Is your child withdrawing from friends, losing interest in activities they once loved, or struggling with emotions that seem difficult to manage? It can be hard to tell whether these changes are part of growing up or signs of childhood depression.

At Mountain Ridge Behavioral Health Center, we provide depression therapy for children ages six and older in Provo and Mapleton, Utah. We help families understand what their children are experiencing and find ways to support them. In-person and online appointments are available to accommodate your family's needs.

Could Your Child Be Depressed? Signs to Look For

Depression doesn't always look like sadness, especially in younger children. Some children become irritable, frustrated, or angry. Others grow quiet, clingy, or withdrawn.

Common signs of childhood depression include:

• Frequent sadness, crying, or emotional outbursts

• Irritability, anger, or increased sensitivity

• Losing interest in friends, hobbies, or favorite activities

• Changes in sleeping or eating habits

• Frequent stomachaches or headaches without a clear medical cause

• Trouble concentrating or declining school performance

• Negative self-talk, feelings of worthlessness, or low self-esteem

How do you know when it's time to get help for your child from a depression therapist? If these changes persist for two weeks or longer, interfere with everyday activities, or seem out of character for your child, a professional assessment is a good place to start.

How Depression Therapy Helps Children

Children don't always have the words to explain what they're feeling. That's why we tailor depression therapy to each child's age, emotional development, and individual needs.

Our therapists help children recognize emotions, develop healthier coping skills, build confidence, and work through challenges affecting their well-being.

Depending on your child's needs, treatment for depression can include:

• Play therapy – Uses play, creative activities, and age-appropriate techniques to help younger children express emotions and process difficult experiences. For example, drawing or storytelling can help a child communicate feelings they struggle to put into words.

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) – Helps children identify negative thought patterns, manage difficult emotions, and develop healthier responses.

• Family therapy and parent support – Gives parents practical strategies for responding to emotional struggles, improving communication, and supporting progress at home.

Why Choose MRBHC for Your Child's Depression Therapy?

We know how important it is to find a therapist your child feels comfortable with and someone you can trust as a parent. At Mountain Ridge Behavioral Health Center, we take a personalized, age-appropriate approach to depression therapy, recognizing that every child experiences and expresses emotions differently.

Our therapists strive to create a welcoming environment where children can open up at their own pace. We work with parents as well to help them better understand their child's needs and support progress at home. With locations in Provo and Mapleton, plus online therapy options, we also make it easier for families to access care.

Schedule Children's Depression Therapy in Provo or Mapleton

If you're concerned about changes in your child's mood or behavior, we're here to listen, answer your questions, and help you determine what comes next. We also offer psychological assessments and testing for children ages six and older when additional evaluation is needed.

Schedule an appointment with a child depression therapist at either of our Utah County locations:

Provo Office: 

3305 North University Ave., Suite 275, Provo, UT 84604

Mapleton Office: 

704 South 1600 West, Suite 104, Mapleton, UT 84664

Or reach out online to Mountain Ridge Behavioral Health Center to discuss your child's needs.