At Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest we want teens to make healthy choices regarding their reproductive health, that’s why we have weekly walk-in hours specifically for teens at 7 of our health centers in western Washington. Teen Clinic is a confidential place where teens can come for birth control, pregnancy testing, sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and treatment, emergency contraception, condoms, and the HPV vaccine. It is walk-in only so there is no need to make an appointment. Teens are seen on a first come, first served basis so please arrive early as it can fill up quickly.
Teen Clinic has a fun, teen-focused atmosphere. There are free snacks, fun music, and trained volunteer educators who can answer your questions and play lots of fun games with you! You are encouraged to bring friends and partners to Teen Clinic.
Where and when are Teen Clinics?
Teen Clinics are located Washington State in Marysville, Everett, Lynnwood, Issaquah, Puyallup, Olympia, and Shelton. They all occur weekly. Please click here for current days and hours.
Will my parents need to know I came to Teen Clinic?
All services provided at Planned Parenthood are confidential and no one will need to know that you came. We do encourage teens to involve their parents in issues concerning their sexual and reproductive health, but we realize that not all teens have the ability to do this. Parental consent is not required to receive birth control or abortions in the state of Washington.
What should I bring with me?
Please bring with you to the health center:
· photo ID (ex. Driver’s license or school ID),
· social security (your parents or a school counselor should be able to get this information)
· Birth certificate or passport
No one will be turned away for not being able to produce the above items, but you are strongly encouraged to bring them if possible.
What can I expect to happen at Teen Clinic?
When you first arrive at the Teen Clinic a volunteer educator or the front desk staff will welcome you. You will have to fill out paperwork, which includes consents for service and a medical history. It is very important to be honest when filling out your paperwork so we can insure we will give you the best care possible. Then you will have to wait to be called in the back, this is a great time to ask the volunteer educators questions, play games, and win prizes. Once they call you in the back the medical assistant will take your blood pressure and weight and then ask you a few questions. Next the clinician will come in and either just have a conversation with you or do an exam, depending on the reason for your visit. Our clinicians are well trained and very teen-friendly please feel free to share any information with them. Finally you will check out at the front desk, be given any supplies/medications that the clinician prescribed, and pay if necessary. It’s all very easy and we’ll help you through it!
How much will it cost?
Services are provided at the lowest cost possible, and many services are provided at no cost. Patients will not be turned away for inability to pay. For more detailed information regarding payment, please call (206) 328-7715 and ask about cost during Teen Clinic.
Will I need a pelvic exam to get birth control?
Most teens do not need a pelvic exam/pap smear to obtain birth control at Planned Parenthood. Women generally need a pap smear when they turn 21 or when they’ve been sexually active for 3 years or more, whichever comes first. Getting a prescription for birth control usually only involves a discussion with the clinician.
Do you only provide services to women?
No, we really encourage young men to come to Teen Clinic for STI testing and treatment, condoms, and education.
Can my friends come back with me to see the clinician?
We ask that all patients will be seen by themselves first and then they may request to have a friend in the exam room with them. Once they are back many patients find they are most comfortable speaking with the clinician alone.
Is Teen Clinic the only time a teen can be seen at Planned Parenthood?
No, Teen Clinic is a great time for teens to come to the health center, but teens are always able to make an appointment at any of our health centers; simply go to our Online Health Center.
I have more questions, who can I contact?
Please contact us at (206) 328-7715 or teenclinic@ppgnw.org
