Worried your St Marys teenager might be depressed? Our Kingswood 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
It can be hard to tell the difference between normal teenage ups and downs and something more serious. But if your St Marys teenager has been persistently sad, withdrawn, or disengaged for weeks, it may be depression. Recognising it early and getting the right support can make a profound difference.
Persistent sadness, tearfulness, or emotional numbness
Loss of interest in hobbies, friends, and activities they used to enjoy
Irritability or anger that's out of proportion to the situation
Changes in sleep patterns, either sleeping too much or too little
Declining grades or loss of motivation for schoolwork
Comments about feeling hopeless, worthless, or not wanting to be here
Adolescent depression is not a character flaw or a phase to wait out. It's a serious condition that responds well to professional treatment, especially when it's caught early.
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 Kingswood clinic, just 12 min from St Marys.
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 St Marys 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.
