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
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

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.

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
Provider:

Wayne Lyons, LSW

Listening and connecting through transparency

Parent of a 9 year old

22 hours ago

Deneisha Graves
Provider:

Deneisha Graves, LCSWA

It went well so far, questions were answered

Parent of a 15 year old

1 day ago

Jacinta Little
Provider:

Jacinta Little, LMHC

Helpful Excited to see her explore hobbies

Parent of a 12 year old

1 day ago

Tlexia Victor
Provider:

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
Provider:

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
Provider:

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
Provider:

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
Provider:

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
Provider:

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
Provider:

Chely Craig, LCSW-A

Friendly and easy to work with

Parent of a 12 year old

2 days ago

Amanda Rodriguez
Provider:

Amanda Rodriguez, LPC-A

Runako made my daughter feel comfortable sharing.

Parent of a 9 year old

2 days ago

Runako Richardson
Provider:

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
Provider:

Tlexia Victor, LPC-A

She asked questions and kept my son interested.

Parent of a 16 year old

2 days ago

Leah Medina
Provider:

Leah Medina, PMHNP, FNP

Leah is very attentive and informative!!

Parent of an 8 year old

2 days ago

Leah Medina
Provider:

Leah Medina, PMHNP, FNP

She’s the best! So impactful thoughtful and kind.

An Adult client

2 days ago

Caroline Schwenke
Provider:

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
Provider:

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
Provider:

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.

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