For Teens

TLC Pediatrics complies with CT laws protecting teens’ rights to confidentiality.

In Connecticut, a teenager can have access to reproductive health services (including birth control medication, the “morning after pill”, abortions, and STD testing and treatment), conversations involving gender and sexual identity,  mental health services, and substance use treatment and counseling WITHOUT the knowledge or consent of their guardian. 

This means that teens have the right to an open and honest discussion about all of the above topics with their provider at TLC without the involvement of their parents AND these visits will be kept confidential. 

There is one exception to this confidentiality: if a teen becomes a danger to themselves or others, then a parent or guardian must be notified.

The first step in taking an active role in your health is to know how to contact us! You can reach a provider 24 hours a day for urgent questions at 203-855-7551, call us during business hours for appointments, or you can email us at [email protected] for answers to non-urgent questions.

Health Rights for Teens

You will not be treated differently because of your race, skin color, place where you were born, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or health insurance. You will be treated with respect by all health center staff.

If your parents are with you, we ask your parents to leave for part of your visit -this is your time to talk to us privately. We also encourage you to share the information we discuss with your parent/caregiver or another trusted adult in your life.

The private information you share with us at TLC Pediatrics will not be shared with other people without you saying it is okay (giving consent).

According to Connecticut law, all teens can get the following services without the permission of his/her parent or legal guardian:

• Pregnancy Testing
• Birth Control Information and Contraceptives
• Testing and Treatment for Sexually Transmitted Infections
• Substance Abuse Treatment

We will be forced to share your private information (by law) when:

• You tell our staff or we suspect that an adult is hurting you.
• You tell our staff that you want to hurt yourself.
• You tell our staff you want to hurt someone else.
• You are under 13 years old and are sexually active.

We will work in partnership with you to determine the care you need. You will receive the best possible care and have your options for care explained to you. You have the right to review your medical record. If you have questions about your rights or feel you have been mistreated, please inform our staff. 

*Some insurance plans may mail a list of tests received to your house. Talk to your provider if you are using your family's insurance and want confidential care. 

Here are some additional resources for you:

• Acne is one of the most common reasons for teen visits to our office! 
  • It all starts with hygiene. Here are some hygiene tips
  • Here’s when to call: 
    • When acne is not improving with basic hygiene measures
    • When acne is painful or extensive
    • When over the counter treatments are making it worse
  • What we can do
    • Help you optimize your hygiene
    • Prescribe topical or oral treatments to help with your acne
    • Refer to a dermatologist if acne remains undertreated despite the proper use of prescription medications

• Puberty Info:  
  • What does normal development look like for boys? 
  • What does normal development look like for girls?  
  • Delayed Puberty
  • A note on body image

• Periods:
  • Periods: What’s normal?
  • Tampon Safety 
  • Preventing Toxic Shock Syndrome
  • Cleaning “down there”: some information on feminine hygiene: 

• Food and Nutrition
  • What should I be eating?   
  • Food portions

• Internet Safety 
  • Online safety
  • How to protect your identity and reputation

• Mental Health Resources
  • Stress management 
  • Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
  • Information on Suicide Prevention

• Sex Education
  • What is Consent?
  • What are my options for birth control?  
  • What is Plan B? 
  • What are STDs and how do I protect myself?
  • How do I get checked for STDs?
  • What do I do in the case of Sexual Violence

• Tips for Healthy Sleep 

• Substances
  • Information about smoking and vaping 
  • Information about drugs

• Body Piercings: Care and precautions
• Tattoos: What to know

• Domestic Violence: How to plan for safety 

• Driving Safety
  • Tips for a new driver
  • Texting and Driving  

• Health Insurance : How to find a plan