Teen health screenings, 12 to 17
This site is mostly about adults, but parents ask what their teen should be checked for. Here is what the USPSTF recommends at 12 to 17, what it has not found enough evidence for, and what pediatricians add under the American Academy of Pediatrics Bright Futures schedule. Most of these happen at the yearly checkup and are questions, not tests.
If your teen is struggling or thinking about suicide: in the US, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org, any time. (988 Lifeline)
Recommended by the USPSTF
| Screening or service | Who | Grade | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Depression | 12 to 18 | B | USPSTF, 2022 |
| Anxiety | 8 to 18 | B | USPSTF, 2022 |
| High BMI: refer to an intensive program | 6 and older with a BMI at or above the 95th percentile for age and sex | B | USPSTF, 2024 |
| HIV | At least once from 15; younger if at increased risk | A | USPSTF, 2019 |
| Chlamydia and gonorrhea | Sexually active girls and young women | B | USPSTF, 2021 |
| Hepatitis B | Teens at increased risk | B | USPSTF, 2020 |
| Syphilis | Teens at increased risk | A | USPSTF, 2022 |
| Advice to prevent tobacco and vaping | School-aged children and teens | B | USPSTF, 2020 |
| Sun-protection advice | Fair skin, 6 months to 24 years | B | USPSTF, 2018 |
Depression and anxiety
The USPSTF recommends screening for major depression at 12 to 18 (grade B, 2022). The most used questionnaire in practice is the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9); a teen version, the PHQ-A, has been studied. (USPSTF, 2022) It also recommends anxiety screening at 8 to 18 (grade B, 2022). (USPSTF, 2022) A positive screen leads to a fuller assessment, not a diagnosis on the spot. See mental health screenings by age.
Weight
For children and teens 6 and older with a BMI at or above the 95th percentile for age and sex, the USPSTF recommends providing or referring them to comprehensive, intensive behavioral programs (grade B, 2024). It notes that benefit came from programs with 26 or more contact hours. (USPSTF, 2024)
HIV and sexual health
HIV screening is recommended for everyone from 15, and for younger teens at increased risk (grade A). (USPSTF, 2019) Sexually active girls and young women 24 and younger should be screened for chlamydia and gonorrhea; for boys the evidence is insufficient. (USPSTF, 2021) Hepatitis B and syphilis screening is for teens at increased risk. (USPSTF, 2020)(USPSTF, 2022) Bright Futures asks for HIV screening at least once between 15 and 21, and STI screening by the AAP Red Book. (AAP Bright Futures, 2025) More in sexual health screenings by age.
Tobacco, vaping and sun
The USPSTF recommends that clinicians give school-aged children and teens education or brief counseling to prevent tobacco use (grade B), and it counts e-cigarettes as a tobacco product; for helping teens who already use tobacco to quit, the evidence is insufficient. (USPSTF, 2020) For fair-skinned children, teens and young adults up to 24, it recommends counseling on limiting UV exposure (grade B). (USPSTF, 2018)
Not enough evidence (USPSTF I statements)
For these, the USPSTF found the evidence insufficient to weigh benefits and harms. That is not a recommendation against; your child's doctor may still check, based on history and pediatric guidance.
- Suicide risk (USPSTF, 2022)
- Alcohol use (12 to 17) (USPSTF, 2018)
- Drug use (USPSTF, 2020)
- Blood pressure (USPSTF, 2020)
- Cholesterol (USPSTF, 2023)
- Scoliosis (10 to 18) (USPSTF, 2018)
- Helping teens who already smoke quit (USPSTF, 2020)
- Chlamydia and gonorrhea in boys (USPSTF, 2021)
What pediatricians add
The AAP Bright Futures schedule, which many pediatricians follow, asks clinicians to screen adolescents for depression and suicide risk, to assess alcohol, tobacco, nicotine, marijuana and other drug use (suggesting the CRAFFT tool), and to do a hepatitis B risk assessment, each while preserving the teen's confidentiality. (AAP Bright Futures, 2025) So a teen checkup often includes some time alone with the doctor.
This page is educational only, not medical advice; talk to your child's doctor. At 18, the adult schedule starts: see screenings at 18 or build a plan with My screening plan.
Questions people ask
What screenings does a 13-year-old need?
Under the USPSTF: depression and anxiety screening, a BMI check with referral to an intensive program if BMI is high, and advice to prevent tobacco use. HIV screening is routine from 15. Pediatricians following Bright Futures also screen for depression and suicide risk and assess substance use at teen checkups. (USPSTF, 2022) (USPSTF, 2022) (USPSTF, 2024) (USPSTF, 2020) (USPSTF, 2019) (AAP Bright Futures, 2025)
Will the doctor talk to my teen alone?
Often, yes. Bright Futures asks clinicians to make every effort to preserve the teen's confidentiality when screening for depression, suicide risk and HIV. (AAP Bright Futures, 2025)
Should my teen have a cholesterol test?
The USPSTF found the evidence insufficient to weigh routine lipid screening at 20 or younger (I statement). Pediatric guidance differs; ask your child's doctor, especially with a family history of early heart disease or very high cholesterol. (USPSTF, 2023) (AAP Bright Futures, 2025)
Does the USPSTF recommend screening teens for suicide risk?
It found the evidence insufficient (I statement), while recommending depression screening at 12 to 18. Bright Futures does list suicide risk screening for adolescents. If your teen is struggling, call or text 988 any time. (USPSTF, 2022) (AAP Bright Futures, 2025) (988 Lifeline)