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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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4.94
10k+ satisfied kids,
teens, & families
  • Anthem Blue Cross
  • aetna
  • blue cross
  • cigna
  • united healthcare
  • optum
  • tricare
  • Champ VA US Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Florida Blue
  • Baylor Scott and White
  • UMR
  • Oscar Health
  • 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 make my daughter feel exelente

Parent of a 13 year old

1 hour ago

Morgan Tulley
Provider:

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
Provider:

Tamika Brown, LPC

The coping skills exercise was very helpful

Parent of a 12 year old

13 hours ago

Shantel Rayford
Provider:

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
Provider:

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
Provider:

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
Provider:

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
Provider:

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
Provider:

Nelda Hunt, LSW

Fabulous! Dr. Nitsch cares and is making a difference!

Parent of a 10 year old

15 hours ago

Dr. Liz Nitsch
Provider:

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
Provider:

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
Provider:

Chely Craig, LCSW-A

My son is very excited to begin!

Parent of a 7 year old

17 hours ago

Katherine Vasquez Lugo
Provider:

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
Provider:

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
Provider:

Sandra Serna, LPC

Helped me find the perfect therapist!

Parent of a 13 year old

18 hours ago

Jennifer Clark
Provider:

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
Provider:

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
Provider:

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
Provider:

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.

Find a clinician
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