Adolescent Medicine

Teens and young adults have unique needs that are all their own.

WMCHealth’s Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital offers specialty services that focus on the specific physical and psychological characteristics of adolescents and young adults ages 12-26. Our specialists are trained and experienced in meeting the needs of this age group and can work with you and your child to help them grow into healthy adults.

Adolescence and young adulthood are periods of tremendous physical, emotional, and intellectual change. Confidentiality is a significant concern for many of our patients, and we rely on a trusting relationship to allow concerns to be shared. Our dedicated pediatricians approach adolescents and young adults in a way that honors their genuine concerns. We believe in arming them with information to support their bodies and minds into adulthood.

Adolescent Medicine Treatments and Services

We provide care for a full spectrum of issues impacting teen health, including:

Adolescent Gynecology, Contraception, and Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Management

Adolescents and young adults have gynecologic needs that differ from those of older adults. Our adolescent and young adult medicine specialists have extensive experience caring for patients in this age group, with a focus on comfort, privacy, and age-appropriate care. In many cases, a routine pelvic (internal) exam is not needed at the time of an initial visit.

We understand the importance of confidential care for adolescents and young adults, while also recognizing the valuable role parents or caregivers may play in a young person’s health and wellbeing.

Our specialists provide care for a wide range of gynecologic concerns, including:

• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
• Amenorrhea (not having your period)
• Irregular, painful, or heavy periods
• Pap smears
• Vaginal discharge
• Testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
• Ovarian cysts
• Contraceptive counseling for all forms of birth control, including IUDs and contraceptive implants

Eating Disorder Management

Our adolescent and young adult medicine specialists have extensive experience treating eating disorders across multiple levels of care. We provide outpatient management, as well as coordination for patients who require residential treatment, partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient programs (IOP), or inpatient medical care.

On-site therapists provide short-term therapy and care coordination for patients and families who are new to eating disorder treatment, helping support them as they transition to longer-term care. We work closely with eating disorder therapists, dietitians, and families to create a comprehensive network of support.

Our specialists are trained in evidence-based medical care and understand the critical role of mental health support in treating eating disorders. We provide medical management for:

• Anorexia nervosa (restricting and binge-purge subtypes)
• Bulimia nervosa
• Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (AFRID)
• Binge eating disorder

Mental Healthcare

Our adolescent and young adult medicine specialists are trained in the medical management of common mental health conditions affecting adolescents and young adults, including:

• Anxiety disorders
• Depression
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

On-site therapists provide short-term therapy and care coordination for patients and families who are new to mental health treatment, with support transitioning to longer-term therapy when needed. We also collaborate with community therapists and psychologists to ensure comprehensive, coordinated care.

We prioritize confidential care for adolescents and young adults while supporting their growing independence. When appropriate, we also provide education and guidance for parents and caregivers.

Inpatient Services

Our adolescent medicine specialists provide comprehensive outpatient services as well as multidisciplinary inpatient care for teenagers and young adults with a wide range of medical needs. This includes management of urgent gynecologic and menstrual concerns requiring hospitalization.

Our inpatient Eating Disorder Program offers structured, evidence-based medical stabilization and nutritional rehabilitation guided by the standardized Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital Eating Disorder Guidelines. Patients receive coordinated, around-the-clock care that includes medical management, nutritional support, psychological assessment, and family engagement.

To support long-term recovery, we prioritize seamless transitions of care by arranging follow-up services and connecting patients with appropriate outpatient, day program, or residential eating disorder treatment at discharge.