TEEN DEPRESSION
WHEN THEY DO NOT SEEM LIKE THEMSELVES ANYMORE.
Teen depression therapy can help adolescents who feel persistently low, irritable, disconnected, unmotivated, exhausted, or no longer interested in things that used to matter. Maybe they are sleeping more, talking less, losing interest, snapping at everyone, or moving through the day with very little energy. Depression in teens can be obvious — or it can hide behind irritability and “I’m fine.”
Support built for where they are right now.
RECOGNIZABLE PATTERNS
THIS MIGHT LOOK LIKE…
- •They spend much more time alone and seem harder to reach.
- •Things they used to enjoy feel like too much effort or no longer matter to them.
- •Motivation drops, schoolwork piles up, and simple tasks feel unusually heavy.
- •They are sleeping much more, sleeping poorly, or struggling to keep a normal routine.
- •Irritability, numbness, or a flat “whatever” response replaces the personality you are used to seeing.
- •They make hopeless, self-critical, or “what is the point?” comments that stay with you.
HOW THERAPY CAN HELP
Therapy can help your teen reconnect with emotion, routines, relationships, motivation, and a sense that movement is possible even when they do not feel like doing much.
WHAT MAY BE GOING ON
There is rarely one simple reason a teen gets stuck. Development, stress, temperament, relationships, school, sleep, attention, past experiences, family patterns, and biology can all play a role. We focus on understanding the pattern well enough to know what may actually help — not on attaching a label as quickly as possible.
HOW WE APPROACH IT
We start by understanding what has changed and what keeps the low-mood cycle going — isolation, sleep, stress, self-criticism, conflict, loss, anxiety, or other factors. Therapy may include behavioral activation, CBT, DBT/ACT skills, relational work, and trauma-focused approaches when they fit.
CLINICAL MATCH
THERAPISTS WHO WORK WITH THIS CONCERN
The concern matters. The relationship does too. We can help you think through which therapist may fit your teen's personality, needs, and preferences.
Chris Taylor, LMFT
Founder & CEO | Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
I’ve spent more than 23 years helping teens and families move through difficult seasons. I bring deep empathy, direct conversation, and humor — while always taking your teen’s growth seriously.
Kyle Kearney, MA, LPCC
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
I bring a calm, steady, judgment-free approach and help teens turn difficult emotions, school pressure, ADHD, and family conflict into practical skills they can actually use.
Andrea Marrapodi, MA, AMFT, APCC
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist | APCC
I want teens to feel safe enough to be themselves — not judged, lectured, or pushed into someone else’s expectations. Therapy is a place to understand who they are and build confidence from there.
FAQ
QUESTIONS PARENTS OFTEN ASK
What are signs of depression in teenagers?
Common signs include withdrawal, dropping grades, irritability, changes in sleep or appetite, and loss of interest in activities.
Is irritability a sign of teen depression?
Yes, in teenagers depression often looks more like anger, irritability, or snapping than typical sadness.
What if my teenager has no motivation?
Therapy helps identify what is blocking motivation—whether it's exhaustion, fear of failure, or depression—and builds small steps toward re-engaging.
How do I know if this is depression or just a phase?
A phase tends to move. Depression is more concerning when changes in mood, interest, motivation, sleep, functioning, or connection persist and interfere with daily life.
What if my teen says nothing is wrong?
You can still reach out based on what you are observing. Teens do not always have the words — or the desire — to describe what is happening.
Will therapy make them talk about feelings all session?
Not necessarily. Good teen therapy can include practical problem-solving, routines, relationships, school, identity, coping, and whatever helps the teen engage.
What if I am worried about safety?
If you have immediate concerns about your teen’s safety, use emergency/crisis resources rather than waiting for a routine website inquiry. For non-immediate concerns, tell us directly when you contact us so we can discuss the appropriate next step.
NOT SURE THIS IS THE RIGHT LABEL?
You do not need to be sure. Tell us what you are seeing and we can help you think through whether this concern, another issue, or a combination may be the better fit.
Prefer to talk? Call or text (916) 292-9000.