Adolescent & Teen Health Care
Integrative Child & Adolescent Health Care
Adolescence can be a perplexing and challenging time for both teens and their families. Alongside intense and sometimes sudden hormone shifts, teens must navigate school pressures, peer relationships, mental and emotional well-being, and physical discomfort related to hormonal changes. Menstruating teens may experience severe cramps or heavy bleeding, while others face challenges such as weight fluctuations, self-esteem struggles, and stress management.
For some, these transitions feel overwhelming, while for others, they can be debilitating. As a naturopathic physician and reproductive health expert, I take a whole-person approach to child and adolescent health care—considering not just symptoms, but how this transformation affects a teen’s life now and in the future.
What to Expect with Dr. Sunita
My goal is to identify and treat the underlying causes of discomfort rather than just managing symptoms. Feeling well enough to regain balance is essential for making positive life shifts.
This includes support for common concerns such as:
- Chronic fatigue and low energy
- Irregular, painful, or heavy menstruation
- Persistent headaches or migraines
- Acne and other skin conditions related to hormonal changes
- Unexplained digestive issues such as bloating, IBS, or food intolerances
- Mood swings, anxiety, and depressive symptoms
Supporting Healthy Habits & Lifestyle
Together, we will develop a plan to establish supportive habits that align with this life transition.
This includes:
- Restorative sleep routines to improve mood, cognitive function, and overall well-being
- Nutritive, non-restrictive eating strategies that focus on fueling the body rather than dieting
- Balanced exercise and movement plans that support hormone regulation, bone health, and mental clarity
- Stress management skills such as mindfulness, journaling, and deep breathing exercises
- Digital detox strategies to reduce screen fatigue and promote emotional balance
Navigating Identity, Self-Expression & Well-being
- Adolescence is a critical time for developing self-identity and confidence. I offer guidance on:
- Body image and self-esteem – addressing social pressures and building a positive relationship with oneself
- Gender identity and sexual orientation – supporting teens in understanding and expressing their identity in a safe and affirming way
- Coping with academic and future planning stress – helping teens develop skills for managing school responsibilities and preparing for adulthood
Nutritional & Botanical Support
- We will explore nutritional, botanical, and supplemental options that are safe, evidence-based, and clinically effective in managing common adolescent health concerns.
- This may include:
- Herbal remedies for menstrual discomfort and hormonal balance
- Supplements to support mood stabilization, cognitive function, and stress adaptation
- Probiotic and gut health recommendations to reduce inflammation and improve digestion
Mental & Emotional Well-being
- Adolescence is a time of emotional growth and self-discovery, but it can also be stressful and overwhelming. We will discuss:
- Emotional regulation skills to help manage mood fluctuations and feelings of anxiety or sadness
- Risks of addictive behaviors, including social media, substance use, and unhealthy eating patterns
- Navigating friendships, peer pressure, and bullying, as well as developing self-confidence
- The impact of constant social and environmental influences on adolescent well-being and ways to create healthy boundaries
Sexual Health & Relationship Guidance
- Comprehensive, age-appropriate discussions and resources on:
- STI testing & treatment, including safe and non-judgmental options for sexual health screenings
- Contraceptive methods, discussing benefits, risks, and side effects in a judgment-free space
- Healthy intimate relationship management, including consent, boundaries, and communication skills
- Guidance on how to approach sexual health conversations between teens and parents, encouraging open and informed discussions
