Teen Wellness
Dynamic Needs of Adolescents
Teen wellness is a term that encompasses the dynamic needs of adolescents from ages 13-19. During this stage of development, teens experience significant physical, emotional, and mental changes.
Optimal health depends on nurturing every aspect of wellness and supporting them as they begin to take responsibility for their:
- Mental wellness
- Nutrition
- Sexual health
- Activity level
- Rest and recovery
- Emotional health
- Social behaviors
- Medication administration
- Treatment plans
- Safety and boundaries
As they begin to make more decisions apart from their parents, teens need education, trusted support systems, non-judgmental health care providers, and accessible health services. The teen wellness specialists at the Children's Clinic provide every child with all they need to navigate their health care needs through these difficult years. While all our pediatricians see teens, we also employ an Adolescent Health Nurse Practitioner, Jean Braden, who specializes only in teen health. She may be the perfect fit as a provider for your teen as they transition out of childhood and toward adulthood.
Comprehensive teen wellness requires a team of experts who understand the dynamic needs of an adolescent’s physical, emotional, and mental health.
The team at the Children’s Clinic in Billings, Montana, specializes in personalized teen wellness, from preventive care and teen-directed education to sexual health support and behavioral health services.
Teen Wellness Q&A
To protect and optimize your teen’s wellness, call or request an appointment online at the West End or downtown office today.
What are common issues that impact teen wellness?
Common physical, mental health, and behavioral health issues that can impact teen wellness include:
- Stress Anxiety and depression
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Obesity and eating disorders
- Substance abuse, including drugs, alcohol, and vaping
- Self-harm and suicidal thoughts
- Bullying and peer pressure
- Cyberbullying and using social media safely
- Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
- Birth control and pregnancy
Chronic illnesses like asthma, allergies, and diabetes can impact a teen differently than a younger child. Excellent teen wellness support includes allowing teens to participate in their care and equipping them to take responsibility for their treatment plans.
How does my provider support teen wellness?
The Children's Clinic team includes specialists in adolescent health, including practitioners with decades of experience in teen wellness. They specialize in providing teen-specific services, including:
- Well-child visits
- Behavioral health
- Mental health screenings
- Teen vaccinations
- Nutrition consultations
- Weight-loss management
- Substance abuse screening
- Sexual health education
To meet the unique needs of teen girls, they offer an educational session called "Growing Up Female," which teaches them about relationships, puberty, and effective communication with parents during the teen years.
As your teen ages and their needs change, the team at the Children's Clinic is here to support them every step of the way. You can also count on them to equip you as a parent to give your child the tools they need to become healthy adults.