Free 24/7 Nurse Advice Line: 844-GET-CHOC.
Adolescent Medicine
Adolescence is a time of growth and discovery, with unique medical needs. At CHOC, our board-certified adolescent medicine specialists partner with adolescents, young adults and their families to address these needs with developmentally appropriate specialty care for patients aged 12-21. We offer confidential services within the dynamic social environment of the individual and family.
Adolescent Medicine Programs and Services
The CHOC Division of Adolescent Medicine includes faculty members who are experts in treating the medical and emotional issues teens and young adults may face. We understand the cognitive, emotional and physical changes of adolescence as well as the complexity of patient autonomy, confidentiality and family support needed to provide optimal care for the adolescent patient.
Although we manage a broad range of clinical conditions, special areas of focus include eating disorders, sexual and reproductive health, and supporting transition from adolescent to adult health care through the A2B (Adolescent to Adult Bridge) Program. Our experts will also gladly consult on diagnostic dilemma cases. Typical conditions that present to the adolescent medicine specialty clinic include:
- Acne
- Alcohol use, risk reduction and cessation
- At-risk youth
- Comprehensive contraception (pills, patch, ring, shot, implant)
- Development and growth of the adolescent (social, emotional, physical)
- Doxy-PEP
- Eating disorders
- Emergency contraception
- HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)
- Male and female reproductive healthcare planning and counseling
- Marijuana use, risk reduction and cessation
- Menstrual concerns and assistance with menstrual management
- PCOS, metabolic syndrome
- Puberty issues
- Sexuality anticipatory guidance, sexual orientation and LGBTQ care
- Sexually transmitted infections (prevention, screening and treatment)
- Smoking and vaping cessation
CHOC Eating Disorders Program
CHOC offers the premier program in Orange County for treating eating disorders and utilizes a multidisciplinary approach in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
At CHOC at Mission Hospital, the Eating Disorders Medical Stabilization Program provides inpatient care for children and adolescents with eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID).
Outpatient services for eating disorder treatment are provided at the Eating Disorder Clinic, located in Orange at the CHOC Health Center, Centrum.
Adolescent Medicine Locations
![Map showing location of CHOC Children’s Health Center, Centrum](https://choc.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/locations-primary-care-centrum-360x240.jpg)
Building: Centrum North | 1120 W. La Veta Ave. | Suite 125 | Orange, CA 92868 | 888-770-2462
![Exterior view of CHOC Children's Mission Hospital](https://choc.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/ccmh-building-360x240.jpg)
Meet our Team
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Adelman, William MD
Specialties:
Pediatrics, Adolescent Medicine
Dr. William Adelman is board certified in adolescent medicine and pediatrics and treats children, adolescents, and young adults in Orange County.
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Benekos, Erin NP
Specialty:
Adolescent Medicine
Erin Benekos is a nurse practitioner and is a member of the CHOC Specialists who treats kids and teens in Orange County.
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Burton, Julia NP
Specialty:
Pediatrics
Office: 888-770-2462
Julia Burton is a nurse practitioner who treats kids and teens in Orange County.
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Khalighi, Misha L. MD
Specialties:
Pediatrics, Adolescent Medicine
Office: 888-770-2462
Dr. Khalighi is a member of the CHOC Medical Group and treats kids and teens in Orange County and is board certified in Adolescent Medicine and Pediatrics.
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Roche, Alexandra A. MD
Specialty:
Pediatrics
Appointments: 888-770-2462
Dr. Roche is board-certified in pediatrics and is a member of the CHOC Primary Care Network who treats kids and teens in Orange County.