Depression Therapy for Children, Teens, and 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.

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4.94
Trusted by 5,000+ kids, teens, and families.
  • Anthem Blue Cross
  • aetna
  • blue cross
  • cigna
  • united healthcare
  • optum
  • tricare
  • Champ VA US Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Florida Blue
  • Baylor Scott and White
  • UMR
  • Oscar Health
  • Magellan
  • Anthem Blue Cross
  • aetna
  • blue cross
  • cigna
  • united healthcare
  • optum
  • tricare
  • Champ VA US Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Florida Blue
  • Baylor Scott and White
  • UMR
  • Oscar Health
  • Magellan

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.

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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.

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Persistent Low Mood

Sadness, emptiness, or irritability lasting two weeks or more. Children may appear angry rather than sad.

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Loss of Interest

Withdrawal from activities, friends, and hobbies they once enjoyed. Declining motivation and energy.

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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.

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  • 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

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
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Why families choose Emora

Specialized pediatric depression care vs. general providers.

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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

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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.

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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.

Stefanie has helped me immensely in both my professional and personal life

An Adult client

9 hours ago

Stefanie Luttrell
Provider:

Stefanie Luttrell, LPC, NCC, C-DBT

Assurance that there is no judgment.

Parent of a 12 year old

10 hours ago

Monica Valentine
Provider:

Monica Valentine, LCSW-A

It went really well, my son felt really good after his call and he even said that he picked a really good therapist.

Parent of a 12 year old

10 hours ago

Blanca Orellana
Provider:

Blanca Orellana, LPC-A

Leah was very professional, easy to talk to and gave me all the feedback I was looking for. Thank you for all your help!

An Adult client

10 hours ago

Leah Medina
Provider:

Leah Medina, PMHNP, FNP

Kept my son engaged for 60mins and he felt comfortable right away to share. Great experience!

Parent of a 9 year old

11 hours ago

Anita Plank
Provider:

Anita Plank, LCSW

Today was. A hard day that Tara stepped right into with us and was amazing.

Parent of a 12 year old

12 hours ago

Tara Devlin
Provider:

Tara Devlin, LCSW

It felt like Kourtney has a good idea of what our family is needing

Parent of a 13 year old

16 hours ago

Kourtney Raven
Provider:

Kourtney Raven, LPC

Liliana seemed very positive after, was happy to return to school and is excited for her next session!

Parent of an 8 year old

17 hours ago

Mary Barahona
Provider:

Mary Barahona, RMHCI

The person listened to me attentively.

An Adult client

20 hours ago

Chiedza Nwakudu
Provider:

Chiedza Nwakudu, PMHNP

What I thought was helpful was receiving positive self talk and being more aware of my negative thoughts

An Adult client

1 day ago

Katrease Matthews
Provider:

Katrease Matthews, LPC

She seems like a great fit for my daughter. She is very patient and understanding..

Parent of an 11 year old

1 day ago

Shalena Mosley
Provider:

Shalena Mosley, LPC

She was amazing and sweet and kind I really loved her

Parent of a 6 year old

1 day ago

Dr. Apree Clicque
Provider:

Dr. Apree Clicque, PsyD

Loved the activity and work done within the session!

Parent of a 10 year old

1 day ago

Yari Reyes
Provider:

Yari Reyes, RMHCI

Jennifer was so amazing and kind she walked us through some tough decision-making and emotions

Parent of an 8 year old

1 day ago

Jennifer Guzman
Provider:

Jennifer Guzman, LPC

She was very helpful. Wish we could move forward with her but I appreciate her help navigating our next steps!

Parent of a 13 year old

1 day ago

Kayla Kimes
Provider:

Kayla Kimes, PMHNP

She made me comfortable and heard. I am really happy I scheduled my first therapy session with her.

An Adult client

1 day ago

Shanice Watson
Provider:

Shanice Watson, LPC-A

My daughter feels comfortable sharing with Ericka and is enjoying her sessions.

Parent of a 12 year old

1 day ago

Ericka Jarvis
Provider:

Ericka Jarvis, LCMHC-A

Was very attentive and caring

An Adult client

1 day ago

Kourtney Raven
Provider:

Kourtney Raven, 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.

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