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.




teens, & families
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 make my daughter feel exelente
Parent of a 13 year old
1 hour ago

Morgan Tulley, RCSWI
Very happy with Ms Tamika! My daughter looks forward to talking with her every week.
Parent of an 8 year old
13 hours ago

Tamika Brown, LPC
The coping skills exercise was very helpful
Parent of a 12 year old
13 hours ago

Shantel Rayford, LPC
She was excellent with my daughter and made her feel very comfortable for her first appointment. She was very nervous but opened up a lot with her.
Parent of a 6 year old
14 hours ago

Maygen Hicks, LCSW
My child felt comfortable the first visit. This is great news because she has tried plenty of counselors and therapist's.
Parent of a 13 year old
14 hours ago

Lillian Tinsley, RMCHI
We are so happy with Harper’s care. It feels thorough and well-planned.
Parent of a 13 year old
14 hours ago
Leah Medina, PMHNP, FNP
We love emora health. Ms. Jerome-Saintil is an amazing listener. She really tries to engage my child in the activities they are doing in their session. I'm hopeful that my child will take real life lessons from her.
Parent of a 10 year old
15 hours ago

Magdala Jerome-Saintil, LMHC
I think she will be very helpful with Harper. She was super kind
Parent of a 7 year old
15 hours ago

Nelda Hunt, LSW
Fabulous! Dr. Nitsch cares and is making a difference!
Parent of a 10 year old
15 hours ago

Dr. Liz Nitsch, PsyD
she was so patient kind and took her time to understand my son and his thoughts n thought process she was excellent
Parent of a 17 year old
15 hours ago

Lisa Raigeluw, LCSW
The session was fun! We read a story and did a worksheet activity! We talked about triggers and how anger can start. Chely is a great therapist! I would definitely recommend her! - From the 11 year old child
Parent of an 11 year old
16 hours ago

Chely Craig, LCSW-A
My son is very excited to begin!
Parent of a 7 year old
17 hours ago

Katherine Vasquez Lugo, RMHCI
She listens very well and has help me in her sessions.
Parent of a 15 year old
17 hours ago

Leah Malloy, LPC-A
She ought to understand what I was asking and looking for and provided it, which was mostly listening. And I found her insight about grief and grieving very helpful.
An Adult client
18 hours ago

Sandra Serna, LPC
Helped me find the perfect therapist!
Parent of a 13 year old
18 hours ago

Jennifer Clark, LCSW
She was super sweet and I can feel the improvement already. Made her feel cared for.
Parent of a 13 year old
18 hours ago

Shemise Michael, LPC
I came to Carrie with deep concerns about the aggression and violent episodes that have been really negatively impacting my other children so much so that one of my sons is so scared of his brother he has been staying at my parents house. She took it very seriously and started us on a new medication immediately. She really cares about the well being of the whole family not just her patient.
Parent of an 8 year old
20 hours ago

Carrie Colson, PMHNP
Stephanie knows how to guide us with our teenager and our teenager enjoyed her talks very much. Wonderful addition she is to have her!
Parent of a 12 year old
1 day ago

Stephanie Rodriguez, LPC-A
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.





