DepartmentResources for Patients Close [Back to Overview](/departments/pediatric-primary-care/adolescent-medicine)## Explore department Request an Appointment ## Request an Appointment Request an Appointment ##### By Phone For general scheduling or help finding the right provider, call to speak to a member of our care team. ##### Schedule Online If you’ve already seen a provider in this department, you can request a follow-up with them in MyChart. [Schedule With MyChart](https://mychart.bmc.org/) Close Dialog Refer a Patient ## Refer a Patient Refer a Patient Hours of Operation: Monday–Thursday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Phone: [617.414.4086](tel:617.414.4086) Please Note:Referrals are not necessary to establish primary care in the Adolescent Division. Outside facilities may refer patients to our Aftercare, CATALYST, CATCH, Menstrual Disorders, and Family Planning Clinics. The Adolescent Division is dedicated to providing a high level of assistance to colleagues within Boston Medical Center and outside of the BMC system. Whether for diagnostics, treatment, a single consultation, second opinion, or ongoing follow up, BMC’s providers will keep the consulting provider fully informed of the patient’s treatment plan and coordinate long-term management. Close Dialog ## Adolescent Medicine # Resources for Patients Explore Adolescent Medicine The Division of Adolescent Medicine is located within the Department of Pediatrics, on the 7th floor of the [Crosstown Center](/visiting-us/crosstown-building "Locations: Crosstown Center | Boston Medical Center"). **If you need assistance after hours, on the weekend, or on a holiday**, call the Pediatrics Department at [617.414.5946](tel:617.414.5946 "Pediatric Primary Care | Boston Medical Center") and a doctor or nurse practitioner will return your call within 30 minutes. If you are ill, please take your temperature before calling so you can tell the on-call provider whether you have a fever. **In a life-threatening situation**, call 911 or go to the [Pediatric Emergency Medicine](/departments/pediatric-specialty-care/emergency-department-pediatrics "Department of Pediatrics: Emergency Medicine | Boston Medical Center") at 725 Albany Street (same location as the main ER). ##### Confidentiality Policy To protect our patients’ health and to comply with Massachusetts state law, we provide adolescents with confidential care for problems related to sexually transmitted diseases and contraception. If you are a parent or a patient and you have a question about our confidentiality policy, please speak with your adolescent’s primary care clinician. ## Programs and Services In addition to offering routine healthcare and physical examinations and robust connections with social services and area support programs, BMC Adolescent Medicine offers or can connect patients to multiple special programs built specifically around issues faced by youth, such as addiction and substance use disorder (SUD), contraception and family planning, gender-affirming care, menstrual disorders, nutrition counseling, sexual assault and intimate violence, and teen and young adult prenatal care and parenting education. ### [Aftercare Clinic](/departments/pediatric-primary-care/adolescent-medicine/aftercare-clinic) A primary care program within the Adolescent Center providing trauma-informed care for teens affected by adolescent sexual trauma, including medical evaluation, STI testing, pregn… ### [CATALYST Clinic](/departments/pediatric-primary-care/adolescent-medicine/catalyst-clinic) A primary care program focused on adolescent substance use, providing a supportive, confidential setting for comprehensive adolescent addiction treatment that includes medical car… ### [CATCH: Child and Adolescent Transgender Center for Health](/departments/pediatric-primary-care/adolescent-medicine/catch-child-and-adolescent-transgender-center-health) A gender identity center within the Department of Pediatrics providing adolescent transgender health services, including medical care, counseling, and support for children and tee… ### [Childbirth Education](/departments/obstetrics-and-gynecology/obstetrics/labor-delivery-and-postpartum-care/patient-resources/childbirth-education) BMC’s childbirth education classes help you know what to expect during the labor and birth process. They are a safe place to ask questions and talk about birth-related concerns. ### [Family Planning Clinic](/departments/pediatric-primary-care/adolescent-medicine/family-planning-clinic) A clinic within the Adolescent Center providing family planning services, including contraception, counseling, and reproductive healthcare for teens and young adults in a confiden… ### [Menstrual Disorders Clinic](/departments/pediatric-primary-care/adolescent-medicine/menstrual-disorders-clinic) A pediatric primary care program providing evaluation, diagnosis, and personalized care for adolescent irregular menstruation, led by an experienced adolescent gynecologist. ### [Pediatrics - Nutrition and Fitness for Life](/departments/pediatrics-nutrition-and-fitness-life) A program within the Department of Pediatrics focused on promoting a healthy lifestyle for kids while teaching families about balanced eating, active living, and positive habits. ### [Psychiatry (Pediatrics)](/departments/pediatric-specialty-care/psychiatry-pediatrics) Pediatric mental health care from pediatric psychiatrists offering assessment and personalized treatment for depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other emotional or behavioral concerns. ### [Teen and Tot Program](/departments/pediatric-primary-care/adolescent-medicine/teen-and-tot-program) A pediatric primary care program supporting teens experiencing teenage pregnancy, offering comprehensive medical care, prenatal support, parenting guidance, and mental health serv… ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/f74103ad-5d07-4855-a02c-46b2abec4d31/20140820ecBMC_443?io=transform:fill,width:350,gravity:topright&format=webp) ## Transitioning from Pediatric to Adult Care Adolescent Medicine will provide complete physical exams for any patient established in our practice up to and including 22 years of age. Patients 23 years of age and older will be encouraged to transition to a provider who practices adult medicine. However, our practice can continue to address urgent needs until the patient’s 24th birthday. After the 24th birthday, appointments may be made on a case-by-case basis and must be approved by the patient’s PCP. Please note: - A patient is considered successfully transitioned to an adult medicine provider after they have had a visit/appointment with that provider. Until they have had a visit, they are still considered an Adolescent Division patient. - **A patient is considered “new” if they have not been seen in the Pediatric/Adolescent Practice for three years or more.** Any new patient 21 years of age or older should be scheduled with an adult medicine provider, *unless* they need a consult or access to adolescent subspecialty services, in which case patients can be scheduled up to age 25. ## Resources for the Transition to Adult Care ##### BMC Resources - [BMC Step-by-Step Guide to Transitioning from Adolescent to Adult Primary Care](/pediatrics-adolescent-center/transitioning-pediatric-adult-care-OLD "Transitioning from Pediatric to Adult Care | Boston Medical Center") - [BMC Transition Timeline for Young Adults with Special Needs (PDF)](https://www.bmc.org/sites/default/files/Patient_Care/Specialty_Care/Pediatrics___Special_Kids_Special_Help/Transition-Timeline.pdf "Boston Medical Center: Transition Timeline for Young Adults with Special Needs (PDF)") ##### Commonwealth of Massachusetts Resources - [Division for Children & Youth with Special Health Needs: Health Transition for Youth and Young Adults with Special Health Needs](https://www.mass.gov/health-transition-for-youth-and-young-adults-with-special-health-needs "Department of Public Health: Health Transition for Youth and Young Adults with Special Health Needs | Commonwealth of Massachusetts (mass.gov)") Resources for youth and young adults, their families, and providers as they move from pediatric to adult health care systems and learn to take charge of their health and related needs. - [Division for Children & Youth with Special Health Needs: Health Transition Support and Advocacy Groups](https://www.mass.gov/lists/health-transition-support-and-advocacy-groups "Department of Public Health: Health Transition Support and Advocacy Groups | Commonwealth of Massachusetts (mass.gov)") Resources for those with special health needs as they transition to adulthood. - [Secondary Transition](https://www.doe.mass.edu/specialeducation/iep/transition/default.html "Special Education: Secondary Transition | MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (doe.mass.edu)") Transition resources pertaining to Special Education and IEPs from Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). - [Turning 22](https://www.mass.gov/dds-turning-22-services "Department of Developmental Services: Turning 22 | Commonwealth of Massachusetts (mass.gov)") Resources and information to help families with disabled children transition into adulthood. ##### Other Trusted Resources - [A Bridge to Adult Health Coverage and Financial Benefits](https://www.mass.gov/doc/a-bridge-to-adult-health-coverage-and-financial-benefits-in-massachusetts-0 "Department of Public Health: A Bridge to Adult Health Coverage and Financial Benefits in Massachusetts (PDF, March 2015) | Commonwealth of Massachusetts (mass.gov)") MA Department of Public Health handout (March 2015) with details about updating Social Security insurance as a child with special needs turns 18. [Also available in Spanish.](https://www.mass.gov/doc/a-bridge-to-adult-health-coverage-and-financial-benefits-in-massachusetts-spanish-version-0 "Department of Public Health: Un puente hacia la cobertura de salud y los beneficios financieros para adultos (PDF, Marzo 2015) | Commonwealth of Massachusetts (mass.gov)") - [DisabilityInfo.org](https://disabilityinfo.org/ "Disabilities Programs and Services Information from UMass Chan Medical School (disabilityinfo.org) ") Comprehensive UMass Chan Medical School/Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center resource to help people with disabilities find information about healthcare and other services. - [Got Transition?](https://www.gottransition.org/youth-and-young-adults/ "Got Transition? Youth and Young Adults (gottransition.org)") Helpful website that can help answer questions youth and families might have about the transition process. - [Healthy Transitions](https://healthytransitionsny.org/ "Healthy Transitions (healthytransitionsny.org)") Resource from the New York State Institute for Health Transition Training for Youth with Developmental Disabilities that features a transition skills checklist as well as guides and videos for topics like scheduling an appointment, getting health insurance, guardianship, managing medication, and more. - [Massachusetts Guardianship Association](https://www.massguardianshipassociation.org/ "Massachusetts Guardianship Association (massguardianshipassociation.org)") Information and resources about guardianship and conservatorship in Massachusetts. - [Planning for Life after Special Education (PDF)](https://www.dlc-ma.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/LASE-Manual.pdf "Disability Law Center, Inc.: Planning for Life after Special Education: A Transition Services Online Manual, December 2012/Second Edition (PDF)") Disability Law Center, Inc., manual for students, parents, and guardians about transition services. ## General Resources for Newly Independent Youth/Young Adults Our [Teen and Tot Program](/departments/pediatric-primary-care/adolescent-medicine/teen-and-tot-program "Department of Pediatrics: Adolescent Center: Teen and Tot Program | Boston Medical Center") staff has compiled a list of resources for independent youth and young adults and those responsible for other family members: Recommended Resources for Independent Youth and Young Adults Recommended Resources for Independent Youth and Young Adults ### Basic Needs (Food, Clothing, Housing) ##### General Low-Income Resources - [City of Boston Low-Income Resources](https://www.boston.gov/low-income-resources "Low-Income Resources | City of Boston (boston.gov)"): Guide to local help with needs like food, heating, and public transportation fares/passes - [Department of Transitional Assistance and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Food Cards](https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-transitional-assistance "Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) | Commonwealth of Massachusetts (mass.gov)"): Assists families in meeting basic needs and achieving long-term economic self-sufficiency - [Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program](https://www.mass.gov/orgs/women-infants-children-nutrition-program "Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program | Commonwealth of Massachusetts (mass.gov)"): Register for WIC to receive healthy foods, breastfeeding support, and more, free of charge to families who qualify ##### Housing and Rental Assistance - [Bridge over Troubled Waters](https://bridgeotw.org/ "Bridge over Troubled Waters (bridgeotw.org)"): Shelter, medical care, and support for homeless/unhoused, runaway, and at-risk people ages 14–24 - [Metro Housing|Boston Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) Program](https://www.metrohousingboston.org/our-programs/homelessness-prevention/residential-assistance-for-families-in-transition/ "Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) | Metro Housing Boston (metrohousingboston.org)"): Rental assistance for people facing eviction, loss of utilities, or other housing emergencies - [Young Parenting Living Program (YPLP) at St. Mary’s Center for Women and Children](https://www.stmaryscenterma.org/young-parenting-living-program "Young Parenting Living Program | St. Mary’s Center for Women and Children (stmaryscenterma.org)"): Housing and skill-building for pregnant and parenting teenagers and their infants/toddlers ##### Nutrition - [BMC Teaching Kitchen](/node/125871 "The Teaching Kitchen | Boston Medical Center"): Educational “Nourishing Our Community” nutrition programs and cooking classes at Boston Medical Center ### Education ##### High School Diploma and General Equivalency Degree (GED) Programs - [Boston Centers for Youth and Families (BCYF): Adult Education](https://www.boston.gov/human-services/bcyf-adult-education) - [Excel High School via Boston Public Library](https://excelhighschool.org/library/bpl) - [Catholic Charities of Boston: High School Equivalency Programs](https://www.ccab.org/adult-education-workforce-development/high-school-equivalency-programs/) - [Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD): University High School](https://bostonabcd.org/service/university-high-school-2/) - [Boston Public Schools: Adult Education Program](https://sites.google.com/bostonpublicschools.org/adult-ed-virtual-learning/) - [Community Schools of Brockton: Adult Learning Center](https://www.brocktoncommunityschools.com/CourseCatalog/Adult-Learning-Center/) ##### Community College Programs - [Quinsigamond Community College (Worcester, MA): QCC for Free](https://www.qcc.edu/qcc-for-free) - [Bunker Hill Community College (Charlestown, MA): BHCC for Free via MassEducate or MassReconnect](https://www.bhcc.edu/freecommunitycollege/) - [Bristol Community College (Fall River/New Bedford, MA): Adult Education Transition to College Program](https://bristolcc.edu/learnatbristol/prepareforcollege/adulteducation/adulteducationtransitiontocollegeprogram.html) - [Bunker Hill Community College (Charlestown, MA): Transitions to College Program](https://www.bhcc.edu/adulted/transitions/) - [Cape Cod Community College (West Barnstable, MA): Transitions to College Program](https://www.capecod.edu/transition/) - [Massasoit Community College (Brockton, MA): Transition to Community College Program](https://massasoit.edu/adult-basic-education-info/transition-to-community-college/) - [Mount Wachusett Community College (Gardner, MA): Corporate, Career, Adult & Community Education](https://mwcc.edu/corporate-career-and-continuing-education/) - [Commonwealth of Massachusetts: MassEducate Free Community College Statewide Program](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/free-community-college) ##### College and Career Readiness Resources - [JVS Boston Vocational Services](https://www.jvs-boston.org/) - [Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) Education Resources](https://bostonabcd.org/service_categories/education/) - [Boston Public Schools: Adult Education Program](https://sites.google.com/bostonpublicschools.org/adult-ed-virtual-learning/) - [The Literacy Project: Adult Education in Massachusetts](https://www.literacyproject.org/) - [Massachusetts Education and Career Opportunities (MassEdCo): Adult Learners](https://www.massedco.org/adult-learners) ### Employment - [City of Boston Office of Youth Employment and Opportunity](https://www.boston.gov/departments/youth-employment-and-opportunity "Youth Employment and Opportunity | City of Boston (boston.gov)"): Job-related resources and trainings for young people in Boston - [Employment Options, Inc.](https://www.employmentoptions.org/ "Employment Options, Inc. of Marlborough, MA (employmentoptions.org)"): Community, education, employment, and other support for people in mental health recovery - [MassAbility (formerly Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission)](https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massability "MassAbility | Commonwealth of Massachusetts (mass.gov)"): Training, employment, and connection with federal benefits for people with disabilities - [MassHire Career Centers](https://www.mass.gov/masshire-career-centers "MassHire Career Centers | Commonwealth of Massachusetts (mass.gov)"): Search for employment and training programs near you, get help with your resume or job interview skills, or attend a job fair - [MA Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development](https://www.mass.gov/orgs/executive-office-of-labor-and-workforce-development "Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) | Commonwealth of Massachusetts (mass.gov)"): Learn about our register for unemployment, Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML), or worker’s compensation benefits - [More than Words](https://shop.mtwyouth.org/pages/faq-for-youth "Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Youth | More than Words (shop.mtwyouth.org)"): Local independent bookstore that empowers people ages 16–24 with paid jobs and a career training program ### Mental Health ##### 24/7 Crisis Line - BMC [Behavioral Health Emergency](/node/172753 "Community Behavioral Health Center | Boston Medical Center") Hotline: [800.981.4357](tel:800.981.4357) ##### Therapists and Support Groups - [MA Department of Mental Health (DMH) Recovery Learning Communities](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/recovery-learning-communities "Recovery Learning Communities | Commonwealth of Massachusetts (mass.gov)"): Peer support at various locations statewide for people struggling with their mental health - [MA Behavioral Health Help Line (BHHL) Resource Directory](https://www.masshelpline.com/bhhldirectory/ "BHHL Resource Directory | MA Behavioral Help Line (masshelpline.com)") - [Therapy Matcher](https://therapymatcher.org/ "Therapy Matcher (therapymatcher.org)"): Free, personalized, and confidential referrals to licensed independent clinical social workers across Massachusetts ### Money Matters: Banking, Financial Education, and Saving for the Future - [BMC StreetCred](/node/174964 "StreetCred | Boston Medical Center"): Tax preparation assistance for families whose children are patients at Boston Medical Center - [Bank On Boston](https://www.boston.gov/departments/center-working-families/bank-boston "Bank On Boston | City of Boston (boston.gov)"): City of Boston program that connects residents with safe, affordable, and reliable financial products, such as checking and savings accounts specifically designed for teens and young adults - [Boston Builds Credit](https://www.bostonbuildscredit.org/ "Boston Builds Credit (bostonbuildscredit.org)"): Help with establishing and improving your credit score, which helps when applying for loans and mortgages and with building wealth over the long term - [Compass Working Capital](https://compassworkingcapital.org/ "Compass Working Capital (compassworkingcapital.org)"): Financial coaching and savings programs - [Financial Assistance for Homebuyers](https://www.boston.gov/departments/housing/find-financial-help-owning-home "Financial Assistance for Homebuyers | City of Boston (boston.gov)"): City of Boston program for first-time homebuyers - [Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) Program](https://www.metrohousingboston.org/our-programs/homelessness-prevention/residential-assistance-for-families-in-transition/ "Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) | Metro Housing Boston (metrohousingboston.org)"): Rental assistance for people facing eviction, loss of utilities, or other housing emergencies - [Women’s Money Matters](https://womensmoneymatters.org/ "Women’s Money Matters (womensmoneymatters.org)"): Builds the financial wellness, confidence, and security of women and girls living on low incomes with a combination of workshops and personal, 1-on-1 coaching