Depression Treatment for Children and Teens

Medically reviewed by [Name], MD, board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist · Last reviewed October 2026

Every child has bad days. Depression is different: it lasts for weeks, shows up at home and at school, and can quietly change how your child sleeps, eats, learns and gets along with others. In children and teens, it often looks more like irritability than sadness.

Depression in young people is very treatable. Ally Psychiatry’s child and adolescent providers evaluate your child, then build a plan with your family that may include therapy, medication and school support.

Worried about your child? Call 1-833-269-2559 (1-833-B-MY-ALLY) or request an appointment online. Request an Appointment

Signs of depression in children and teens

Talk with a professional if you notice several of these for two weeks or more:

• Sadness, irritability or anger most of the day
• Losing interest in friends, sports or activities they used to enjoy
• Pulling away from family and spending most of their time alone
• Sleeping much more or much less than usual
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Falling grades, missed assignments or not wanting to go to school
• Frequent stomachaches or headaches with no medical cause
• Saying they feel worthless, hopeless or like a burden
• Talking or writing about death or suicide

Having some of these does not mean your child has a diagnosis. A psychiatric evaluation is the best way to understand what is going on and what will help.

How we treat depression in children and teens

Your child’s plan is built around their age, symptoms and family. It may include:

• Therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy are first-line treatments for children and teens.
• Medication management. When depression is moderate to severe, an antidepressant may help. Your child’s provider will explain the benefits and risks and check in closely, especially in the first weeks.
• Family involvement. Parents learn how to support their child at home and what warning signs to watch for.
• School coordination. With your permission, we can share recommendations with your child’s school.

Talking with your teen about suicide

If you are worried, ask your child directly whether they have thought about hurting themselves or ending their life. Asking does not put the idea in their head; it shows them you are safe to talk to. If your child is in immediate danger, call or text 988 or go to the nearest emergency room. Keep medications and firearms locked away while your child is struggling.

What to expect at your first visit

1. Call or request an appointment. Our team completes a short intake call with you to gather your child’s history and insurance.
2. Bring what you have. Insurance card, current medications, report cards or teacher notes, and any past evaluations.
3. Meet the provider together. The first visit covers your concerns, your child’s development, health, school and home life. Teens also spend time alone with the provider. Plan for about 60 minutes.
4. Leave with a plan. You decide next steps together, which may include therapy, medication, school support or further evaluation.
5. Follow up. Regular visits track progress and adjust the plan as your child grows.

Why families choose Ally Psychiatry

• Appointments in days, not months. Our scheduling team moves new patients in quickly, so your child is not left waiting.
• In person or telehealth. Visit one of our clinics in Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama or South Carolina, or meet by secure video.
• Care that includes the family. Parents are part of the plan, and teens get time to speak with their provider privately.
• We work with your child’s team. With your permission, we coordinate with your pediatrician, therapist and school.
• Most insurance accepted.

Frequently asked questions

What can depression look like in a child’s everyday life?

Depression in children can show up as sadness, irritability, withdrawal, or changes in everyday routines. Your child may struggle to explain how they feel, but you might notice that things they once enjoyed now seem difficult.

Do any of these sound familiar?

• “They don’t want to do their favorite things anymore.” Playing with friends, riding their bike, or joining family activities no longer seems enjoyable.
• “They seem upset or irritable much of the time.” Small frustrations bring tears or anger, and their mood doesn’t seem to lift.
• “They’re spending more time alone.” Your child pulls away from friends, siblings, or family time.
• “Everything seems to take more energy.” Getting dressed, going to school, or completing simple chores feels unusually difficult.
• “Their sleep has changed.” They struggle to fall asleep, wake frequently, or sleep much more than usual.
• “Their appetite is different.” Your child eats noticeably less or more than they usually do.
• “School has become harder.” They struggle to concentrate, complete assignments, or keep up with work they previously managed.
• “They say things like, ‘I’m no good at anything.’” Your child frequently criticizes themselves, feels guilty, or believes they can’t do anything right.
• “They complain about headaches or stomachaches.” Physical discomfort happens repeatedly. These symptoms deserve medical attention, even when emotional distress may contribute.

Changes in your child’s mood deserve attention and understanding.

Do these signs mean my child has depression?

These experiences can have several causes and do not automatically mean depression. If changes persist—especially most days for two weeks or longer—or affect school, friendships, or family life, an evaluation can help. You can seek support sooner, too.

At Ally Psychiatry, we listen to your concerns and take time to understand your child’s feelings, strengths, and needs.

Let’s talk about how we can help your child feel supported.

If your child talks about wanting to die or hurting themselves, seek immediate professional help. If there is immediate danger, call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department.

Is therapy or medication better for kids?

Therapy is usually the first step for mild to moderate depression. For moderate to severe depression, combining therapy with medication often works best. You and your child’s provider decide together.

Are antidepressants safe for children and teens?

Some antidepressants are FDA-approved for depression in children and teens. They carry a warning about a small increase in suicidal thoughts in young people, so providers monitor closely, especially in the first few weeks and after dose changes.

Should I ask my teen about suicide?

Yes. Asking directly does not plant the idea, and it opens the door to getting help. If there is immediate risk, call or text 988 or go to the nearest emergency room.

What ages do you treat?

We see children and teens ages [confirm minimum age] through 17. Young adults 18 and older can continue care with our adult providers, so families do not have to start over somewhere new.

Does my child need a referral?

No referral is needed to schedule. Some insurance plans require one for specialist visits, so check your plan or call 1-833-269-2559 and our team will help you find out.

Do you accept insurance for child psychiatry?

Yes. Ally Psychiatry is in-network with most major health insurance plans. Call 1-833-269-2559 to verify coverage before the first visit.

Do parents attend the appointment?

Yes. A parent or legal guardian attends the first visit and must consent to treatment for children under 18. Teens usually also spend part of each visit alone with the provider.

Can my child be seen by telehealth?

Yes. Many follow-up visits can be done by secure video from home in Alabama, Kentucky, South Carolina and Tennessee. Some visits must be in person, including initial appointments, annual visits, follow-ups after a hospital stay, and specialized treatments.

Related conditions we treat in children and teens

• Anxiety
• Bipolar disorder
• PTSD & trauma

Take the first step. Call 1-833-269-2559 (1-833-B-MY-ALLY) to schedule an in-person or telehealth appointment. Most new patients are seen within a day. Request an Appointment

In crisis? If your child is thinking about harming themselves or is in immediate danger, call or text 988 or go to the nearest emergency room. Ally Psychiatry is not an emergency service.

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