Youth with depression can benefit from therapy or counseling, medication or a combination of both.
Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT) is often relatively short-term (around 12 weeks) and focuses on
reducing negative thoughts, teaching coping strategies and changing behaviors to reduce depression symptoms.
Many studies have shown that CBT can help youth with depression.
Supportive counseling is a less directive approach that provides warmth and understanding to clients.
The goal of supportive therapies is to help clients realize their true selves.
Many therapists incorporate aspects of many different therapy approaches, including CBT and supportive counseling.
Medications like Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) can help youth with depression.
These are medications like Prozac and Zoloft, or generic drugs like Sertraline.
