Depression treatment for kids, teens, and adults

The DSM-5 recognizes several distinct depressive disorders. The most commonly diagnosed include:

• Major depressive disorder (MDD), characterized by persistent low mood, loss of interest, and functional impairment lasting at least two weeks
• Persistent depressive disorder (PDD), a chronic low-grade depression lasting two or more years
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which follows a seasonal pattern, most commonly in fall and winter
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), involving severe mood symptoms in the premenstrual phase
• Postpartum depression, which develops after childbirth and can include difficulty bonding with a newborn.

If you're unsure which type of depression you or a loved one may be experiencing, Charlie Health can help.

Depression results from a combination of genetic, neurobiological, psychological, and environmental factors — including family history, chronic stress, trauma, and early life experiences. No single cause accounts for depression in most people, which is why individualized assessment is essential to effective treatment. Our Clinical Team works with each client to understand the root causes of depression and build a care plan to meet their specific needs.

Yes. While the diagnostic criteria are the same, depression can look very different depending on age. Children may show irritability, physical complaints, or reluctance to go to school rather than overt sadness. Teens may present with declining academic performance, risk-taking, or social withdrawal. Adults are more likely to recognize depression but may struggle with persistent low mood, fatigue, or difficulty functioning at work or in relationships. Across all ages, depression is treatable — and the earlier it's addressed, the better the outcomes tend to be.

Yes. Depression frequently manifests physically as well as emotionally. Common physical symptoms include persistent fatigue, changes in appetite or weight, sleep disturbances, unexplained aches and pains, headaches, and gastrointestinal problems. These symptoms are real, not imagined, and often improve with effective treatment. If you're unsure whether your physical symptoms are related to depression, Charlie Health's Clinical Team can help.

If feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or loss of interest have persisted for two or more weeks — or are interfering with work, relationships, or daily life — it may be time to seek support. A licensed clinician can assess what's happening and help determine the right level of care.

Depression is not always "cured" in the traditional sense, but it is highly treatable. Many people achieve full remission with the right treatment — and even those with recurrent or chronic depression can see significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life. Early intervention and consistent care improve outcomes considerably.

Several evidence-based therapies are effective for treating depression.

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps people challenge distorted thinking patterns — like catastrophizing and self-blame — and build practical skills to counter withdrawal and inactivity.
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is particularly effective when mood dysregulation, self-harm, or suicidal ideation are part of the picture, teaching skills in mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotion regulation.
• Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) addresses the shame and self-criticism that often accompany depression, helping people develop self-compassion to counter harsh self-judgment.

Charlie Health's Clinical Team works with each client to determine the right combination of treatment options for their specific needs.

An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a level of behavioral healthcare for people who need more support than traditional weekly therapy but don't require inpatient care. The goal is to help people manage mental health and substance use challenges while maintaining their daily routines and responsibilities. Our IOP is delivered to clients directly at home through a virtual platform. Each program runs 9–12 weeks and includes 10+ hours of care per week. That time is split across individual therapy and group sessions, with family therapy and psychiatry available when clinically indicated. Scheduling is flexible, with morning, afternoon, and evening options to fit around school, work, and other commitments.

Charlie Health is in-network with more than 600 insurance plans nationwide, including most major commercial plans, TRICARE, and Medicaid in select states. Most clients (60%) pay $0 out-of-pocket. To verify coverage, contact the Admissions Team directly or fill out the online intake form.