Confidentiality: Providing confidential health care services to teens is a vital component of ensuring that adolescents receive the most comprehensive care possible.
The state of California allows adolescents to receive confidential health services for the diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy, contraception and alcohol and drug use. We cannot share this information with a parent or guardian, unless we have the teen’s permission/consent.
We also encourage the adolescent, when appropriate, to talk with his or her parents about these personal and sensitive issues that affect health even if doing so may be uncomfortable. Parental support can help to ensure that the adolescent’s health needs are met.