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.




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.

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.
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.
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.

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.
She really listened to my daughter.
Parent of a 16 year old
3 hours ago
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, LPC
My daughter really liked MYERS.
Parent of a 9 year old
16 hours ago

Kathleen Meyers, LCSW
I had a great time with my therapist.
An Adult client
16 hours ago

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, LPC-Associate
Victoria is amazing. Patient. Challenges children to think and grow.
An Adult client
17 hours ago

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, LMHC
The understanding and patience of the provider was most helpful.
An Adult client
19 hours ago

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, 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, PsyD
Always very good practical advice.
An Adult client
1 day ago

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, 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, 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, LPC
Good session.
Parent of a 16 year old
1 day ago

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, 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, 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, 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.





