The best way is to ask a parent or other trusted adult (maybe an aunt or older cousin) to recommend a doctor they trust. Maybe they’ll even go with you on your first visit. If you do not want to see the same doctor as your parent or another trusted adult, ask her gynecologist to recommend a colleague who is good with adolescents.

If you don’t feel comfortable asking an adult in your life for help, check the yellow pages under “clinics” or “family planning clinics.”

Many health clinics are free or offer reduced (sliding scale) fees to teens who don’t have much money. Planned Parenthood Health Centers offer low-cost health care to teens. To find the Planned Parenthood nearest you, call 1-800 230-PLAN (7526) or click here.

Most health clinics keep these visits confidential and will not share a patient’s medical information with anyone without permission, even if you’re under 18. If you’re using your parents’ health insurance, however, the visit might show up on their bill, which would eliminate the confidentiality of your visit. To find out what a health clinic’s confidentiality policy is, ask when you call to make an appointment