Your questions answered: Visiting a youth-friendly clinic

What is a youth-friendly clinic?  

Services may include:  

• Contraception and condoms  
• HIV testing and counseling  
• Pregnancy testing and counseling  
• STI testing and treatment  
• Counseling and sexually and reproductive health services.  

A youth-friendly health service is not just about the services it offers. It is also about how you are treated. You should be treated with respect. Staff should listen to you without judgement. They should answer your questions clearly. They should also support you in making informed decisions about your sexual health. You may feel a little uncomfortable talking about some topics. That is normal. But it should not affect the way you are treated or the care you receive. 

What should I expect when I arrive?  

Each youth-friendly health service is different. For example, you may need to register before seeing a healthcare provider. The healthcare provider will ask why you have come to the clinic. They may also ask about your health and any symptoms you are experiencing. If your parent or guardian is with you, they may ask them some questions too. 

Some of the questions may feel personal. If you are unsure why a question is being asked, you have the right to ask. The healthcare provider should explain why they need the information. You also have the right to ask about any test, examination or treatment before it happens. If you do not understand something, tell the healthcare provider. They should explain it in a way that is easier to understand. 

Will the visit be confidential?  

Your visit should be confidential. This means your personal information should be kept private. It should not be shared with your friends, family or anyone else without your knowledge. There are some situations where a healthcare provider may need to share information to help keep you or someone else safe. If this happens, they should explain why and tell you who they need to share it with. 

If you are unsure, ask questions. You can ask, "Will this stay private?" or "Are there any situations where you would need to tell someone else?" The healthcare provider should explain how confidentiality works. This can be done before your appointment or treatment continues. 

There are some limits to confidentiality. These may depend on your age, where you live or the type of healthcare service you are using. Your individual situation also matters. If a healthcare provider cannot keep something confidential, they should explain this to you first. They should tell you what information may need to be shared, who it may be shared with and why. 

If you are unsure, ask questions. You could ask, "Will this stay private?" or "Is there any situation where you would need to tell someone else?" Your healthcare provider should answer these questions before sharing any information.  

Can I get contraception without my parent or guardian?  

The rules about getting contraception vary from country to country. They may also vary depending on your age and the type of health service you are visiting. If you are unsure, contact the clinic before your visit. They can explain whether you need a parent or guardian to be with you. They can also tell you what documents, if any, you should bring. 

Your healthcare provider will explain the different types of contraception and how they work. They will also talk about the possible side effects and show you how to use each method correctly. You have the right to ask questions before making a decision. Your healthcare provider should respect your choices. You should never be pressured into using a method of contraception that you do not want. 

Are HIV tests confidential?  

HIV testing is usually done in a private space. Your healthcare provider should explain the test before it takes place. They should also answer your questions and ask for your consent before carrying out the test. 

When your results are ready, your healthcare provider will explain what they mean. They will also talk you through the next steps. If your test is positive, they will explain how HIV treatment works. Starting treatment early can help you live a long and healthy life. If your test is negative, they will talk to you about ways to help prevent HIV in the future. This may include using condoms or learning about other HIV prevention options. 

What if I feel judged or uncomfortable?  

At health services, you should receive respect at all times. You should always be treated with respect. If you are shamed, insulted, threatened or told to leave, report what happened. If possible, seek care from another healthcare provider. In some situations you may like to take a support person with you to a service. You can also look for another service or health provider. Find out from the service how you can provide feedback or make a complaint about your visit.  

If you have any worries or concerns before your visit, it may help to write down your questions. You can take them with you to the clinic. You can also contact the clinic before your visit. Ask about the opening hours, the approximate cost and whether you need an appointment. You can also ask what documents you should bring and what you can expect in terms of privacy. 

Five signs that a clinic is youth friendly  

1. They respect you as a young person and don’t judge you.  
2. Your privacy and confidentiality are protected and explained.  
3. You can ask any questions and receive clear information about your choices and the services that are available.  
4. They will provide accurate information regarding all of the services that are available to you and will clearly explain the choices that you have.  
5. Young people and their families and friends are made to feel welcome in a safe and accessible environment in which to receive services.  

Remember: your questions matter  

More information on visiting a sexual health clinic can be found on the Be in the Know website. Here you can read our Sexual Health Basics page and watch the Community Voices videos all created by youth for youth and dealing with sexual health.  

For more information on sexual health basics and sexual health from a community perspective check out Be in the Know’s video series.