Adolescent Health: A Guide for Providers
Adolescence is a time of change in physical, psychosocial, behavioral, and cognitive development. It is also a challenging time for those who work with young people to understand the intricacies of how to optimize communication and interaction with adolescents and their parents/caregivers during the transitional period between childhood and adulthood, and about the legal consent, confidentiality, and reporting requirements associated with adolescent health care. The Adolescent Health Guide was developed as a comprehensive and user-friendly resource on health and health-related issues pertinent to adolescence for use by those who serve and provide information and support to young people. The goal of the guide is to increase knowledge among providers about the complexities and legal reporting requirements inherent in treating adolescent patients.
The guide complements the Texas Health Steps Online Provider Education modules Adolescent Health Screening, Teen Consent and Confidentiality and Identifying and Treating Children and Young People with High-Risk Behaviors. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) contracted with Sherry Matthews Advocacy Marketing to research and develop the Adolescent Health Guide, in collaboration with the DSHS Adolescent Health Coordinator and the Texas Health Steps Online Provider Education Program. The guide can be downloaded from the Texas Health Steps provider web link below.
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/thsteps/providers.shtm
Helpful Web Sites for Preventive Services Guidelines for Adolescents:
American Academy of Pediatrics
Bright Futures
External links to other sites are intended to be informational and do not have the endorsement of the Department of State Health Services. These sites may also not be accessible to persons with disabilities.
Helpful Handouts
The following attachments must be viewed/printed with Adobe® Acrobat® Reader. For persons with disabilities, please contact the Adolescent Health Coordinator at 512/776-7373.
Adolescent Development Table (17K, PDF, viewing information)
Tips for Interviewing Adolescents (409K, PDF, viewing information)
Training
Contact the State Adolescent Health Coordinator