College transition

Progressively relevant and honest discussions between a pediatrician and teenage patient can have a meaningful impact. Consider how teens could have access to you during their freshman year. Should they have your pager or your cell phone number if they feel they need your help? Should you schedule a psychosocial follow-up visit during a holiday break first semester and again as indicated? Doing what you can to anticipate and prevent harm during the transition to college is highly relevant to many if not all of your patients.

Dr. Swick is an attending psychiatrist in the division of child psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, and director of the Parenting at a Challenging Time (PACT) Program at the Vernon Cancer Center at Newton Wellesley Hospital, also in Boston. Dr. Jellinek is professor of psychiatry and of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, Boston. E-mail them at pdnews@frontlinemedcom.com.