Mentors, Youth, and Sexual Health: Building Trust in the Conversation
Phoenix, AZ. September 23, 2025
Talking about sexual health with young people can feel intimidating for many mentors. It’s a sensitive subject, and for some, it may seem outside the scope of a mentoring relationship. But the truth is—sexual health conversations are often critical to a youth’s safety, well-being, and self-confidence. At New Pathways for Youth, we believe mentors play a unique role in supporting youth through open, honest, and judgment-free dialogue.
In the latest episode of The Mentorship Blueprint, Mark Garcia sat down with mentors Brenda Lopez and Joe Rivera to explore how they’ve navigated these important discussions. Their stories shed light on the challenges, opportunities, and rewards of approaching sexual health with care and intention.
When the Conversation Arises Naturally
For Brenda, the topic of sexual health came up organically. Her mentee’s curiosity and openness created space for dialogue, and Brenda recognized the importance of leaning into the moment. Instead of shutting down the conversation, she listened with empathy and helped her mentee process questions without judgment. This trust-building approach shows how mentors can create safe spaces for youth to explore sensitive topics.
When Mentors Recognize the Urgency
Joe’s experience looked different. His mentee’s environment and early relationship experiences made clear that the conversation couldn’t wait. Joe decided to step in with honesty, compassion, and a focus on safety. His proactive choice demonstrates that sometimes mentors need to raise the topic—not just wait for youth to ask. Doing so can prevent misinformation, reduce risks, and empower young people to make informed decisions.
Respecting Caregivers While Providing Support
Both Brenda and Joe highlighted the importance of honoring the role of parents and caregivers. Mentors don’t replace these relationships; instead, they complement them by offering a listening ear and accurate resources. This balance is essential for building trust not only with the youth, but also with their family networks.
Practical Advice for Nervous Mentors
Sexual health conversations can be uncomfortable, but mentors don’t need to be experts. Brenda and Joe emphasized a few key strategies:
- Lead with openness: Show up with curiosity rather than judgment.
- Listen first: Let youth share what they know or think before giving advice.
- Use credible resources: Point them toward accurate, age-appropriate information.
- Be honest about limits: It’s okay to say, “I don’t know, but let’s find out together.”
Why These Conversations Matter
When mentors engage in meaningful discussions about sexual health, they send a powerful message: you matter, your safety matters, and your questions deserve respect. These conversations help young people develop healthier relationships, make informed choices, and feel confident navigating the challenges of adolescence.
At NPFY, we equip mentors with training, tools, and community support to handle these sensitive moments with care. Together, we can ensure every young person has a trusted adult to turn to—whether the conversation is about school, relationships, or sexual health.
If you’re inspired by Brenda and Joe’s stories, consider the impact you could make as a mentor. By showing up with openness, empathy, and consistency, you can help a young person navigate not just conversations about sexual health, but the many challenges and opportunities of adolescence. Join our community of dedicated mentors at New Pathways for Youth and be the trusted adult who makes all the difference.
Want to hear more? Listen to this episode of The Mentorship Blueprint—available now on all major podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and Spotify.