Teen Health Resources at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Adolescence is an exciting time of growth and development. As children enter the tween and teen years, they begin a process of self-discovery, identity formation, and physical change that sets them on the path toward adulthood. 

The Center for Parent and Teen Communication (CPTC) resides within the Division of Adolescent Medicine at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), surrounded by dedicated professionals and leading research centers focused on this critical developmental stage. From violence prevention strategies to policy research, CHOP offers a wide range of resources and support centers for teens, parents, and caring adults. Here’s just a sampling of the resources that CHOP has to offer:

Adolescent Initiative

The Adolescent Initiative provides clinical, prevention, and research services to youth that are living with HIV and those at-risk for HIV. Their SNAP’T program focuses on ending the HIV epidemic among youth in Philadelphia by providing accessible HIV and STI services to youth via their mobile health unit.

Center for Injury Research & Prevention (CIRP)

CIRP is advancing interdisciplinary science and translating discoveries into breakthroughs in technology, clinical care, policy and education to keep children, teens, and young adults safe. The Center’s Young Driver Safety Research team offers free evidence-based teen driver safety resources, including the Teen Driver Source website that provides practice driving lessons plans, stats and facts, and much more.

CIRP’s Minds Matter Concussion Program is redefining pediatric concussion care through translational research and breakthrough treatments. Its multidisciplinary team provides comprehensive care guided by evidence-based best practices from our research. Minds Matter aims to enhance the prevention of brain injuries and optimize treatments and shorten recovery times once injuries occur, supporting patients and families as they navigate recovery. Resources are available for parents, caregivers, schools, coaches and clinicians. To schedule an appointment with the Minds Matter Concussion Program at CHOP, call (215) 590-6919.

Center for Parent & Teen Communication (CPTC)

CPTC uses science-backed strategies to help parents raise teens prepared to thrive. We offer tips, resources, and strategies for parents, caregivers, educators, and teens that improve communication and strengthen family relationships. Download our customizable teen responsibility contract, browse our helpful videos on topics like stress management and communication, and check out our resources on supporting teens with chronic conditions.

Center for Violence Prevention (CVP)

CVP conducts community-focused research and designs evidence-based programs for clinical, school, and neighborhood settings. CVP’s research and programming span youth violence-related topics including school bullying, suicide prevention, community violence and trauma support, gun safety, and intimate partner violence/teen dating violence. Access CVP’s free evidence-based resources, including our recently-refreshed all about bullying handouts, webinar recordings, workshops, and videos, on CVP’s website.

Clinical Futures

Clinical Futures is powering progress in pediatric care. The center utilizes innovative methods to create, translate, and disseminate epidemiological, health services, and clinical research-based evidence and interventions that improve children’s health and family wellbeing. Their Research in Practice blog shares credible and timely commentary on the latest news, research, and more. Read some of their recent posts related to adolescent health challenges, addressing mental health for LGBTQ+ Teens, improving HPV vaccination rates, opioid use disorder treatment strategies, and smoking cessation support for caregivers.

Medical Financial Partnership

It’s important for teenagers to file their taxes if they worked last year, even if their parents claimed them as dependents. The Medical Financial Partnership team can prep and file your taxes at the Nicholas and Athena Karabots Pediatric Care Center. Appointments are available Tuesday/Thursday, 5-7pm and Saturday, 9am-1pm. Sign up here. Note: Walk-ins are accepted based on availability only.

PolicyLab

PolicyLab researches, develops, and implements evidence-based solutions that are responsive to community needs and relevant to child and adolescent health policy priorities. Their blog and YouTube channel offer the latest research, insights, and guidance on important topics like adolescent health and well-being, alleviating period poverty, and talking to your teen about their health.

The Possibilities Project

In partnership with NJM Insurance Group, virtual driving assessment (VDA) is offered in 26 CHOP Primary Care Network offices throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. This comprehensive evaluation of real-world driving skills in a safe, controlled environment helps teens develop safe driving skills.

To find out more visit https://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/adolescent-medicine