Adolescent preventive services for girls.

Adolescence is a complex and often confusing time in the life of a girl as she undergoes significant physical, emotional, and cognitive development. Because most causes of teen morbidity and mortality are behavioral, preventive health visits should address psychosocial issues such as substance abuse, sexuality, and emotional health in a confidential and age-appropriate manner. Assessment and management strategies for providing preventive health services for adolescent girls are offered in this article.