Adolescent & Teen Care

Why annual teen checkups matter more than you think

As children become teenagers, it is easy to assume doctor visits are only necessary when they are sick or due for vaccines. In reality, annual wellness visits are some of the most important appointments of the teen years. These visits give us the opportunity to monitor growth and development, discuss physical and emotional health, and address concerns before they become bigger challenges.

From nutrition and sleep habits to school performance, stress, anxiety, and overall well-being, the annual teen visit provides a dedicated time to support your child's health during a period of rapid change. Regular checkups help build trust, encourage healthy habits, and ensure your teen has the guidance and care they need to thrive.

Building trust through confidential care

As children enter their teen years, developing a trusted relationship with their healthcare provider becomes increasingly important. Beginning around age 12, we typically offer teens dedicated time to speak privately with their provider as part of their visit. This helps foster open communication, encourages independence, and allows teens to ask questions they may be hesitant to discuss in front of others.

Louisiana law recognizes certain rights of adolescents to confidential healthcare, and we respect and protect that privacy whenever appropriate. We are also transparent with both teens and parents about the situations in which confidentiality may be limited, particularly when there are concerns about safety or well-being.

Private conversations create a safe space to discuss important topics such as mental health, emotional well-being, substance use, personal safety, and other health concerns. These honest discussions help us provide the guidance, support, and care teens need to make healthy decisions and thrive.

Sports physicals and concussion care

We complete LHSAA sports physical forms for student-athletes attending schools throughout the Bayou Region and surrounding parishes. Annual sports physicals help ensure your child is healthy, prepared, and ready for a safe season of competition.

Throughout the year, we evaluate and treat common sports-related injuries, including sprains, strains, overuse injuries, and concussions. When a concussion occurs, returning to the classroom and returning to sports are separate milestones that require careful evaluation. We work closely with families, coaches, and school athletic trainers to guide both the return-to-learn and return-to-play process, helping ensure a safe recovery and a successful return to normal activities.

Mental health, screen time, and the conversations that matter

We screen for depression, anxiety, and emotional well-being at every annual teen visit using age-appropriate, validated screening tools. These visits also provide an opportunity to talk about topics that can be challenging for families to navigate, including screen time, social media use, sleep habits, body image, vaping, and other everyday pressures facing teens today.

Our goal is to create a supportive environment where teens and parents feel comfortable having honest conversations and asking questions. When additional support is needed, we work closely with trusted local counselors and mental health professionals to ensure teens have access to the care and resources they need to thrive.