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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

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Covered by insurance · Licensed specialists · Start within 48 hours

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4.94
10k+ satisfied kids,
teens, & families
Insurance providers Emora accepts

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.

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

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Chely Craig
Provider:

Chely Craig, LCSW-A

Great conversation and helpful breakthroughs in understanding deeply rooted emotions.

An Adult client

Jul 13, 2026

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Sonia Maria Landino
Provider:

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

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Carrie Colson
Provider:

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

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Christina Avila
Provider:

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

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Milton Hernandez
Provider:

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

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Matt Dellon
Provider:

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

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Miranda Delehoy
Provider:

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

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Jennifer Onibudo
Provider:

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

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Korina Herrera
Provider:

Korina Herrera, LMHC

Just starting out we will see how we go

Parent of a 10 year old

Jul 12, 2026

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Dagmar Chinchilla
Provider:

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

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April Medici
Provider:

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

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Zi'nequa Parker
Provider:

Zi'nequa Parker, LSW

A very patient, unbiased, considerate woman! Excited to speak to her again

An Adult client

Jul 11, 2026

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Shannon Anes
Provider:

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

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Aishah Crosley
Provider:

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

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Michelle Yoo
Provider:

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

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Dr. Ana Zuniga
Provider:

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

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Carrie Cotter
Provider:

Carrie Cotter, LPC-A

Maria is a very good therapist. She makes you feel heard.

An Adult client

Jul 10, 2026

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Maria Martinez
Provider:

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.

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