Teen (12–18 years) · Young adult (18–21 years) · Teens
Your health, your say: confidentiality and consent from the teen years to 21
From about 12, part of every visit is private. Georgia lets minors consent on their own to certain care, including STI testing and treatment, and at 18 a patient controls their records. Here is how that works at Dare2Care Pediatrics.
Key takeaways
- From 12 or 13, teens get time alone with the doctor at every well visit
- What a teen tells us stays between us, except for danger to themselves or others
- In Georgia, minors can consent on their own to STI testing and treatment, pregnancy-related care and substance use treatment
- At 18, the patient owns their records; a signed release lets parents stay involved
- Portal access changes at 18: the patient gets their own login
Why private time matters
Teens who can talk to a doctor alone are more likely to disclose depression, substance use, bullying, and questions about sex and their bodies, and more likely to get help. Parents are asked to step out for part of the visit from around age 12 or 13, and the doctor explains the rules to both of you first. It is also practice for adult healthcare.
What stays confidential, and what does not
What a teen tells us in private stays private. The exceptions, which we state to every teen: a risk of serious harm to themselves, a risk of harm to someone else, and abuse or neglect, which the law requires us to report. In those situations we tell the teen what we must do and who will be told. We always encourage teens to bring parents into the conversation, and most do.
What minors can consent to in Georgia
- Testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, at any age
- Pregnancy-related care, including prenatal care
- Substance use evaluation and treatment
- Emergency care when a parent cannot be reached
- Married or emancipated minors and minors who are parents themselves consent to their own care generally
For most other care, including vaccines and routine visits, a parent or guardian consents until 18. Contraception has its own rules; ask us and we will explain what applies.
Turning 18
On their 18th birthday a patient becomes the legal owner of their health information and decisions. Parents no longer receive results or records automatically. Many families keep it simple: the young adult signs a release naming a parent, which they can change at any time, and the parent keeps helping with insurance and scheduling. The patient portal converts to the young adult’s own account.
Insurance and explanations of benefits
Insurance statements go to the policyholder, usually a parent, and can reveal a confidential visit. Georgia Medicaid and some commercial plans let a patient request that statements go to them directly; ask the plan. Tell us if this is a concern and we will plan the visit around it.
When to call us
- To set up a release of information at 18, or to change one
- To ask what your teen can and cannot consent to on their own
- A teen who wants a confidential visit can call or message the portal themselves
Go to the emergency room or call 911 if…
- If you or your teen is in immediate danger, call 911; confidentiality never blocks emergency care
Questions parents ask
Will you tell me if my teen is sexually active?
Not without their permission, unless there is a safety concern such as abuse. We encourage every teen to talk with a parent, and we help them do it.
My child is 18 and has a disability. Can I still make decisions?
Only with a legal arrangement: a healthcare power of attorney signed by your young adult, or guardianship through the court. We can explain the options and it is part of our continuity of care planning.
Not sure? Ask us
Call or text the office during hours, or send a portal message. For emergencies call 911.
(770) 615-7000Trusted further reading
- HealthyChildren.org (opens in new tab)American Academy of Pediatrics