Guiding Light: Baylor Teen Health Clinic Empowers Young Women on Their Path to Wellness

Navigating the path to adulthood brings its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to health and wellness. For adolescents and young women ages 13-24, finding a trusted resource for health services can feel daunting. This is where Baylor Teen Health Clinic comes into play, their staff offers a safe and supportive environment for addressing a wide range of health concerns to ensure any young male or woman who walks into their doors has access to care through their Family Planning Program, Healthy Texas Women Program, and other funding sources. Healthcare services are provided to anyone between the ages of 13-24 regardless of their health insurance status, income, residency status, sexual orientation, religion, and racial/ethnic background. For minors accessing services, the program works with their families to provide information and facilitate participation. 
Our Women’s Health Policy Advisor, Desiree Ingram, had the pleasure of touring Baylor Teen Health Clinic- Lawn location and met with staff who provide medical and behavioral health services to young women in Harris County. 

 

 

Desiree spoke to Nurse Practitioner, Rashidat Boyejo, to discuss population health trends and learned that teen pregnancy rates in the Lawn community are low. Rashidat provides personalized contraception counseling, tailored to fit the lifestyle and needs of her patients. Which include debunking myths around long-acting reversible contraception such as IUDs falling out while walking or implants disappearing in one’s arm. Personalized contraception counseling ensures young women are making informed choices about their health, in a way that best suits them. Further, discussing population health trends showed that sexually transmitted infections that are prevalent in the Lawn community are chlamydia, gonorrhea and herpes. The Lawn Clinic provides free onsite STI testing and treatment, which many individuals are unaware of. 

 

 

Down the hall, Desiree met with Senior Medical Social Worker, Kristin Ligon. Kristin provides 1:1 and group session therapy using evidenced-based modalities (e.g. CBT, DBT, ACT, Solution-Focused) to achieve collaborative therapeutic goals. When patients test positive for HIV, they are assessed and referred to medical providers outside the clinic for treatment. Kristin is the HIV Grant and Linkage to Care Program Coordinator for newly diagnosed patients living with HIV. A healthcare provider will confirm a positive HIV status onsite and social workers will assess the patient, allow them to process their emotions, and contact a medical provider for their first intake appointment to receive treatment. Further, Kristin ensures clinic employees at all 8 clinic locations complete security and HIV trainings as required by grant partnership with DSHS. Overall, onsite mental and behavioral health services offer young women a safe space for talking, managing stress, and anxiety, and developing healthy coping mechanisms which contribute to a positive mental health status. 

 

Pharmacist, Laquita, plays a pivotal role in the battle against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) by meticulously filling prescriptions for STI treatments with the utmost care. Her expertise ensures that patients receive the correct medication, dosage, and guidance on how to effectively manage and overcome their condition. By providing this essential service, onsite pharmacists are not only helping to treat individual cases but also contributing to the broader public health effort to control and prevent the spread of STIs. 

 

Dedicated call center agent, Veronica Gonzalez, is at the heart of connecting patients with the essential medical care they need. With a compassionate approach and attention to detail, call center staff manage medical appointments, ensuring each patient receives timely access to clinic professionals. 

 

 

The billing team is the backbone of the reimbursement process, working tirelessly to ensure that every detail is accurately accounted for. With a keen eye for the complexities of billing, they navigate the maze of insurance claims, coding, and regulations to secure timely reimbursements. Their dedication not only supports the clinic’s financial health but also reinforces the clinic’s commitment to providing uninterrupted, high-quality care to the population they serve. 

With a focus on patient-centered, health education, support, and onsite treatment, Baylor Teen Health Clinic plays a pivotal role in empowering young women to lead healthier, more informed lives. This clinic eliminates many barriers to accessing care and patients do not have the financial burden that will prevent them from receiving the care they need. If you or someone you know could benefit from these services, don’t hesitate to reach out. If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment or learning more about the services offered at Baylor Teen Health Clinic, call 713-999-6980. Call center staff will make an appointment at any of their 8 locations that will be convenient for any new or existing patient.

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