26 Depression Resources for Kids, Teens, and Parents

DepressionResourcesHope
Written By Dr. Victoria Chialy Smith
Depression Treatment CBT hope+wellness Resources

It’s hard to know what to do when your child is feeling depressed — how to find out what’s going on, where to turn, who to go to for help. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed, wanting to support them but not quite sure how.

Below are some resources that may be helpful to kids and teens experiencing depression and their parents.

Associations

Anxiety and Depression Association of America — Anxiety and Depression in Children

Depression and Bipolar Association of America

American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry - Depression Resource Center

National Alliance on Mental Illness - Guide to What Families Need to Know About Adolescent Depression


Organizations

Many of these organizations are dedicated to the transforming the lives of children and teens living with depression, providing education, guides, and support.

Child Mind Institute — Depression: Helpful guides, Ask An Expert, and Stories of How Kids and Teens Coped with Depression

National Institute of Mental Health — Teen Depression

Balanced Mind Parent Network: Information for parents raising children with mood disorders to answers, support, and stability

HealthLink BC - Depression in Children and Teens

The Whole Child: Great guides which are developmentally categorized by age group

Teen Mental Health.org - Depression

The Jed Foundation: accessible resources to support mental health and reduce stigma in teens and young adults. started by parents who lost their youngest son Jed to suicide.

Families for Depression Awareness


Research Studies and Clinical Trials

NIMH Research Studies (Enrolling Nationally): Studies to transform the understanding and treatment of mental illness


Hotlines and Crisis Resources

If you are experiencing a life threatening emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255: Provides 24/7 free and confidential support

National Safe Place: Provides access to immediate help and supportive resources for young people in crisis through a network of qualified agencies, trained volunteers and businesses

Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386: Crisis Intervention and suicide prevention for LGBT youth

PRS CrisisLink Hotline and Textline : 703-527-4077 or Text "CONNECT" to 855-11: Free confidential line open 24/7 serving Northern Virginia and Washington DC, staffed with crisis line workers who care and can connect you to referrals


Books


Helpful Articles

Can Preschoolers Be Depressed? (NY Times)

A Teenager’s Guide to Depression by HelpGuide.org


What resources have you found helpful for your child or teen? If you have any other resources that might be helpful for others, let us know in the comments below!

child and teen depression treatment in mclean, falls church, arlington, and vienna

Victoria Chialy Smith, PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist providing individual therapy to children, teens, and adults. Our practice provides Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness based therapies, and other premier evidence-based treatments, and serves the Falls Church, McLean, Great Falls, Vienna, Arlington, Alexandria, and the greater Washington DC region. Call, email, or schedule an appointment with us online today. We’re happy to help!

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