Adolescent Well Visits
When children and teenagers are healthy, they are more likely to grow up to be healthy adults. Health care providers and parents get the opportunity to monitor a child’s growth and development, identify any concerns, and treat them early to prevent bigger problems later in life.
Comparing Adolescent Well-Child Visits & Sports Physicals
An annual well-child visit includes a comprehensive look at an adolescent’s overall health and well-being, while a sports physical only screens for medical conditions or injuries which may be affected by athletic activity. Well-child visits cover physical development, social competence, academic competence, emotional well-being, violence prevention, reproductive health, sexual education, and more. A well-child visit can double as a sports physical, but a sports physical cannot be considered a well-child visit.
Did you know? Most insurance companies fully cover well-child visits, and the visits last about 20 minutes.
Children 11 & Older
Tdap — Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis
MCV4 — Meningococcal
HPV — Human Papillomavirus
Flu — Seasonal Influenza
Healthy Lifestyles
- Physical Activity and Nutrition — HealthySD.gov and MyPlate.gov
- Take Charge of Your Health — HHS.gov
- When and How to Wash Your Hands — CDC.gov
Risk Reduction
- Tobacco — SDQuitLine.com
- Suicide — SDSuicidePrevention.org
Mental health conditions are common among teenagers and young adults. 1 in 5 lives with a mental health condition — half develop the condition by age 14 and three-quarters by age 24. If you see or hear signs that a teen you know is in crisis and/or struggling, learn what to do.
Learn More About Mental Health
SOURCE: NAMI South Dakota. (2019)
Relevant Resources for Adolescents
Adolescence is a time of growth, change, and important health milestones. These resources offer support for teens, parents, and caregivers to promote emotional wellness, access mental health care, and understand the importance of routine health visits.
- Bright Futures Handout (PDF)
A practical, easy-to-read guide developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics to help teens and their families prepare for well visits. Includes tips on mental health, safety, relationships, and more. - HealthyChildren.org: Emotional Wellness
Explore articles, videos, and expert advice focused on adolescent emotional health, stress management, and building healthy relationships—created by pediatricians for families. - 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 | helplinecenter.org/9-8-8/ | sdsuicideprevention.org/help/988
988 connects individuals to trained counselors offering 24/7 support for mental health crises, suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, or substance use. This free and confidential service also provides referrals to local resources across South Dakota. - 2-1-1 Helpline Center
Dial 211 | helplinecenter.org/211
A statewide resource that connects teens and families with mental health services, basic needs, crisis support, and youth programs. Available 24/7. - Visit NAMI South Dakota
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) South Dakota offers education, peer support groups, and advocacy for youth and families impacted by mental illness. Services include youth programming, school resources, and community outreach. - SD Suicide Prevention Website
Find tools for prevention, warning signs, and support for those impacted by suicide. Includes resources for teens, schools, and caregivers. - Find a Treatment Provider: Search South Dakota Mental Health Services
Use this directory to connect with licensed behavioral health providers near you, including counselors, therapists, and treatment facilities throughout South Dakota.
Older children can start taking charge of their own health by:
- Making their own appointments.
- Going to appointments by themselves or asking a parent or friend to go with them.
- Talking to the provider about their health problems and concerns.
- Writing down questions to ask their provider.
- Asking questions about the medicines they may need to take.
Keep adolescent smiles healthy with an annual dental exam and two teeth cleanings per year.
An annual eye exam is recommended to ensure all is right with their sight.
Annual Health Check-ups: 10-12 years | 13-20 years
Sports Physical vs. Well Visit
Depression: Is this a teen you know?
Teen Dental Health (ADA)
Adolescents and Young Adults: Do they still need a well visit? (NAHIC)
The Adolescent and Young Adult Well Visit: A Guide for Families (NAHIC)
Take Charge of Your Health: A Guide for Teenagers (HHS)
Health Care Transition Timeline for Youth and Young Adults (GotTransition.org)
Health Care Transition Youth and Young Adults (GotTransition.org)
Health Care Transition Parents and Caregivers (GotTransition.org)