Faq
Click here for medical emergencies.
The legal age for agreeing or consenting to medical services in many states is 18 years old. However, if you are under 18 years old, you can receive the following medical care without your parental/guardian’s permission:
- Testing and related treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Medical services required for birth control, pregnancy, or family planning (except sterilization/getting tubes tied or vasectomy)
- Services needed for outpatient care, treatment, or rehabilitation for substance abuse
- Services needed for outpatient care, treatment, or rehabilitation for mental health.
- If you are pregnant, medical or surgical treatment for you or the child if related to the delivery of the child. After delivery, the law considers the mother an adult for consenting to medical or surgical treatment for her child.
Parents can access all medical records except in the following situations:
- Title X Family Planning Services (birth control)
- Substance abuse treatment
- If releasing the record would cause harm to you or another person.
The only 100% effective method of birth control is abstinence. If you’re sexually active, there are various birth control methods you can cover with your provider.
CACOST provides reproductive health services, and the clinic staff are willing to confidentially discuss questions you have or provide these services to you without discussing them with your parents.
The only 100% effective method of preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections is abstinence. If you are sexually active, there are a number of ways that you can avoid pregnancy and STIs. The best way to prevent STIs is to use a barrier method such as a condom, diaphragm or dental dam. There are many birth control methods that prevent pregnancy, most of which are detailed in the birth control chart above. Keep in mind that a condom is the only method that prevents both pregnancy AND STIs.
If you think you may be pregnant or have an STI, make an appointment to see a doctor as soon as possible. You can refer to the Resources page to schedule an appointment at CACOST.
Most of the time, a doctor can't tell if someone has had sex just from a pelvic exam (and doctors don't usually give pelvic exams unless there's a sign of a problem). But you should let your doctor know if you've had sex anyway. Why? Having sex puts a person at risk for STIs as well as unplanned pregnancy. When you tell your provider you've had sex, he or she can look out for signs of infection. Treating STIs early is important not just for your health, but also for the health of your partner. An STI that's not treated could cause scarring of the reproductive organs and might lead to infertility (inability to have a baby).
A mental health provider will make the diagnosis. They will take a detailed family history, write down your developmental history, and watch current symptoms. Standardized testing may also be done. A skilled mental health provider will analyze all of the information. If certain diagnostic criteria are met, they will make a diagnosis. These are based on the young person’s age and reports from parents and other caregivers or teachers.
- Anxiety disorders. These are the most common mental health problems in young people. They include panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.
- ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder). ADHD symptoms include poor attention and focus.
- Depression. This affects mood, energy, interests, sleep, appetite, and overall functioning. Symptoms occur most days of the week. They can greatly interfere with the ability to function at home or at school.
- Bipolar disorder. This illness causes extreme shifts in mood, energy, and functioning. Times of disruption switch off with periods of withdrawal and other depressive symptoms.