Online depression therapy for kids, teens, & young adults
Evidence-based therapy that helps kids rediscover joy, resilience, and connection.
Support for persistent sadness, withdrawal, irritability, and loss of motivation.
Insurance accepted. Appointments often available within days.
Covered by insurance · Licensed specialists · Start within 48 hours
Covered by insurance · Licensed specialists · Start within 48 hours




teens, & families
Depression, at a glance
4.4%
About 4.4% of children ages 3-17 are diagnosed with depression in the U.S.
Often missed
Depression in children frequently hides behind irritability, anger, and behavioral changes.
Highly treatable
Over 70% of children with depression respond positively to evidence-based therapy.
Understanding depression
What depression looks like and how it affects daily life.



Persistent low mood
Sadness, emptiness, or irritability lasting two weeks or more. Children may appear angry rather than sad.
Loss of interest
Withdrawal from activities, friends, and hobbies they once enjoyed. Declining motivation and energy.
Depression in children is more than sadness. It is a persistent mood disorder that affects thinking, feeling, and daily functioning across school, home, and social life.
A licensed clinician evaluates mood patterns across settings and considers overlapping conditions like anxiety or ADHD.
Cognitive changes
Difficulty concentrating, negative self-talk, feelings of worthlessness, and trouble making decisions.
Depression in children is more than sadness. It is a persistent mood disorder that affects thinking, feeling, and daily functioning across school, home, and social life.
A licensed clinician evaluates mood patterns across settings and considers overlapping conditions like anxiety or ADHD.
Common signs of depression by age
Symptoms look different at every stage of development.

Young Children (4-7)
Persistent irritability
Loss of interest in play
Clinginess and separation distress
Regression in skills
School-Age (8-12)
Declining grades
Withdrawal from friends
Persistent boredom
Increased irritability
Teens (13-17)
Social isolation
Academic decline
Sleep and appetite changes
Hopelessness or self-harm talk
Young Adults (18-25)
Chronic fatigue and low motivation
Difficulty maintaining routines
Relationship withdrawal
Substance use as coping
Could it be depression?
Take a quick, clinically validated screening to better understand your child’s symptoms.
PHQ-9 Depression Screening
The PHQ-9 is a clinically validated questionnaire used to identify symptoms of depression. While it can be a helpful starting point, research shows that teens often don’t disclose how they’re truly feeling to their parents — in one study, over half of adolescent depression cases were missed when relying on parent report alone (Baumgartner et al., 2021). For this reason, the PHQ-9 is most effective when administered by a trained clinician who can build rapport and interpret the results in context.
This screening is not a diagnosis and is not a substitute for a professional clinical evaluation.

How depression therapy helps
Evidence-based strategies for rebuilding mood, motivation, and daily functioning.
- Challenges negative thought patterns
- Rebuilds engagement with activities and people
- Improves emotional regulation
- Strengthens coping and problem-solving skills
- Supports school and social functioning

Why families choose Emora
Specialized pediatric depression care vs. general providers.
Other providers
Licensed pediatric and young adult clinicians
Generalist providers
Evidence-based CBT and interpersonal therapy
One-size-fits-all approaches
Parent-inclusive model
Limited parent involvement
PHQ-9 screening and progress tracking
Limited progress visibility
Insurance accepted
Insurance not always accepted
Coordination with prescribers if needed
Therapy and medication managed separately
Get started in minutes
Three simple steps to connect with the right clinician.
- 1
Share what’s going on
Answer a few questions about symptoms and goals.
- 2
Verify coverage
See insurance estimates and available times.
- 3
Start sessions
Meet your clinician and begin building skills.

Frequently asked questions
What parents and young adults ask most about depression therapy.
Sadness is a normal emotion that comes and goes. Depression is persistent — lasting two weeks or more — and affects how your child functions at school, at home, and with friends. Signs include withdrawal, irritability, loss of interest, sleep changes, and hopelessness. You don't need a diagnosis to reach out.
Yes. Depression can affect children at any age, though it often looks different in younger children. Instead of expressing sadness, young children may become irritable, clingy, or complain of physical symptoms like stomachaches.
Most children begin to feel improvement within 8–12 sessions. The total duration depends on the severity of symptoms, your child's response to therapy, and their individual goals.
Yes — family involvement is central to our approach. You'll receive regular updates, learn strategies to support your child at home, and have opportunities to participate in family sessions when appropriate.
Yes, we accept most major insurance plans and verify your coverage upfront. Most families pay between $0 and $30 per session with insurance.
Resistance is very common with depression — low motivation is part of the condition. Our therapists are skilled at engaging reluctant children in a warm, non-pressuring way. Most children are glad they started once they experience the support.
Absolutely. For moderate to severe depression, therapy and medication often work best together. Our therapists collaborate with your child's prescriber to ensure coordinated, effective care.
Real stories of growth
Every session is rated by parents. Our therapists maintain a 4.9+ average, because results matter.
Chely was very nice and professional. The onboarding was thorough. She was very thoughtful and considerate with my daughter. It was a great experience overall.
Parent of a 12 year old
Jul 13, 2026
Chely Craig, LCSW-A
Great conversation and helpful breakthroughs in understanding deeply rooted emotions.
An Adult client
Jul 13, 2026
Sonia Maria Landino, LCSW
Carrie is fantastic and helpful while we figure out what kind of medicine my daughter needs to be on. It’s a journey but she’s making it easy!
Parent of an 11 year old
Jul 13, 2026
Carrie Colson, PMHNP
She allowed us time to fully express our concerns and goals moving forward. My daughter feels like she will be easy to connect with and open up to. She looks forward to future sessions!
Parent of a 17 year old
Jul 13, 2026
Christina Avila, LPC
Milton is kind, patient, and very invested in my child's mental health. He's a great support to our 12-year-old and to our family.
Parent of a 12 year old
Jul 13, 2026
Milton Hernandez, LPC
Matt is really great and really is helping me see things from a different perspective and I really apperciate his help
An Adult client
Jul 13, 2026
Matt Dellon, RCSWI
Kendall said her session today was great. She is doing much better in a lot of areas of her life.
Parent of a 13 year old
Jul 13, 2026
Miranda Delehoy, LCSW
It was helpful to learn that Jennifer has experience with a wide range of ages and with neurodivergent children.
Parent of a 6 year old
Jul 13, 2026
Jennifer Onibudo, LPC
She is amazing and so flexible with our schedule and my son does really seem to be opening up to her!
Parent of a 7 year old
Jul 12, 2026
Korina Herrera, LMHC
Just starting out we will see how we go
Parent of a 10 year old
Jul 12, 2026
Dagmar Chinchilla, LCSW
I love Ms. April. She is an amazing therapist. I enjoy my sessions. Even when it gets hard. She’s insightful and knowledgeable.
An Adult client
Jul 11, 2026
April Medici, LMHC
Even though it was hard for him to express himself, he knows it will get easier
Parent of a 7 year old
Jul 11, 2026
Zi'nequa Parker, LSW
A very patient, unbiased, considerate woman! Excited to speak to her again
An Adult client
Jul 11, 2026
Shannon Anes, PMHNP
She was very easy to talk to and listened to what you had to say. She was very reassuring about the process and made sure to answer any questions and asked great questions to make sure she understood my child the best she could to give the best suggestion.
Parent of a 3 year old
Jul 11, 2026
Aishah Crosley, LPC
Michelle is absolutely the best! She is helping me with CPR training and it’s making such a difference!
Parent of a 5 year old
Jul 11, 2026
Michelle Yoo, LPC
Made my 10 year old and myself feel very comfortable and trusting in her care. Looking forward to our next session.
Parent of a 10 year old
Jul 11, 2026
Dr. Ana Zuniga, PsyD
I really have enjoyed my sessions with Carrie so far, in the past I’ve felt like my therapists weren’t a great fit and could tell from the first session or two. I feel like Carrie really cares about what I’m going through and is here to help me. I feel safe to talk to her and I’m excited to keep going through sessions with her and allowing her to help me with my challenges.
An Adult client
Jul 11, 2026
Carrie Cotter, LPC-A
Maria is a very good therapist. She makes you feel heard.
An Adult client
Jul 10, 2026
Maria Martinez, RMHCI
Depression does not define your child
Structured, developmentally informed therapy can help build skills that last.
Not sure where to start? Book a clinical matching session.



