Depression Therapy for Children & Teens, Covered by Insurance
Get evidence-based care from the top rated pediatric therapists, specializing in treating depression in children and teens.
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We know how hard it is to find care you can trust. That’s why we’ve invested deeply in building a program that’s based on evidence and focused on real, lasting change. Our care not only eases symptoms — it helps children build lifelong skills for resilience and wellbeing.
Amy Kranzler, PhD
Could It Be Depression? Signs to Look for in Your Child
- Persistent sadness or tearfulness
- Hopelessness or feelings of worthlessness
- Irritability or anger outbursts
- Excessive guilt or self-criticism
- Apathy or lack of motivation
- Low self-esteem or feelings of inadequacy
- Withdrawal from friends or family
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Decline in academic performance
- Risk-taking, rebellion, or defiance
- Substance use or experimentation
- Self-harm behaviors
- Changes in sleep (insomnia or oversleeping)
- Appetite changes and weight fluctuations
- Frequent fatigue or low energy
- Unexplained physical complaints (e.g., headaches, stomachaches)
- Neglect of hygiene or appearance
- Isolation or avoidance of social interactions
- Trouble maintaining friendships
- Feeling misunderstood or rejected
- Increased sensitivity to criticism
How Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Helps with Depression
Catch the low before it takes over
CBT helps kids notice negative thought patterns early, before they spiral into hopelessness or shutting down.
Real tools, not just talk
Your child learns practical strategies they can actually use to help them get through hard mornings, low-motivation days, and negative self-talk.
Small steps, real momentum
Kids rebuild energy and engagement through small, achievable actions.
Skills that stick
Unlike quick fixes, CBT gives your child tools they'll carry with them well past therapy – into school, friendships, and adulthood.
Depression Support, From Therapists Who Understand
Our therapists and clinicians are specially trained to work with children and teens across all stages of development. Every clinician spends 15% of their weekly time in expert-led supervision, clinical case review, and ongoing training.
Sidney Rice
Christine Saint-Cyr
Aliza Kaplan
Laura Murillo
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Lindsay Gonyeau
Serena Bednarczyk
Katerina Tegeler
Michael Rodriguez
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Nicole Bieniasz
Aurora Butler
Ryan Hutchings
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Anthony Savio
What Parents of Children With Depression Are Saying
I am so glad we found Handspring for our daughter. My daughter was in a really dark place and really struggling but made a fast connection with her therapist who helped her and us as her parents immensely.
Jasmine was incredible. She helped my daughter manage anxiety/depression and helped her through some of her hardest times. My daughter looked forward to talking with her therapist and learned helpful ways to cope with her anxiety.
Michael was incredible. My son's anxiety is so much better and he is overall so much happier. I often caught my son reminding himself what his therapist would tell him to do.
What Makes Handspring Different
Other Online Therapy Platforms
In-Person Therapy
FAQs
I'm not sure if my child has ADHD. Do you help with diagnosis?
What other challenges do you help with?
What is your clinical approach?
Our therapists primarily use CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), the gold-standard, first-line treatment for anxiety, depression, and other common mental health challenges. Centered on skills-based CBT, our evidence-based approach helps young people better understand their thoughts, manage their emotions, and build lasting coping strategies that support emotional and behavioral well-being.
The key elements of our approach include:
- Age-appropriate skill-building
- Collaborative and active participation
- Parental involvement
- Strengths-based perspective
- Progress tracking and feedback
What age range do you treat?
We provide virtual therapy for:
- Children ages 8–12
- Teenagers ages 13–17
- Young adults ages 18–29
- Parents of children over age 2 for parent coaching and support
Do you accept insurance?
Yes — we’re in-network with:
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Aetna
- Oscar
- UnitedHealthcare
- Optum
- Cigna
- AmeriHealth
Before services start, we’ll verify your benefits and let you know your exact copay. Most families pay less than $30 per session (including all costs such as copays, deductibles, and coinsurance).
We currently do not accept Medicaid, CHIP, or other state-based plans.
How much do your services cost without insurance?
Your first consultation is free, and sessions cost $125 after that ($175 in CA). If you’re paying out of pocket, you’ll get the same exact care and support as you would with insurance coverage.
Do I need a doctor’s referral?
No referral is needed. Parents and caregivers can book directly with us — it only takes a few minutes.