Thanks for your question. In the United States it’s recommended that all teens have confidential, one-on-one time with their health care provider. During this time, you can talk about things like home, school, nutrition, sexual health, mental health and safety. Here are some tips on how to bring it up to your health care provider:
- Contact your health care provider (by phone or online services, if available) and let them know you would like some private time during your next visit.
- Let your health care provider know that you saw online that teens often get alone time to talk with their health care provider. Then ask if that was something you could do.
It’s important to know that what you talk about is confidential unless there are safety concerns (including having thoughts of wanting to hurt yourself or someone else, and concerns that someone may be hurting you). Make sure to talk about what counts as confidential with your health care provider.