Child and Adolescent Treatment for Depression
Major depressive disorder (MDD), more commonly known as depression, is one of the top conditions we treat at Hillside®. In fact, our effectiveness in providing comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), an evidence-based treatment that has been shown to be helpful in treating depression, has led us to become the first residential treatment program to become a DBT-Linehan Board of Certification, Certified Program™. Our commitment to utilizing effective and innovative treatment also means that we have a highly experienced and well-trained clinical team.
While some feelings of sadness and depression happen to everyone — especially during the tumultuous teenage years — when symptoms last for two weeks or more, it can be a sign of something more serious. When it comes to depression treatment for children, Hillside knows how important it is to facilitate learning and healing in an engaging and supportive space. In addition to providing the clinical expertise in our direct work with the teen client, our programs are designed to support and empower the caregivers in the family's treatment journey as well.
Child and Adolescent Depression Treatment Options
After a depression diagnosis, a child can feel hopeless and anxious, and Hillside offers a range of treatment modalities to help them find their footing in this new aspect of their life. Whatever challenges and concerns they face, we help them work through their symptoms and gain insight from DBT, adjunctive therapies like horticulture or recreational therapy, and specialize treatment protocols such as DBT-PTSD, Radically Open-DBT, DBT-Prolonged Exposure and more.
We will create a personalized care plan for each client admitted to our:
- Residential program: this comprehensive care program is for females ages 11-17 and males ages 13-17 who require structured care in a 24/7 depression treatment facility.
- Experience DBT day treatment program: a partial hospitalization program level of care for teens ages 13-17 where clients attend treatment during the day and return home at night.
- Virtual intensive outpatient program (VIOP): for an at-home option, patients 12-17 can receive over 17 hours of care every week online.
- Intensive in-home therapy: clients aged 6-24 can also benefit from weekly in-home therapy and 24/7 phone support during their time with our practitioners.
Finding the Right Depression Treatment Center
Treating teen depression often can and should look different than managing depression as an adult. As such, the depression treatment facility you choose should have experience navigating its complexities. Ask questions like:
- What conditions do you treat at this facility?
- What is the age range of your patients?
- How are residential sleeping arrangements designed?
- What are your experiences and past results in residential depression treatment?
- What credentials and certifications does your staff have?
One of the most concerning symptoms of depression is suicidality or self-harm. At Hillside, we are uniquely equipped to handle higher levels of symptoms by providing a safe environment and effective treatment to heal and increase effective management of symptoms. Every client has their own assigned care team of expert clinicians and medical providers.
We diligently work with each family to help them feel prepared and empowered before the child has completed treatment through aftercare planning, family therapy, and caregivers' psychoeducational groups. Trust us to be there for you with proven advice and support from the start of your experience and for as long as necessary.
Arrange Depression Treatment for Your Teen
Just because depression is common, it does not mean that things will get better on its own. If you're seeing the signs of depression, connect with Hillside today and help your adolescent learn how to handle challenging emotions and cope with their diagnosis.
Our admissions team is ready to hear from you — we accept most insurances. If you are a clinician, you can also refer a client to us here.
FAQs and Strategies for Parents
What else do you need to know? Learn more from some of our frequently asked questions or contact us for more information.
