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Interest in alternative/complementary therapies (A/CTs) is on the rise, yet little is known about adolescents’ use of A/CTs. The study purpose was to examine A/CT utilization patterns among a clinic-based sample of adolescents.

A cross-sectional survey of 401 adolescents, aged 12–18 years, was conducted in one Midwest urban adolescent ambulatory clinic in 2002.

Overall, 68.1% of the adolescents reported using one or more A/CT; most commonly, herbal medicines (27.2%), massage therapy (26.7%), and megavitamins (21.7%). Use by friends and family was the primary influence for adolescent A/CT use; lack of familiarity was the greatest reason for nonuse (53.9%). Alleviation of physical pain (66.3%) was the most common desired health outcome. Few adolescents (13.8%) disclosed A/CT use to their health care providers. Insurance coverage was provided for 10.2% of the …