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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Trusted by 5,000+ kids, teens, and families.
  • Anthem Blue Cross
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  • blue cross
  • cigna
  • united healthcare
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  • tricare
  • Champ VA US Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Florida Blue
  • 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 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.

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.

She really listened to my daughter.

Parent of a 16 year old

3 hours ago

Miranda Esparza
Provider:

Miranda Esparza, LPC

I’m not sure but he did say he would like to continue with sessions

Parent of a 13 year old

15 hours ago

Dr. Shelia Chatman
Provider:

Dr. Shelia Chatman, LPC

My daughter really liked MYERS.

Parent of a 9 year old

16 hours ago

Kathleen Meyers
Provider:

Kathleen Meyers, LCSW

I had a great time with my therapist.

An Adult client

16 hours ago

Ky Carter
Provider:

Ky Carter, LCSW

Very nice and informative. He was very transparent with his goals and incorporating my son's interests into his therapy sessions.

Parent of an 8 year old

16 hours ago

Richard Reyes
Provider:

Richard Reyes, LPC-Associate

Victoria is amazing. Patient. Challenges children to think and grow.

An Adult client

17 hours ago

Victoria Coffman
Provider:

Victoria Coffman, LPC-A

We loved it! Luka himself said that he really enjoyed Miss Cassandra, he said that it went a lot better than what he had imagined it. He is totally looking forward to next week! I can even say that I saw a change in him instantly.

Parent of a 9 year old

17 hours ago

Cassandra Rikard
Provider:

Cassandra Rikard, LMHC

The understanding and patience of the provider was most helpful.

An Adult client

19 hours ago

Kourtney Raven
Provider:

Kourtney Raven, LPC

My daughter definitely does better with structured sessions. She tells me she doesn’t know what to talk about, but specific questions and worksheets help her get started.

Parent of an 11 year old

23 hours ago

Mica Smith
Provider:

Mica Smith, LMHC

Absolutely stellar experience with Dr. Logan! She is really attentive, kind, and a pleasure to work with!

Parent of an 8 year old

1 day ago

Dr. Lesley Logan
Provider:

Dr. Lesley Logan, PsyD

Always very good practical advice.

An Adult client

1 day ago

Donald Schroeder
Provider:

Donald Schroeder, LPC

Hopeful. Mr. Lyons is positive and open to listening while providing framework for the conversation. Great 1st meeting.

Parent of a 12 year old

1 day ago

Wayne Lyons
Provider:

Wayne Lyons, LSW

Julia was very friendly, professional, and did a wonderful job interacting with my son. She was very patient and he felt comfortable throughout the whole experience.

Parent of a 5 year old

1 day ago

Dr. Julia Hollinger
Provider:

Dr. Julia Hollinger, PsyD

We appreciate the help I can see her little brain working and this advice will be good for her.

Parent of a 10 year old

1 day ago

Donald Schroeder
Provider:

Donald Schroeder, LPC

Good session.

Parent of a 16 year old

1 day ago

Tiffany Ally
Provider:

Tiffany Ally, LCSW

Very nice, respectful, and down to earth. Makes sessions fun while ensuring im being helped. 5 stars

Parent of a 15 year old

1 day ago

Jacinta Little
Provider:

Jacinta Little, LMHC

Bianca was very attentive and helpful. I appreciate that she spent time explaining the process and answering our questions and was great with our son!

Parent of a 6 year old

1 day ago

Bianca Cardenas
Provider:

Bianca Cardenas, LMSW

everything went very well each session was a different challenge new task which were all helpful to make my son make big changes thanks to emma my son has made changes that i struggled to have him make its a process like everything else but she made it all happen she so understanding such a nice person definitely recommend.

Parent of a 12 year old

2 days ago

Emma Palmer
Provider:

Emma Palmer, LCSW

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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