Located at 400 23rd Avenue in the Central District is Garfield High School, home of the safe and confidential Garfield/Nova Teen Health Center. It is a useful resource where students can receive free medical and mental health care including nutritional information, therapy sessions, relationship help, shots and health care, contraception services, as well as STI/STD and pregnancy tests and solutions. It also provides assistance with drug addiction, recovery, services, and information. The THC is operated by Seattle Children’s Hospital and can be found in room 102 between the hours of 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM during the school week.

In order to experience the full variety of services the Teen Health Center offers such as sports physicals and vaccines, students must complete a full consent form, which includes a parent/guardian consent form. This signature is not required for information, therapy, and sexual health services (including the HPV vaccine series for sexually active females), although a minor consent form must still be filled out by the student. These can be attained either through Nova across the hall from the office, at the Teen Health Center, or online. Time slots are available by appointment only, and should be made in advance because spots can get filled quickly. However, walk-in students are welcomed when time permits.

Some vaccines which are available with parental consent are the flu vaccine, hepatitis A, B, and HPV shot series. For those who are not very fond of shots, request an ice pack to numb the area ahead of time and it almost completely wipes out any pain associated — something a regular doctor’s office usually won’t provide! Be sure you are aware of any immunizations that you have already received. It is a good idea to keep a record of immunizations between both the Teen Health Center and your regular doctor so that you don’t accidentally get double doses of the same vaccine. If you’re not sure about what vaccines you have received, go to the THC and they can check under the Child Profile Immunization Registry.

The THC staff are friendly and helpful. A typical visit after registration has been completed involves checking in with Jasmine, who works at the front desk and helps schedule appointments. She’ll hand you a form to fill out about why you’re visiting that day. After you’ve filled out this form, while you wait you can sit in one of the big comfy chairs and read some of the packets and brochures that are available, from the care of your joints to the hazards of cigarette smoking. From there you’ll be called in to either Happy Salinas-Santos or Michele Acker, who are the advanced nurse practitioners. Linda Murtfeldt is a certified nutritionist available monthly (more often as needed) for one-on-one nutrition counseling. Rosie Moore, a mental health counselor or Dr. Sandy Walker (psychiatrist) are both available weekly. Callista Kennedy with King County Public Health is available every Thursday from 11:30-1:30 to answer all of your insurance questions.

You can print out the complete registration form which includes parental consent here.

Call and schedule your appointment today! (206) 860-0480.