The Adolescent Medicine / Youth Health program is a tertiary level, subspecialty clinic offering consultative service for adolescents struggling with complex adolescent issues. Concerns may include substance use, sexual and reproductive health, relationships, challenges at home or school, questions about identity, nutrition and body image, health conditions or stress or mood concerns, or transition to adult care.
Consultation is provided by physicians with specialized training in adolescent health care bridging the physical, psychological and psychosocial components of youth health. As required, a medical examination is incorporated into the assessment.
Consultation often occurs over 2-3 appointments and short term follow up may be indicated.
We accept referrals for youth ages 12-17 years old.
The Adolescent Medicine / Youth Health Program accepts referrals for assessment, consultation and / or short-term treatment for the following issues:
- complex sexual health concerns in the context of another chronic health condition
- somatic symptoms and related disorders
- complex comorbid chronic illness and substance use
- complex comorbid chronic illness and mental health symptoms
- concerns around coping, mental health, body image, treatment adherence, adolescent risk behaviors, substance use, family conflicts, identity and / or school functioning
- other adolescent health concerns in the context of comorbid chronic illness and not already connected to services will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis
- physician-to-physician consult to support community care providers in navigating eating disorders or resources allocation for adolescent health concerns
- preparation and consultation for transition to adult health care for youth with chronic illness – this service is provided by our subspecialty clinic: Grad Service
Grad Service - Transition to Adult Services
The objective of the clinic is to provide a service to assist youth ages 13 to 18 years of age transition from pediatric care to adult care. These patients and family / guardians have factors that may place them at higher risk for altered outcomes during the transition period. They may require additional support related to but not limited to, mental health concerns, family / guardian structure, substance use, limited engagement in medical care, lack of access to finances and/or housing.
Care team may include a pediatrician, nurse clinician, social work and navigator. Services provided may include: adolescent and mental health care, coordination of care, transfer preparation and monitoring for loss of follow up.