Worried your Gregory Hills teenager might be depressed? Our Gledswood Hills psychologists provide warm, evidence-based depression support for adolescents. Medicare rebates available.
Book your child's ADHD assessment at our Gledswood Hills clinicMedicare rebates available
If your Gregory Hills teenager has changed, not in the normal growing-up way, but in a way that worries you, depression might be the reason. The withdrawal, the irritability, the loss of motivation. These aren't just phases when they persist for weeks and affect everything.
A noticeable personality change that others have commented on
Loss of enthusiasm for things that used to light them up
Becoming more secretive or disconnected from family life
Physical complaints like headaches or stomach aches with no medical cause
Risk-taking behaviour that's new or escalating
Talking about death, feeling like a burden, or not seeing the point
Depression in teenagers is treatable, and most young people recover fully with the right support. The earlier you intervene, the better the outcomes.
We work with teenagers in a way that meets them where they are. Our approach is warm, practical, and designed to help your teen reconnect with themselves and the world around them.
Our client care team will match you with the right psychologist at our Gledswood Hills clinic, just 5 min from Gregory Hills.
Ask your GP for a Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral. This unlocks Medicare rebates for up to 10 sessions per calendar year.
Through evidence-based therapy, your teen will develop skills for managing low mood, challenging negative thinking, and gradually re-engaging with the things that matter to them.
Through evidence-based therapy, your teen will develop skills for managing low mood, challenging negative thinking, and gradually re-engaging with the things that matter to them.
Questions Gregory Hills parents ask about adolescent depression support.
Normal teenage moodiness fluctuates and doesn't usually interfere with functioning. Depression tends to persist for two weeks or more, affects multiple areas of life (school, friends, family, sleep), and involves a marked change from your teenager's usual self. When in doubt, seek a professional opinion.
If your teenager has mentioned self-harm or you've noticed any signs of it, please take it seriously. It doesn't always mean suicidal intent, but it does mean they're in significant distress. Our psychologists are experienced in assessing and managing self-harm safely and sensitively.
In some cases, medication can be helpful for adolescent depression, usually alongside therapy. This is a decision made in consultation with a GP or psychiatrist, and your psychologist can help coordinate this if it's appropriate.
Only if you and your teenager choose to involve the school. In many cases, informing the school counsellor can lead to helpful accommodations. But the decision is always yours and your teenager's.
Many teenagers respond well to twelve to sixteen sessions of CBT. Some benefit from longer support, especially if other challenges are present. Your psychologist will monitor progress closely and adjust the plan as needed.
