Highlights features of the life stage of adolescence & presents an overview of adolescent problems. Topics discussed include school, substance use, injuries, violence, depression & suicide, sexually transmitted diseases, sexuality, pregnancy & childbearing. Strategies for interviewing adolescents & special interventions are reviewed. Ways to handle confidentiality are discussed, & the need for a high degree of self-awareness on the part of clinicians working with adolescents is stressed. 5 refs.