Promoting sexual health

Adolescence is a key stage of physical, emotional and social development, when young people transition from childhood, mature physically, and begin to develop adult identities and behaviour. The key challenges of adolescence include more than just the physical changes of puberty; young people also begin in this stage to develop a sense independence, personal identity, healthy values and attitudes and a strong social support network. Sexual health, sexual identity and sexual behaviour are all key parts of every person’s life and personal development.

This clinical practice point is designed to help clinicians understand:

  • Why it is important to promote sexual health in young people with early psychosis

  • How to respectfully address the topic of sexual health in young people with early psychosis

  • Sexual identity and sexual attraction

  • How to promote sexual health in clinical practice