If your child or teen is diagnosed with depression, they may be prescribed medications and may be advised to undertake psychotherapy or make lifestyle changes. The type of treatment your child receives depends on the severity of their depression.
How psychotherapy can help treat depression
Psychotherapy, also known as "talk therapy", involves a trained therapist(s) working one-to-one or in a group with patients. Depending on the type of psychotherapy, the therapist can offer support, teach new ways of handling difficult thoughts or emotions, discuss strategies for moving towards personal goals, and teach skills for navigating relationships. Psychotherapy for depression can be helpful in treating current depression, reducing the risk of future episodes or decreasing the severity/impact of low mood.
How to access psychotherapy
Based on your child's diagnosis and the severity of their symptoms, your child’s health-care provider may suggest a therapist or centre that is right for your child. You can also access psychotherapy through:
- a mental health agency
- a recommendation from a trusted friend or family member
- an employee or family assistance program
Fees for psychotherapy vary. Some costs might be covered through public health agencies or plans or through private insurance.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
CBT is a structured form of therapy involving one session a week, usually for 10 to 16 weeks. CBT can be effective for a range of mental health issues, including depression.
How CBT works
CBT is based on cognitive theory, the idea that our thoughts influence our feelings and our behaviours. When it is focused on treating depression, it helps children:
- recognize their signs of depression
- develop "cognitive strategies" (different ways of thinking) about life stressors, including formulating more balanced thoughts. For example, with the use of these techniques, thoughts may shift from “everyone hates me” to “my friend is upset at me, but she doesn’t hate me – and not everyone feels the same way."
- practise "exposure" or "behavioural strategies" to help them gradually re-engage in activities that they might have avoided because of the depression. The patient would usually start with the easiest activity and work up to the most difficult.
CBT can be done one on one with a therapist or with a group of patients and a therapist. It can be conducted with a child on their own or with their parent(s) or caregiver(s) present. Some parent participation is usually encouraged, although this depends on what treatment approach is the best fit for your child.
Teens and parents can also work through self-help CBT resources on their own.
Interpersonal psychotherapy for adolescents (IPT-A)
Interpersonal psychotherapy is a form of therapy for depression that explores important relationships in a person's life within one of the four following areas:
- role transitions (e.g., transitioning to high school or university or entering puberty)
- grief (a significant loss, typically a death)
- interpersonal disputes (typically poor relations with a parent or caregiver)
- interpersonal sensitivities (difficulties establishing relationships).
The therapist will use different techniques, including analyzing communication in detail and role-playing other ways of communicating with others.
Other forms of psychotherapy
Sometimes patients and families choose other psychotherapies based on:
- availability
- the presence of other difficulties or disorders
- their own preferences (e.g., a shared language or culture)
Other therapies include:
- family therapy, if there is a lot of family tension or conflict
- trauma-specific therapy, if there is a history of trauma
- mindfulness- and acceptance-based therapies, which involve learning to live in the moment and experience life without judgment
Importance of patient/therapist relationship
Psychotherapy is more helpful when there is a good relationship between the therapist and the child. If there is a poor fit, you can talk to the therapist or else switch to another therapist.
Lifestyle changes and general support
Children and teens with mild symptoms of depression may see their symptoms improve by following some general healthy routines.
These include:
- getting at least eight to 10 hours of sleep a night
- eating a balanced diet, following Canada's Food Guide
- getting regular exercise in line with the physical activity guidelines for children and youth
- obtaining peer support, where they can talk to others their age about how they are feeling (your child's health-care provider may be able to recommend a group)
- spending time doing healthy activities they enjoy
- taking time to see if they can reduce or remove any unnecessary stressors
If your child's depressive symptoms prevent them from following these suggestions, your child’s health-care provider can offer advice.
Further information
For more information on depression, please see the following pages: