Adolescent Care

Adolescence can be a whirlwind of big changes and even bigger emotions for both kids and their parents. At Southside Pediatric Center in Petersburg, Virginia, board-certified pediatrician Mary Catherine Arrieta, MD, offers a source of calm and dependable medical care during this often-turbulent period. Book your child’s appointment by calling the office or clicking on the online scheduler now.

What is adolescent care?

Adolescent care is medical care for children starting at around age 10 and continuing until about 19. Of all the stages of life, adolescence can be among the most challenging. 

Children change physically, mentally, and emotionally during this time, so they often need extra support and tailored care. At Southside Pediatric Center, Dr. Arrieta is an empathetic and supportive source of consistent medical care throughout adolescence.

What does adolescent care include?

At Southside Pediatric Center, Dr. Arrieta provides comprehensive adolescent care. The main aspects of adolescent care are:

Well-child visits 

Well-child visits are a chance to monitor physical, mental, and emotional health and get any preventive care your child needs, such as immunizations. All children need well-child visits, so many parents schedule them at the same time each year to have a yearly record of their child’s health and needs as they grow up.

Sick visits

Sick visits are for issues like strep throat, ear infections, rashes, coughs and colds. Or, sick visits can cover injuries like sprains, cuts, and minor burns.

Sports physicals

Your child may need specific types of physicals at various points in their schooling. For example, all children playing school sports need a sports physical before the start of each school year.

Of course, if your child has new symptoms that concern you or if they have new medical needs, you can schedule an appointment anytime. Dr. Arrieta customizes your child’s care based on their needs as a growing adolescent. 

What topics does the doctor discuss during adolescent care?

Dr. Arrieta provides comprehensive medical care to her adolescent patients. That means no topic is off-limits, and she’s always here to provide a gentle and nonjudgmental source of support with sometimes-delicate topics such as: 

• Puberty changes
• Anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges
• Stress
• Body image, diet, nutrition, and weight
• Sex and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• Social pressures and bullying
• Drugs and alcohol use
• Physical and emotional abuse

Children often feel shy or embarrassed about discussing intensely personal topics, but Dr. Arrieta expertly sets her young patients at ease and creates an environment where they feel free to share information and receive support.

Schedule your child’s adolescent care appointment online or call Southside Pediatric Center today.