"We are expecting that a third of our patients will be here for mental health, a third for sexual health and a third for general health," Dr Bollen said.
Intercepting small health problems before they become larger ones, such as common skin infections, will prevent young people winding up in hospital very sick.
The embarrassment of asking a parent for money to see a doctor about a sexual health concern can prevent youth from visiting a doctor at all.
"Sometimes parents don't always know the priorities of the young person's health," Dr Bollen said.
A youth steering committee came up with the name Octane, for its rejuvenation and powerful connotations. Dr Bollen and psychologist Linda Gow intend to form relationships with the young people who use the service.
"We'll get to know the young people and create connections before things get to be major problems. To treat depression before it turns to suicidality, and address alcohol and drug issues before it becomes central to their life," said Dr Bollen.
Dr Bollen said the most common request of young people is "is this normal or not?" and others relate to sexual health, skin problems including acne and skin infections, and mental health.
The clinic operates as a satellite health centre for the Whangarei Youth Space.
Executive officer for Youth Space Beth Cooper said the staff at the clinic are tuned to the needs of young people.
"Providing advice and support around relationships and family things, that can help before it turns to anxiety, depression and harmful thoughts."
The clinic, at 75 Bank St beside Te Aroha Noa medical centre, won't be appointment-based, so young people can call in at any time between 2.30pm-5.30pm Monday to Friday and will have a nurse, a doctor, a psychologist, a social worker and a whanau worker.
