Online depression therapy for kids, teens, and parents
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
Covered by insurance · Licensed specialists · Start within 48 hours




teens, & families
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 clinicians for kids, teens, and parents
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 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.
Very easy to talk to. First session was fun and she made my son feel very comfortable. He’s excited about therapy
Parent of a 9 year old
Aug 29, 2026
Tameka Johnson, LPC
Dr. Bell made this so easy for my son and myself. He was easy to talk to and gave us great insight into this whole process and what our forward path could look like.
Parent of a 12 year old
Aug 29, 2026
Dr. Joel Bell, PhD
its always a great feeling leaving each session knowing i understand more about myself than i did going in
An Adult client
Aug 29, 2026
Catherine Campos, LCSW
I am amazed and extremely grateful for Elsie, not only is she caring, empathetic and patient but also just an amazing person. My son has just completed session 10 and I am noticing he has started to become his own person with his own feelings and is showing so much more self confidence. I am truly grateful for everything she has done for us so far and excited for future endeavors.
Parent of a 12 year old
Aug 29, 2026
Elsie Peña, LPC
Very patient and proactive. Stays consistent with his messaging and helps me relate worries to relevant techniques.
An Adult client
Aug 29, 2026
Mark Wallman, LPC
She made my daughter feel seen and very comfortable. She loved the session
Parent of a 12 year old
Aug 28, 2026
Had my 13 year olds first session today. He did not want to attend so I bribed him and told him to do it today and he wouldn’t have to go to the next one until 3 weeks. After the session ended, he came into my room and asked if we could schedule it sooner than 3 weeks. I’m glad we found this therapist!
Parent of a 13 year old
Aug 28, 2026
Franklin Williams, LCMHC
Listening and understanding what’s happening and also being very helpful
Parent of a 17 year old
Aug 28, 2026
Samantha Fernandez, LMHC
Aminah Todman was created for her position. I never imagined being as comfortable as I am so early on. I’m nervous, a bit anxious but also excited for the work ahead.
An Adult client
Aug 28, 2026
Aminah Todman, LCSW
She was very friendly, made me feel comfortable, she practiced empathy and understanding.looking forward to more sessions.
An Adult client
Aug 28, 2026
Aminah Todman, LCSW
Ms. Coleman was absolutely wonderful! She is extremely knowledgeable, professional, and compassionate. What impressed me most was her firsthand experience with my condition and her ability to offer practical, proven methods that I can actually use to make meaningful progress. I immediately felt that I was in capable hands and that she genuinely understood what I’m going through. I’m very grateful for her guidance .
An Adult client
Aug 28, 2026
Cecilia Coleman, LPC-A
The session was overall very helpful and i enjoyed talking with Liz. She walked me through each question and even related on some topics. She is very flexible and understanding and will assist with scheduling when she can.
An Adult client
Aug 28, 2026
Dr. Liz Nitsch, PsyD
Raul was very professional and attentive to my son’s needs. I look forward to seeing how these sessions progress
Parent of an 11 year old
Aug 28, 2026
Raul Martinez, LPC
Great listener very attentive great feedback
An Adult client
Aug 28, 2026
Barbara Graham, LCSW-A
I scheduled the start of an assessment, and the counselor my son was paired with does not assess ADHD or Autism patients. Whole I would like Karson to be paired with him for familiarity, I would like my son assessed by someone who specializes in ADHD and Autism, which is why I chose your group.
Parent of a 9 year old
Aug 28, 2026
Jahn Quattlebaum, LPC
Diana was amazing and a very good listener. My 6yo loved her!
Parent of a 6 year old
Aug 28, 2026
Diana Gaona, LPC
I love how she challenges you to open up and just think
An Adult client
Aug 28, 2026
Ronnie Roper, LCSW
She’s so sweet and understanding, and I deal with stress and anger so much better.
Parent of a 15 year old
Aug 28, 2026
Tonya Coleman Seimears, 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.

Free screening: Depression screening (PHQ-9 / PHQ-A)
9 questions with validated severity bands for teens and adults. Takes about 2 minutes; results are immediate and private.


