Depression Therapy for Children, Teens, and 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
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.
Stefanie has helped me immensely in both my professional and personal life
An Adult client
9 hours ago

Stefanie Luttrell, LPC, NCC, C-DBT
Assurance that there is no judgment.
Parent of a 12 year old
10 hours ago

Monica Valentine, LCSW-A
It went really well, my son felt really good after his call and he even said that he picked a really good therapist.
Parent of a 12 year old
10 hours ago

Blanca Orellana, LPC-A
Leah was very professional, easy to talk to and gave me all the feedback I was looking for. Thank you for all your help!
An Adult client
10 hours ago
Leah Medina, PMHNP, FNP
Kept my son engaged for 60mins and he felt comfortable right away to share. Great experience!
Parent of a 9 year old
11 hours ago

Anita Plank, LCSW
Today was. A hard day that Tara stepped right into with us and was amazing.
Parent of a 12 year old
12 hours ago

Tara Devlin, LCSW
It felt like Kourtney has a good idea of what our family is needing
Parent of a 13 year old
16 hours ago

Kourtney Raven, LPC
Liliana seemed very positive after, was happy to return to school and is excited for her next session!
Parent of an 8 year old
17 hours ago

Mary Barahona, RMHCI
The person listened to me attentively.
An Adult client
20 hours ago

Chiedza Nwakudu, PMHNP
What I thought was helpful was receiving positive self talk and being more aware of my negative thoughts
An Adult client
1 day ago
Katrease Matthews, LPC
She seems like a great fit for my daughter. She is very patient and understanding..
Parent of an 11 year old
1 day ago

Shalena Mosley, LPC
She was amazing and sweet and kind I really loved her
Parent of a 6 year old
1 day ago

Dr. Apree Clicque, PsyD
Loved the activity and work done within the session!
Parent of a 10 year old
1 day ago

Yari Reyes, RMHCI
Jennifer was so amazing and kind she walked us through some tough decision-making and emotions
Parent of an 8 year old
1 day ago

Jennifer Guzman, LPC
She was very helpful. Wish we could move forward with her but I appreciate her help navigating our next steps!
Parent of a 13 year old
1 day ago

Kayla Kimes, PMHNP
She made me comfortable and heard. I am really happy I scheduled my first therapy session with her.
An Adult client
1 day ago

Shanice Watson, LPC-A
My daughter feels comfortable sharing with Ericka and is enjoying her sessions.
Parent of a 12 year old
1 day ago

Ericka Jarvis, LCMHC-A
Was very attentive and caring
An Adult client
1 day ago

Kourtney Raven, 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.



