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Adolescent Care

At Rigby Pediatrics, we understand the importance of providing pre-teens and teens with special care during their formative years. After all, the care they receive now can profoundly impact their future. 

Our services are designed to cover all the bases, from acne treatments to growth monitoring, to support your teen or pre-teen right to adulthood.

The Importance of Specialized Care for Teens and Pre-Teens

As the World Health Organization describes, adolescent years are a “unique stage of human development and an important time for laying the foundations of good health.”

During the teenage years, the human body undergoes several changes, many of which are triggered by an increase in hormones. These changes could include growth spurts, shifts in appetite, and puberty. It is also a time when every emotion feels heightened. While this phenomenon is often dismissed as teenage ‘moodiness,’ it can be incredibly challenging for young people trying to navigate through school and their social lives. As such, receiving specialist care during this time can be incredibly beneficial. 

Specialized care can help your child develop healthy habits that they carry into adulthood.

Services We Offer for Adolescents

At Rigby Pediatrics, we offer a wide range of healthcare services for adolescents. These include:

Annual physical exams

Annual physical exams can help keep young people healthy by identifying the early signs of problems and complications. More often than not, they are necessary for inclusion in sports-based extracurriculars or when applying for driver's permits.

Skin condition treatments

If your child is dealing with hormonal acne, eczema, psoriasis, or other skin conditions, our providers can help provide guidance, reduce discomfort, and improve the appearance of the skin.

Sexual health awareness

According to a recent study, “adolescents account for approximately half of new STIs in the United States every year.” At Rigby Pediatrics, we strive to provide a safe space for confidential discussions on sexual health, consent, and safe sex practices to prevent outbreaks and other complications.

Vaccinations

We provide routine vaccines for adolescents, such as HPV, meningitis, and Tdap.

Counseling services

Our counseling services are designed to help support adolescents through a range of challenges, from mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression to battling peer pressure and making wise decisions.

Health education

Your child is more likely to care for their health if they understand what is happening to their body as they grow. Our providers seek to treat and educate adolescents during our appointments. When relevant, we discuss the following: 

  • Balanced nutrition
  • Body image
  • Gynecologic and reproductive health
  • Healthy habits
  • Hygiene
  • Puberty
  • Sleep hygiene

Health screenings and tests

Our skilled team can also carry out a range of health screenings to provide patients with the highest level of support possible. These tests might include routine lab work for conditions such as anemia or screening for common orthopedic concerns among adolescents.

Chronic condition management

If your child is diagnosed with a chronic condition, we’ll provide them with the support they need to manage it effectively. We offer regular guidance and treatment for conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or ADHD.

Our Approach to Adolescent Care

At Rigby Pediatrics, we have years of experience serving adolescents. We work diligently to establish a sense of trust with those under our care and encourage open communication between patients and providers. One way in which we achieve this goal is through fostering a safe and non-judgmental environment where teens feel safe to open up. 

We value your teen’s privacy and will maintain confidentiality at all times, involving parents in care decisions when appropriate.

FAQs About Adolescent Care

We recommend that teenagers meet with a healthcare provider at least once a year for an annual check-up or when experiencing symptoms.

Our goal is to create a safe space where teens feel comfortable sharing their concerns and asking questions without fear of judgment or repercussions. For delicate topics, we take the time to listen, validate their feelings, and provide information in a clear, age-appropriate, and supportive manner. We also emphasize the importance of confidentiality so they know their concerns will be handled with care.

Currently, we only offer in-person services for teens and adolescents.

Our healthcare providers can conduct private conversations, allowing your teen to open up without hesitation. We’ll involve you in treatment plans when necessary.

In Idaho, the law requires parental consent for all medical services given to minors. However, there may be some exceptions. If you have any questions, call our office to inquire about your specific situation.

We’ll work closely with you to develop a treatment plan that works for your child, answering any questions you may have. If we determine that your child could benefit from seeing a specialist, we’ll guide you through the process. Our team will coordinate referrals and remain actively involved in your child’s overall care to make the transition as seamless as possible.

Find Care for Your Preteen or Teen in Rigby

If you’re looking for adolescent care you can trust in Rigby, you’ve found the right place. Call us to learn more or schedule an appointment.

Rigby Pediatrics

NOW OPEN!

Dr. Mark Peterson, DO

Office: (208) 357-4432
Fax: (208) 745-9396

167 E 1st S
Rigby, ID 83442