WEST SUBURBAN TEEN CLINIC (WSTC)
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 Location
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478 2nd St.
Excelsior MN 55331
Ages of youth served: 12 - 23
Hours
Monday, 12pm - 5pm
Tuesday 12pm - 8pm
Wednesday 12pm - 8pm
Thursday 12pm - 5pm
Friday 12pm - 5pm
Saturday & Sunday CLOSED
Phone, Fax, and e-mail
(952) 474-3251 phone
(952) 474-0315 fax
mollys@westsuburbanteenclinic.org
For LABYRINTH Program amandar@westsuburbanteenclinic.org
MISSION and PHILOSOPHY of West Suburban Teen Clinic
The MISSION of West Suburban Teen Clinic is to promote the physical, social, and emotional well-being of adolescents and young adults by providing community and individual education, confidential counseling and medical services to assist them in making responsible health decisions. The purpose of West Suburban Teen Clinic is to offer youth ages 12 to 23 comprehensive, professional, and low-cost medical, mental health, and health education services. WSTC staff members feel strongly that adolescents and young adults deserve developmentally appropriate health care services that address their unique physical, social, and emotional needs. We provide these services in a nonjudgmental, relaxed, friendly atmosphere where young people can feel comfortable.
WSTC staff members know that many issues facing teens and young adults today - including family conflict, tobacco, alcohol and drug use, sexual health and behavior, contraception, and pregnancy - can be complicated, emotionally painful, and controversial. Our goal is to provide accurate information, teach problem-solving skills, and reinforce healthy decision-making. These services contribute to better-informed, healthier individuals who are then more able to make positive health and behavior choices as they transition from adolescence to adulthood.
HISTORY of West Suburban Teen Clinic
In 1971, several churches in the area, concerned about increases in teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, drew together a task force of community members, professionals and teens. The teens involved insisted that most area teens would not seek treatment for sexually transmitted diseases (known then as VD or venereal diseases) or find information on birth control methods, without strict confidentiality in an atmosphere of acceptance and respect. The teen task force members also insisted that cost should not be a barrier. West Suburban Teen Clinic opened in February 1972 in a donated house, with one half-time staff, a Board of Directors, 125 volunteer nurses, 30 volunteer lab technicians, and 20 volunteer physicians one of whom was the Medical Director.
In 1976, WSTC moved to its present location in downtown Excelsior, MN. Today, WSTC provides a continuum of prevention and intervention services to meet physical, emotional and educational needs. Our medical clinic focuses mainly on reproductive health - preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease. Today prevention, and risk reduction for STDs are even more urgent as we come to the end of the second decade of HIV and AIDS. Our services have expanded to include the whole person and to reach ever-increasing numbers. Medical services are still strictly confidential provided in a relaxed, teen friendly, respectful, supportive and non-judgmental environment. The cost is still dependent on the ability to pay.
Although many of our clients are covered by their parents' insurance, we do not bill health insurance plans for medical services because of the possibility of breach of confidentiality. For this reason, we must depend on public funds through the state and county, the generosity of foundations, WSTC donors, and the United Way.
The State of Minnesota has designated WSTC as an Essential Community Provider.
We are members of the Neighborhood Health Care Network, the Adolescent Health Care Coalition and SAFPLAN.
Latino Outreach
We have added a Latino outreach worker to help us be more accessible to the increasing Latino population in the West Metro area. Assistance with interpreting and education outreach allows WSTC to reach those local Latino youth.
Paid Staff
Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Social Workers
Psychologists
Health Educators
Executive Director
Administrative Coordinator
Accountant (contracted)
Community Relations Director
Latino Outreach Worker
Volunteer Staff
Physicians
Nurses
HIV Educators
Birth Control Educators (Peer Educators)
Labyrinth Peer Educators
Attorney
Marketing helpers
West Suburban Teen Clinic Leadership
WSTC is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors
Medical Services
West Suburban Teen Clinic provides reproductive care for males and females, sports physicals and care for minor physical problems.
Reproductive health care for
Sexually transmitted diseases prevention, testing and treatment
Family planning including birth control, and information on preventing pregnancy.
Family planning exams and low cost birth control supplies
Pregnancy testing and counseling
Referral for other specialized care
| COST AT West Suburban Teen Clinic |
| No one is refused services because of inability to pay. |
| SERVICE | FEE |
| Birth Control |
| Family planning exams (includes testing for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea) | $25 |
| Birth Control education | No charge |
| Birth Control Supplies |
| Condoms | Donation accepted |
| Birth Control Pills | $8.00/monthly package |
| Birth Control Patch & Ring | $12.00/month |
| Depo Prevera | $40 per shot |
| Pregnancy testing, examination and counseling | $10 - $25 |
| Prenatal education and support | No charge |
| Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Infections (STD and STI) |
| Sexually Transmitted Disease testing when not part of Family Planning exam. Males-exam and urine test for Chlamydia and Gonorrheaˇ | $25 |
| Sexually Transmitted Disease testing when not part of Family Planning exam. Females exam and sample collection for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea | $25 |
| Colposcopy | $30 |
| HIV/AIDS testing | $15 - $20 |
| Prenatal education and support services | No charge |
| Because of confidentiality, we do not bill insurance companies. No one will be refused service because of inability to pay. |
| Outreach Education |
| Adolescent groups | Donation accepted |
| Parent seminars (1 session seminars) | Donation accepted. Groups may be asked to duplicate handouts |
| Education Public Speaking | Donation accepted. Fee may be charged for series or multiple presentations |
| In-service education | Donation accepted. Fee may be charged for series or multiple presentations |
| Contracted programs for adolescents (on-going for C.D. treatment centers, halfway houses etc.) | Donation accepted. Fee may be charged for services or multiple presentations |
Confidentiality
Youth under 18 may receive confidential services under the Minnesota Minor Consent Law. [Link to minor consent]. Youth over 18 are guaranteed confidential care because they are adults.
Appointments
For appointments, call (952)-474-3251
Counseling and Mental Health Services - Counseling for personal problems and crisis
WSTC counselors are professionals with extensive training and experience in counseling adolescents and young adults and their families. Fees for counseling are based on a sliding fee scale. The Minor Consent Law covers mental health only if the purpose is to reduce pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and chemical health or the negative effects of these conditions. In all other cases, parents have the right to know about mental health services for their minor children. Our counselors can see minors once without parent's permission. Counselors will then work with the young person to inform and involve their parents.
West Suburban Teen Clinic does not bill insurance companies for reimbursement for mental health services. Clients will be charged on a sliding fee scale adjusted to family size and income.
WSTC Counselors provide short term counseling for:
Individual and family therapy
Pregnancy decision counseling
Educational and support services for promoting health adolescent development
Consultation
Parent Guidance Sessions
Liaison, referral and advocacy
School and community consultation
Educational presentations available on
Depression
Eating disorders and body image
Managing anger
Reducing stress and anxiety
Quit smoking
Other topics considered
Long term counseling is provided at WSTC by:
Lakewood Counseling & Career Center
For an appointment or for more information call 952-474-3251
Educational and Youth Development Services at West Suburban Teen Clinic
Health Educators are a resource for the community and can be available to schools, community groups, residential and outpatient programs, churches and other agencies in the west metro area including western Hennepin, Carver and Scott Counties.
Designed to meet specific needs of group and age of participants, each presentation begins with a description of West Suburban Teen Clinic and services and includes discussion, opportunities to ask questions and learning activities. WSTC Educators will consider requests to meet special interests and needs.
| Sample Presentation Topics |
| Birth control Methods (Grades 8-12) | 45 min. A brief introduction to birth control, explanations and discussion of various birth control methods, their effectiveness. 80 min (recommended) Information plus more opportunity for discussion and learning activities. |
| Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Birth Control (Grades 8-12) | 45 min. Brief introduction with information on various diseases, their transmission and prevention, includes video80 min. (recommended) Information, slides and video on STDs. Q&A, discussion and learning activities. |
| HIV/AIDS | 45 min. Information, transmission, symptoms, discussion80 min (recommended) With added video, focus on prevention through information and interactive learning. |
| Abstinence and decision making | 45 min. Definitions, how to talk about abstinence with partner, role-play, and active learning.80 min (recommended). As above plus video and small group activities. |
| Healthy Relationships (all ages) | 45 min. Information and discussion of equal and unequal relationships, conflict resolution, group activity & role play80 min (recommended) To above, add discussion of violent relationships and ways to stay safe and proud. Large group activity. |
| Dating Violence (grades 8-12) | 45 min. Compare equal and unequal relationships, handouts, discussion and strategies on how to help yourself and others stay safe. Group activity and role play80 min (recommended) Same as above with added video & discussion on dating and harassment. |
| Stress and anger | 45 min. Stress (all ages) Definitions and description, stress relief and relaxation activity.80 min (recommended) As above plus information and discussion of role of anger in stress and methods for coping with anger. Video and role play |
| Drugs (including alcohol and tobacco) | 45 min Information and discussion of types of drugs, effects on body, addiction. Group activity/role play, Q&A80 min (recommended) As above with added group activity and video. |
| Sexual Harassment (all ages including adult) | 45 min Definitions, discussion, difference between harassment and flirting, strategies to stay safe.80 min (recommended) As above plus role play, discussion & review of harassment policies |
| Reproductive Anatomy & Physiology (grades 4-12) | 45 min Description and discussion of male and female anatomy, fertilization, pregnancy, sexual intercourse, who is ready to have a baby, abstinence, STDs and birth control.80 min (recommended) Added group activity, Q&A, possible video. |
| Puberty and Body changes | 45 min. Normal growth and change, reproductive health and attitudes. |
| Special Presentations and Classes |
| Parents are Sex Educators (for parents with children of all ages) Popular with Early Childhood Family Life Education (ECFE) classes and parent education conferences. | Designed to fit ages of children. Information needed by parents to prepare them to undertake educating their children about sex and sexuality. Information, discussion and video to help parents feel comfortable with talking to their children. Handouts and resource lists provided. |
| Dads Make A Difference (grades 8-9) Peer educators grades 10 - 12 Popular in High Schools, Middle Schools and Alternative Schools | 3 class services by trained high school peer educators who are supervised by WSTC. Teach male responsibility using educational and entertaining activities. |
| Special Events and Games. (Grade 10-12) Best with large audiences (60 or more). Audience may be mixed or divided by gender. | 2 hours. Patterned after popular T.V. quiz shows involving the entire audience, provides a creative and fun way to learn about healthy relationships, STDs, birth control, sex, drugs, life skills and attitudes. Guaranteed fun and prizes. Works well as part of special event or celebration - for example graduating classes. |
| Additional Presentation Topics |
| Anger Management | Sexuality |
| Teen Pregnancy | Specific Drugs and their issues (Tobacco, Marijuana, Alcohol etc) |
| Eating Disorders | Self-Esteem |
Most programs are presented at no cost. Donations are encouraged. There will be a charge for multiple sessions or for a series. For information on these educational opportunities, to arrange for a presentation or requests for programs to meet your special needs contact a Health Educator at West Suburban Teen Clinic 952-474-3251 or amandar@westsuburbanteenclinic.org
Peer Education: Training and peer educational opportunities for young people in LABYRINTH PROGRAM or Dads Make a Difference
LABYRINTH a Youth Development Program at West Suburban Teen Clinic
Labyrinth
"A structure containing an intricate network of winding passages hard to follow without losing one's way", from Webster Dictionary
This program is designed to help young people avoid becoming pregnant or being infected by a sexually transmitted disease (STD also called sexually transmitted infection STI). Youth involved in Labyrinth will gain the knowledge and power to find their own path in a safe and healthy way. With help from staff and peer educators, participants will improve relationships with friends and family, reduce unhealthy and risky behaviors and remain STD and pregnancy free.
LABYRINTH staff provides support, encouragement and education for young people who want to avoid pregnancy and/or STDs or who want to be a peer helper for others. All who are involved in LABYRINTH have an opportunity to become a peer helper for others or to become involved in West Suburban Teen Clinic as educators, web site correspondents, or producing a youth newsletter. Those wanting individual guidance will get additional, on-going, one-on-one support and counseling from WSTC's Labyrinth staff.
There is no cost to those participating in this program.
For those interested in the Labyrinth Program as a participant or to learn more, contact Amanda at 952-474-3251 or labmaze2000@hotmail.com
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