Before you call: notes for the first appointment
A printable from Teen Substance Use Help. Fill it in by hand. Nothing you write is collected by this website.
Before you call: notes for the first appointment
What I have noticed
- What my teen is using (if I know): ______________________
- How often, and since when: ______________________
- Changes in sleep, mood, grades, friends or money: ______________________
- Any time they were in danger (driving, passing out, mixing pills): ______________________
About my teen
- Age and school: ______________________
- Health coverage: Medi-Cal / private insurance / none / not sure
- Languages we want to use: ______________________
- Other worries (sadness, anxiety, trauma, a recent loss): ______________________
Questions to ask
- What level of care do you think fits, and why?
- Where and how often are the sessions? Any at school?
- Will my teen see the same counselor each time?
- How will you involve our family?
- What will you share with me, and what stays private?
- What will it cost us?
- How long does it usually take, and how will we know it is working?
- What do we do if there is a slip, or a crisis at night?
Safety at home
- Alcohol and medicines locked up
- Naloxone at home, and we know where it is
- 911, Poison Control 1-800-222-1222 and 988 saved in our phones
From Teen Substance Use Help. Facts checked October 21, 2026. Free information, not legal or medical advice.