Teen Program & Services

Mary’s Center Teen Program, at our Petworth location, gives you a safe place to learn more about yourself, discover your strengths, and realize your potential. We provide you with support and resources to succeed in school and thrive in the community; maintain good health and make healthy lifestyle choices; and prepare for college, technical school, or workforce experiences. We also allow you to have fun, make new friends, and participate in activities like cooking classes, computer classes, and taking trips to college campuses.

Our overall goal is to help you:

Maintain good health and make wise lifestyle choices
Prepare for college, technical school, or workforce experiences
Succeed in school and thrive in the community

Being a teen presents many opportunities and challenges and with the right kind of resources, you can thrive!

We do this through a variety of programs and resources including:

After School Program

Come to Mary’s Center’s after-school program to find homework help, take part in workshops on healthy living, and get resources about college, careers, financial literacy, and more. If you’re a high school junior or senior, you can also take advantage of our SAT and ACT prep training and one-on-one college application assistance. Another bonus? You are also able to earn community service hours by coming to our after-school program!

College and Career Prep Programs

Escalera  Program

Developed by UnidosUS, Escalera is a curriculum-based college preparation program for high school juniors and seniors. As a participant, you’ll be guided through the college application process, the financial aid process, scholarship searches, college trips, college fairs, team-building field trips, and out-of-state conferences.

Summer Job Program

Through the District of Columbia’s Summer Youth Employment Program, teens are placed in paid positions within Mary’s Center and other partner organizations. Teens also are exposed to various professionals through career panels and learn to build their resume, interview skills, and how to dress for success.

Family Support and Advocacy Services

As a Mary’s Center Teen program participant, you can always connect with one of our caring Family Support Workers. They will provide counseling, educational resources, and social support for a variety of challenges such as witnessing or experiencing violence at home or elsewhere. They are also able to provide referrals for other services should you have additional needs.

Teen Clinics

You can visit one of our DC or MD clinics for confidential consultations and services for your sexual health, mental health, and/or substance abuse issues. Our caring, inclusive staff is here to answer all of your questions, no matter how tough they are to ask. For other medical services such as immunizations for school or travel, annual or sports physical exams, or sick visits you will need to have a parent or guardian with you.

Contact Us

Mary’s Center is ready to partner with you on your health journey. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us using the information below:

To learn more about the Mary’s Center Teen Program, call (202) 415-6552.
To make a medical, dental, or behavioral health appointment, call (844) 796-2797.

Teen Care at Mary’s Center

Mary’s Center is here for you, no matter WHAT you need! Whether you want to get help applying to colleges, be screened for depression or anxiety, or discuss birth control options, we do it all.

To make an appointment for any of the following services, click here or call (844) 796-2797.

Medical

Physicals (school, sport, camp, and pre-operative)
Care for chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, and others
Sexually transmitted infections (STI) prevention, testing, and treatment
Obstetrics and gynecological (OB/GYN) care, including pap smears, pelvic exams, contraception, and pregnancy testing
LGBTQ+ and gender-affirming care

Dental

Preventive care (cleanings, x-rays, fluoride varnish, sealants)
Restorative care (fillings and extractions)
Referral to orthodontists

Behavioral Health

Individual, Family, and Group Therapy
Psychiatry (for medication management)
LGBTQ+ mental health
Addiction and substance use treatment

Confidential Visits for Teens

In certain cases, you can see a provider without your parent or guardian’s involvement or knowledge, which is called a confidential visit. (Note: Upon turning 18, you are considered an adult, and no visits require a parent or guardian.)

A confidential visit is a safe space for you to voice your concerns and needs regarding these critical parts of your health. While we encourage you to talk to your parent or guardian about all your health concerns, we understand that for some, being able to visit your doctor alone or with a friend/partner is preferred.

Click below to learn more about confidential visits:

What are confidential visits for?

If you are 14 – 17, you can make a confidential visit for concerns around birth control, sexually transmitted infections (STI) testing, pregnancy testing, mental health, and substance use concerns.

If you are 13 and under, confidential visits are more limited and only available if you are concerned you may be pregnant, if you were a victim of sexual assault, or if you have a mental health crisis.

Do I have to pay for confidential visits?

No, confidential visits are free for all teens under 18. Your parents will not receive a bill or any other documentation about your visit.

If you are over 18, speak to your provider about billing to ensure confidentiality.

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How do I schedule a confidential visit?

Fill out our appointment request form with your contact information or call 1-844-796-2797 and say you’re requesting a confidential visit.

How can I get Plan B?

Got questions on birth control, pregnancy, or STI testing? Watch these videos: