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.




teens, & families
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.



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.
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, 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, 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, LCSW
My son seemed excited about his next session; that says a lot!
Parent of an 11 year old
9 hours ago
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, 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, 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, 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, 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, LMHC
She is patient and understanding
Parent of a 4 year old
1 day ago
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, 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, 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, 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, LMHC
She seems to really make my 9yo very comfortable
Parent of a 9 year old
1 day ago
Marilyn Borom, LCSW-A
She’s a great listener and offered insight.
Parent of a 13 year old
1 day ago
Dr. Julia Hollinger, PsyD
Really good. We are seeing a connection build
Parent of a 10 year old
1 day ago
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.



