HITESH SINGHAL

How might we redefine how teens and their caregivers could approach ​“the sex talk” and connect to health services?

 Following the removal of Title X benefits in Texas in 2022, teens under 18 are no longer able to access contraceptive and reproductive health services without parental consent. In Dallas, sexual education is not required to be taught in schools, and birth control is not broadly accessible. 

In response we designed Trust Her— a sex-ed experience that meets teens and caregivers where they are, both in their sexual health journey.







Through Trust Her’s mobile pop-up service, we’re making sex ed a joyful experience that Dallas County can comfortably access in their community spaces like farmer’s markets and local street fairs. By opening up new, supportive pathways for reliable information around sexual and reproductive health, we equip young people and their caregivers with the tools and resources they need to confidently take charge of their bodies and futures.

Despite the discomfort felt by both groups, our research sessions, focus groups, and early testing made it clear that teens and their caregivers were eager for a new approach. They craved a version of sex ed that addressed their individual challenges while also fostering a space for mutual understanding and respect. 

Both teens and caregicers wanted the tools, support, and confidence to have open conversations—something that would bridge the knowledge gap and strengthen their trust in one another. 
 







What if, instead of searching for the right information, it found you right where you already were? 
In a nimble team of 3, I designed and prototyped a modular "counseling in a box" service that caters to various settings, from in-person setup around the city to virtual counseling. 

With an eye-catching setup stocked with must-have swag, educational takeaways, and welcoming furniture, our pop-up stopped passersby in their tracks, sparking conversations about reproductive and sexual health in environments that celebrated curiosity—everything associated with a typical visit to the clinic was left behind. Still, recognizing the importance of privacy, we outfitted the pop-up with curtained-off areas for one-on-one conversations that felt sensitive. 














Beyond the aesthetic experience, Trust Her’s trained staff and parent ambassadors are equipped to engage both teens and parents, addressing the unique challenges each group faces. To support their conversations, I designed a counselor toolkit with method cards and action plans to help guide teens and caregivers through their options. These personalized tools and human touch points ensure leaves knowing exactly what to do next.

Since the launch of Trust Her’s mobile pop-up experience, over 3,100 teens have been reached over 40 events, with more to come. 
Read about Trust Her in the Dallas Morning News.

Collaborators:
Lisa Tacorante, Justine Dela Cruz, 2022.