Depression
When Sadness is More Than Just a Phase for Children and Teens
Helping Children and Teens Through Severe Depression
Feeling down once in a while is part of life, but when sadness, hopelessness, or lack of motivation take over, they can signal depression . For some children and adolescents, depression becomes persistent, severe, and disabling, affecting school, relationships, behavior, and safety.
At Alexander Youth Network, we provide intensive, specialized treatment for children and teens whose depression is severe, crisis-level, or unmanageable in traditional treatment settings.
Review for accuracy or if we need to possibly make more powerful to speak to severity
Recognizing Severe Depression: What Parents Should Watch For
Depression in children and adolescents doesn’t always look like the adult version. It may show up in ways you least expect. Pay attention to:
- Persistent sadness, tearfulness, or low mood most of the day, nearly every day
- Loss of interest or pleasure in favorite activities
- Irritability, anger, or frequent meltdowns
- Changes in sleep (too much or too little) or appetite
- Low energy, fatigue, or slowed thinking
- Difficulty concentrating, declining grades, or refusing school
- Social withdrawal, isolation, or avoiding family and friends
- Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or hopelessness
- Frequent thoughts about death, dying, or suicide
- Physical complaints (stomachaches, headaches) without clear medical cause
If these symptoms are severe, last for several weeks, and disrupt daily life, your child may need more than outpatient therapy.Â
How Common & Serious Depression Is in Youth
- Nearly 1 in 5 (18%) youth ages 12–17 experiences at least one major depressive episode in a year (about 4.5 million adolescents). (cited from The Annie E. Casey Foundation)
- Over 56% of youth with major depression did not receive any mental health treatment. (cited from Mental Health America)
- Depression in adolescence is often recurrent: lifetime recurrence rates are about 70%, and 40–60% of youth will relapse within two years. (Cited from PMC)
Without timely, intensive care, severe depression can worsen quickly—impacting a child’s safety, education, and future well-being.Â
How Alexander Youth Network Treats Severe Depression
We believe healing comes from more than talking. For children whose depression is persistent or crisis-level, our full continuum of care offers structure, safety, and intensive support.
Residential Treatment
For children and teens with severe depression who need 24/7 supervision, our Charlotte Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) and Greensboro Residential Treatment Center (RTC) provides a safe and structured environment. Here, youth receive intensive psychiatric care, evidence-based therapy, and round-the-clock support to stabilize mood, reduce self-harm risks, and build the foundation for long-term healing.
Intensive In-Home Services
When depression is disrupting daily life and leading to frequent crises, our Intensive In-Home program brings treatment directly to your family. Our team works within your home to manage severe symptoms such as withdrawal or aggression while helping parents strengthen routines, relationships, and coping strategies.
Multi-Systemic Therapy (MST)
For teens whose depression is connected to challenges across school, peers, or the justice system, MST provides an intensive, evidence-based approach. By addressing the multiple systems influencing your child’s life, MST helps reduce severe depressive symptoms, improve behavior, and create lasting change across the home, school, and community.
Day Treatment
For students whose depression makes traditional school overwhelming, our Day Treatment program combines academics with daily therapeutic support. This structured, school-based setting helps children learn coping skills, manage emotions, and stay on track academically—while receiving the mental health care they need throughout the day.
If your child is dealing with deep sadness, withdrawal, or suicidal thoughts, don’t wait. Alexander Youth Network offers the high-level, intensive support your family may need.
How to Get Help
Constant Contact Form Embed here…