FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The World Health Organization defines sexual health as a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity. Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination, and violence.

(source WHO)

It means that sexual health is about more than just STI’s! It also involves thinking about sexuality, family planning, reproductive health, puberty, etc. Moreover, sexual health means that even when you’re not physically sick, you still must actively maintain a positive emotional, mental and social perspective in order to make healthy behavioral decisions.

According to the World Health Organization, reproductive health addresses the reproductive processes, functions and system at all stages of life. Reproductive health, therefore, implies that people, no matter what their sexual orientation/identity is, are able to have a responsible, satisfying and safe sex life and that they have the capability to reproduce and the freedom to decide if, when and how often to do so.

So, included in this definition is the right to have the knowledge and access to safe, effective, affordable, and acceptable methods of family planning (i.e. birth control, plan b, abortion, etc.). Furthermore, the right to access appropriate health care services enabling women to go safely through pregnancy and childbirth is also an important part of reproductive health care.

(source WHO)

STI stands for Sexually Transmitted Infection. STI means exactly the same thing as an STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease). People often equate the word “disease” with something that has no cure or is deadly. The reality is that many STD’s often have a cure and are NOT deadly. So, in order to remove the terrible stigma associated with the word “disease”, many health professionals will now say STI.

Teens grow physically, emotionally, and intellectually so quickly that it’s sometimes hard to process. That’s why Teen R.A.P. was created. The Teen (R)isk (A)ssessment (P)rogram focuses on the needs and concerns of young people ages 12 to 25. The best part is that our reproductive and sexual health care services are FREE and CONFIDENTIAL.

• Physical exams for school, sports or working papers, or regular check ups
• Male and Female reproductive health exams (anything below your belt)
• Birth Control
• Emergency Contraception
• Pregnancy testing, counseling and referrals
• Sexually transmitted disease testing, diagnosis, and treatment
• Education and counseling on:
  • Alcohol & Drugs
  • Sex
  • Parents
  • School
  • Friends
  • Relationships
  • Peer Pressure
  • HIV/AIDS testing and counseling
  • Mental Health Screening

We have a team of physicians, nurse practitioners, social workers, health educators, and medical assistants to provide health care, answer questions, or just talk about issues like sex and peer pressure.

The first session with Teen R.A.P. may seem a little scary if you have never been to the doctor by yourself. But our friendly and helpful team will make the session go as smoothly as possible.

Your first step will be filling out registration paperwork in the lobby. You will need a student or state ID to help our receptionists identify who you are. Once the paperwork is filled out and registration is complete a medical assistant (MA) will call your name and guide you to an exam room. The MA will then take some vitals—your blood pressure, weight, and height. Soon after, a health educator will come in the room and start a discussion about the reason behind your visit. The health educator will help you make decisions on birth control, STI testing, etc. They will also try and assess any risky behaviors and see if you need any additional information or referrals. Once the health educator has enough information, he or she will present your information to the medical provider. The medical provider will then see you and provide any medications needed and/or perform an exam if necessary. Your visit is now almost over. If you need a follow up appointment, the health educator will guide you back to the receptionist and help set up an appointment. Otherwise, your first Teen R.A.P. visit has reached its conclusion!

Medical Arts Pavilion (Staten Island University Hospital North)
242 Mason Avenue SUITE I

This site is located on the campus of Staten Island University Hospital.
Take the S52 bus and ask for the stop at the Medical Arts Pavilion which will be the last building on the right when the bus enters the hospital campus.

Appointment Hours

• Fridays 1-5pm
• Mondays 1-5pm
• Tuesdays 1-5pm
• Wednesdays 5-8pm

All reproductive health care is guaranteed to be free, just make sure to bring ID.

For non-reproductive health visits such as annual physicals, working papers, etc., bring your Medicaid or private insurance card.

For any questions or to make an appointment:

Text: 718.701.8077
Call: 718.226.8336
After hours: 718.226.6262 and ask to speak with the Adolescent Service Provider.
E-mail: teenrap@northwell.edu