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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.

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4.94
10k+ satisfied kids,
teens, & families
  • Anthem Blue Cross
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  • tricare
  • Champ VA US Department of Veterans Affairs
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  • Baylor Scott and White
  • UMR
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  • 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.

A young boy wearing a blue and white striped shirt sits on a sofa, looking down intently at something in front of him. An adult's hands are gently placed on his leg, suggesting a supportive and comforting interaction in a relaxed indoor setting.A young girl with long, light brown hair sits at a desk, concentrating while writing or drawing and resting her chin in her hand. She appears focused and thoughtful, likely in a classroom or study environment.A close-up portrait of a young boy with short hair and freckles, looking down with a contemplative expression in a softly lit indoor setting. He appears to be deep in thought.
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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.

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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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

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.

Take the PHQ-9 Screening
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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.

My therapist was so kind, informative and patient. I did not feel rushed and immediately was made comfortable.

An Adult client

1 hour ago

Vivian France
Provider:

Vivian France, LCMHC

My 7 year old needed this and I am so thankful to have found this provider. So excited to watch his progress

Parent of a 7 year old

4 hours ago

Deann Harrison
Provider:

Deann Harrison, PMHNP-BC

As a parent I appreciate the patience and flexibility Ms. Quan extends to our family.

Parent of an 11 year old

7 hours ago

JoAnna Quan
Provider:

JoAnna Quan, LCSW

My son seemed excited about his next session; that says a lot!

Parent of an 11 year old

9 hours ago

Seairra Williams
Provider:

Seairra Williams, LPC-A

Was going through a lot of anxiety, but these sessions have helped me calm down

An Adult client

18 hours ago

Mark Wallman
Provider:

Mark Wallman, LPC

She did a great job at listening and identifying the work needed to be done

Parent of a 13 year old

21 hours ago

Miranda Esparza
Provider:

Miranda Esparza, LPC

I feel like Brianna asked really good question and truly tried to understand my daughter. I believe she is going to be a really good fit! Not very ofter does that happen on the first try! I was really hesitant on doing this but I am already thinking this was a great choice!

Parent of an 8 year old

21 hours ago

Brianna Doran
Provider:

Brianna Doran, LMHC

Dr. Smart has a caring bedside manner. She’s way to speak with and explains her methods in an easy way to understand.

Parent of a 4 year old

23 hours ago

I like how my doctor listened to me.

Parent of a 15 year old

1 day ago

Mary Barahona
Provider:

Mary Barahona, RMHCI

Korina is great at what she does! My son looks forward to his sessions with her.

Parent of a 7 year old

1 day ago

Korina Herrera
Provider:

Korina Herrera, LMHC

She is patient and understanding

Parent of a 4 year old

1 day ago

Lesli White
Provider:

Lesli White, LPC

We appreciate Dr. Clicque’s help in diagnosing our daughter. Especially the rapid evaluation process. It helped us to understand what our daughter has been experiencing.

Parent of a 13 year old

1 day ago

Dr. Apree Clicque
Provider:

Dr. Apree Clicque, PsyD

Overall, he was looking forward to his session today. He enjoys having someone else he can talk to. He has an instant connection which makes it easy and makes him comfortable opening up.

Parent of a 16 year old

1 day ago

Wayne Lyons
Provider:

Wayne Lyons, LSW

I am sure she was so sweet as she was the first time I met her…I was not present today, my sons father was but I’m certain she was a delight

Parent of a 5 year old

1 day ago

Ari’Ton Scales
Provider:

Ari’Ton Scales, LMHC

My daughter felt comfortable and that session went well. She wasnt hesitant about booking more sessions.

Parent of a 13 year old

1 day ago

Cindy-Joy Ortiz
Provider:

Cindy-Joy Ortiz, LMHC

She seems to really make my 9yo very comfortable

Parent of a 9 year old

1 day ago

Marilyn Borom
Provider:

Marilyn Borom, LCSW-A

She’s a great listener and offered insight.

Parent of a 13 year old

1 day ago

Dr. Julia Hollinger
Provider:

Dr. Julia Hollinger, PsyD

Really good. We are seeing a connection build

Parent of a 10 year old

1 day ago

Lauren Galvin
Provider:

Lauren Galvin, RCSWI

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.

Find a clinician
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