pediatrician’s office, we also have a dedicated Adolescent Medicine Program at Children's National Shaw Metro.

As your child continues to grow, their medical needs will continue to change. Just because your child has become a teenager does not mean he or she needs medical care any less frequently than when he or she was younger. The doctors and nurse practitioners within Adolescent Medicine specialize in adolescent health and the focus is on the total health of our adolescent and young adult patients.

Teen boy with provider in exam room

Our Services for Teens

We have several services available to teens, including:

  • Annual physical exams (including for school and college)
  • Sick visits
  • Management of chronic illness
  • Monitoring of growth and pubertal development
  • Mental and emotional health services
  • Pre-participation sports physical exams
  • Reproductive healthcare
  • Adolescent gynecology
  • Contraception, including emergency contraception
  • Pregnancy testing and options counseling
  • Screening and treatment for sexually transmitted infections
  • Sexual health education

In addition to helping your teen with medical concerns, our providers will spend part of each visit discussing social and emotional issues that may affect your child’s well-being. Social workers and mental health professionals are on-site to assist with any mental healthcare referrals or urgent needs that your teen may have.

Topics Our Providers Discuss with Teens

  • Building healthy relationships
  • Building independence
  • Coping with stress
  • School and job preparation and achievement
  • Screening and treatment for mental health disorders
  • Sexuality and sexual health
  • Substance use and abuse
  • Successful transition to adulthood
  • Supporting strength and resilience 

Mental Health Webinars

Children’s National Hospital and CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield present a webinar series for parents and caregivers that explores aspects of youth mental health.

Find a Primary Care Location

Our 17 primary care locations in Washington, D.C., and Maryland offer the support your family's needs as you navigate your teen's healthcare journey. Find a location near you.

Rise and Shine

Your Teen's First Ob-Gyn Appointment

Experts recommend families schedule their teen's first obstetrician-gynecologist visit between the ages of 13-15.