For Teens
We’re committed to making everyone feel welcome, including teens! You can trust that when you come to one of our centers you will be treated with respect and your health concerns will be taken seriously.
What type of health care can I get at CHN?
There are many services at Community Healthcare Network just for teens. It’s your right to get confidential reproductive and sexual health care services — without your parents’ permission and at no cost to you. If you need other health care services, such as a general checkup or a physical for sports, you will need your parent or guardian’s permission.
- Sexually transmitted disease (STD) counseling, testing and treatment
- Emergency contraception (Plan B)
- HIV counseling and testing
- Contraception (birth control)
- Male exams
- Female exams including Pap test, pelvic exams and clinical breast exams
- Pregnancy testing and options counseling
- Care during (prenatal care) and after pregnancy
We know what concerns teens have when it comes to their health. Here are some reasons why you should come see us.
- If you have been sexually active in any way (oral, vaginal or anal sex)
- If you or your sexual partner are experiencing any itching, burning, discharge or any other changes in your genital area
- If you have been tested for any sexually transmitted infections (including HIV) in the past, but have a new sexual partner
- You have had unprotected sex (including if your condom broke or you forgot to take/use birth control)
- If you have any questions about sexual and reproductive health at all
Important note: It is important to get tested for infections even if you aren’t experiencing symptoms or your partner says he/she was tested.
How do I make an appointment?
Find a health center near you, call the number and set up a convenient time. It’s that easy. Everything you tell us is confidential. We will call you before your appointment to confirm that you are coming (and to remind you). You can request we use a code name when we call in case you are concerned about confidentiality. Bring important documents such as ID and pay stubs, which will be used for insurance enrollment if necessary. If you need to cancel, please call us.
If you are a female it is best to make a gynecological (GYN) appointment when you are not having your period. You will get better results with a PAP test and STD screening if you are not bleeding. If you are, you may need to reschedule unless it is an emergency.
What will happen during my appointment?
When you come to CHN you will first see a nurse who will measure your blood pressure, height and weight. You may also see a health educator who will discuss pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections (STI) and HIV prevention. A health care provider (doctor or nurse practitioner) will ask you questions about your sexual history, and will examine your genitals for any abnormalities and perform STI and HIV tests if needed. It is important to be honest about your answers so you can get the best medical care.
Interested in becoming a Peer Leader?
Click here to download our application. Watch our recruitment video on YouTube. Application due date is April 15, 2011.
What happens after my visit?
You will receive a copy of test results if you want them and will go to the front desk to make any follow-up appointments if necessary. If you have any questions at all at any time, you can ask a health educator at ask@chnnyc.org.
Where are the Teen Health Clinics located?
All Community Healthcare Network health centers welcome teens, but some health centers have set aside specific days and times each week specifically for teens.
Bronx Health Center Monday or Wednesdays, all day
CABS Health Center Tuesdays from 2-6 p.m.
Dr. Betty Shabazz Health Center Tuesdays from 2 – 5 p.m.
Helen B. Atkinson Health Center Wednesday from 2-6 p.m.
We also have a mobile unit geared towards people ages 13-24.
Teens P.A.C.T. Lounges
At CHN we also have a drop-in center called Teens P.A.C.T. (Positive Actions and Choices for Teens) lounges located in Harlem and Brooklyn on Wednesdays from 4 – 6 p.m. Come check out our free workshops and rap sessions led by teens just like you.
Harlem Teens P.A.C.T.
81 W. 115th Street – basement
(212) 426-0088 x201
Brooklyn Teens P.A.C.T
170 Broadway
(718) 387-7341
Also, check out the Teens P.A.C.T. video series here, made by teens, for teens.
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