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.




Depression, at a glance
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.

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.
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.
Cognitive changes
Difficulty concentrating, negative self-talk, feelings of worthlessness, and trouble making decisions.
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.
Max has been consistently getting a little better with not letting his negative feelings control his actions.
Parent of an 11 year old
16 hours ago

Wayne Lyons, LSW
Listening and connecting through transparency
Parent of a 9 year old
22 hours ago

Deneisha Graves, LCSWA
It went well so far, questions were answered
Parent of a 15 year old
1 day ago

Jacinta Little, LMHC
Helpful Excited to see her explore hobbies
Parent of a 12 year old
1 day ago

Tlexia Victor, LPC-A
The sessions seem to be helping. My daughter is opening up to Dr. Katie more and more.
Parent of a 7 year old
1 day ago

Katelynn Morris, LCSW
My son really enjoyed meeting with Stefanie and felt comfortable talking to her.
Parent of an 11 year old
1 day ago

Stefanie Luttrell, LPC, NCC, C-DBT
I really appreciate all the help you have extended to us especially to my daughter. Alicia’s gentle approach and willingness to listen allowed Bettina to be more open to sharing her feelings and thoughts.
Parent of a 17 year old
1 day ago

Alicia Fuentes, LPC-Associate
Courtney made my child feel comfortable and she looks forward to meeting with her again.
Parent of an 11 year old
2 days ago

Courtney Trejo, LPC-Associate
Very easy to talk to, great listener and did not feel rushed at all
Parent of a 13 year old
2 days ago

Runako Richardson, PMHNP
Chely was very down to earth and friendly, she gathered a lot of information from both myself and my son to map out a plan. There was no judgement at all. I'm really looking forward to seeing Greyson work through things and develop emotional regulation and resilience.
Parent of a 10 year old
2 days ago

Chely Craig, LCSW-A
Friendly and easy to work with
Parent of a 12 year old
2 days ago

Amanda Rodriguez, LPC-A
Runako made my daughter feel comfortable sharing.
Parent of a 9 year old
2 days ago

Runako Richardson, PMHNP
Happy with the session. Provides a foundation to build on. Other than a technical hiccup, good session.
Parent of a 12 year old
2 days ago

Tlexia Victor, LPC-A
She asked questions and kept my son interested.
Parent of a 16 year old
2 days ago
Leah Medina, PMHNP, FNP
Leah is very attentive and informative!!
Parent of an 8 year old
2 days ago
Leah Medina, PMHNP, FNP
She’s the best! So impactful thoughtful and kind.
An Adult client
2 days ago

Caroline Schwenke, LPC-Associate
After going back and forth between different options and not knowing if our child would open up to a specialist, I'm so glad we found Emora! Excited to see what the future holds for our daughter.
Parent of a 13 year old
2 days ago

Shemise Michael, LPC
Great to hear our child decided to open up about her feelings and get the help she needs. First session was a success and looking forward to seeing the progress she makes.
Parent of a 13 year old
2 days ago

Shemise Michael, LPC
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.



