A teenage boy sitting alone on bleachers at a school field

Therapy

Help for Teen Depression

A teen who has gone quiet, snaps at everyone or stops caring about things they loved may be depressed. Therapy gives them a place to talk and gives you a plan.

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It does not always look like sadness

Depression in teens often shows up as irritability, long hours alone in their room, slipping grades or dropping a sport they used to love. Many teens cannot name what they feel. They say they are tired, bored or fine, and parents are left guessing whether this is a phase or something more.

Signs worth taking seriously

Pulling away from friends and family
Sleeping much more or much less than usual
Anger or tears over small things
Grades falling or skipped assignments
Losing interest in hobbies, sports or friends
Comments about being a burden or not caring what happens

When to act quickly

If your teen talks about suicide, self-harm or not wanting to be here, do not wait for an appointment. Call or text 988 together, or call 911 if they are in immediate danger. Then let their therapist know; it is safe and important to talk about.

How therapy usually goes

1.
Getting to know them
The therapist meets your teen, hears their side, and usually spends some time with parents too.
2.
Naming the pattern
Together they look at sleep, school, screens, friendships and the thoughts that drag mood down.
3.
Small changes
Your teen practices a few doable steps each week, like reconnecting with one activity or one friend.
4.
Family support
Parents learn how to respond in ways that open conversation rather than shut it down.

A teenage boy shooting hoops in a sunny driveway

What parents can do at home

Keep inviting your teen into ordinary family time, even when they say no. Notice effort more than results. Ask open questions in the car or over food, when eye contact is optional. And look after yourself; watching a child struggle is exhausting.

Privacy for teens

Teens open up when they trust that not every word goes back to their parents. Their therapist explains at the start what stays private and what must be shared, such as safety concerns, so everyone knows the rules.

If medication comes up

For moderate or severe depression, a medication evaluation can help, and our prescribers coordinate with the therapist. Our medication management team sees adults by telehealth, so ask us about options for your teen's age.