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Depression Treatment for Teens & College Students

Teen Depression Therapy in Los Gatos

Depression Treatment for Teens & College Students

 

Teen Depression Therapy in Los Gatos

Depression Treatment for Teens & College Students

Los Gatos Adolescent Counseling, Teen Psychologist in Los Gatos, CA - Patrice Wolters, Ph.D.

Teen Depression Therapy in Los Gatos

Compassionate, Evidence-Based Treatment to Help Your Student Thrive Again

Is your teen withdrawing from activities they once loved? Is your college student struggling to get out of bed or keep up with classes? Depression in adolescents and young adults looks different from adult depression—and requires specialized understanding. As a licensed psychologist in Los Gatos with extensive experience treating teen and college student depression, I provide evidence-based therapy that addresses the unique developmental challenges of this age group while building resilience and hope for the future.

Is Your Teen Struggling with Depression?
I offer a complimentary phone consultation to discuss your teen or college student’s needs and determine if my approach is the right fit.
Book Your Free Consultation

Recognizing Depression in Teens & College Students

Symptoms of depression in teens and college students can vary, and there are other symptoms beyond the most common ones. These may include:

  • Persistent sadness or irritability (not just occasional bad moods)
  • Loss of interest in friends, hobbies, or activities
  • Changes in sleep (sleeping too much or insomnia)
  • Academic decline or difficulty concentrating
  • Physical complaints (headaches, stomach issues)
  • Social withdrawal or isolation
  • Expressions of hopelessness or self-harm thoughts
  • Easily frustrated
  • Anger or frequent outbursts
  • Extreme sensitivity to criticism or rejection

These symptoms of depression may indicate that a teen is depressed and should not be ignored.

Risk Factors and Causes

Depression in teenagers is influenced by many factors, and understanding these risk factors can help families and mental health professionals provide timely support. A family history of depression or other mental health conditions can increase a teen’s risk, as can experiences of trauma or ongoing stress. Low self esteem, anxiety disorders, and chronic health conditions like diabetes or asthma are also linked to a higher likelihood of developing depression. Substance abuse, bullying at school, and social isolation can further contribute to depressive symptoms. By recognizing these risk factors, parents and educators can be more proactive in supporting teenagers who may be vulnerable to depression and related mental health problems.

Physical Health Connection

Physical health and mental health are closely connected, especially for teenagers. Depression can lead to noticeable changes in physical health, such as disrupted sleep, changes in appetite, and a drop in energy level. These symptoms can make it harder for teens to stay active and maintain healthy routines, which may worsen both their physical and mental health. Chronic illnesses, like asthma or diabetes, can also increase the risk of depression in young people. Encouraging regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and good sleep habits can help reduce depression symptoms and support overall well-being. Mental health professionals often recommend a holistic approach to treatment that addresses both physical and mental health needs for the best outcomes.
Don’t Wait for Things to Get Worse
Early intervention leads to better outcomes. If you’ve noticed warning signs of depression in your teen, reaching out now can make all the difference. Schedule your free consultation today.
Book Your Free Consultation

What Depression Treatment Looks Like

  • Comprehensive assessment to understand contributing factors, which may include a physical exam to rule out other health problems before confirming a diagnosis of depression.
  • Evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Behavioral activation to re-engage with life, recognizing that depression often reduces motivation, and treatment aims to help teens regain motivation and interest in activities.
  • Addressing negative thought patterns
  • Building coping skills and emotional regulation
  • Social skills and relationship support
  • Talk therapy as a core component of treatment, helping teens understand their emotions and manage their moods, and often used alongside other interventions.
  • Medication may be recommended in some cases, especially for moderate to severe depression, but should be carefully monitored for side effects and used as part of a broader treatment plan.
  • Seeking professional help is important for severe or persistent depression, as mental health professionals can provide specialized care and guidance.
  • Coordination with schools, including working with a school counselor, and with psychiatrists or a doctor as part of the treatment team to ensure comprehensive support.

Ready to Help Your Teen Thrive Again?
As a licensed psychologist specializing in teen and college student depression in Los Gatos, I provide compassionate, evidence-based treatment that addresses your teen’s unique challenges. Let’s work together to help them rediscover hope and build lasting resilience.

Schedule A Free Consultation

Suicide Prevention

Suicide prevention is a vital part of supporting teenagers with depression. Untreated depression can sometimes lead to suicidal thoughts or behaviors, making it crucial for parents, teachers, and friends to recognize the warning signs. These may include sudden changes in mood, withdrawal from friends and activities, or talking about feeling hopeless. If a teenager expresses suicidal thoughts, it is essential to seek immediate help from a mental health professional or contact a crisis hotline. Creating an environment where teens feel safe to talk about their feelings and mental health struggles is key to effective suicide prevention. Early intervention and ongoing support can save lives and help teenagers find hope and healing.

Building a Support Network

A strong support network can make a significant difference in a teen’s life when they are dealing with depression. Family members, friends, school counselors, and mental health professionals all play important roles in providing encouragement and understanding. When teenagers feel supported by those around them, they are more likely to share their feelings and seek help for their symptoms. Support groups, whether in-person or online, can also offer valuable connection and reassurance from others facing similar challenges. By building a caring community, families and schools can help teenagers feel less alone and more empowered to manage their mental health.

Creating a Self-Care Plan

Developing a personalized self-care plan is an important step for teenagers managing depression. Self-care activities—such as regular exercise, creative hobbies, meditation, or simply spending time with friends—can help reduce stress and improve mood. Prioritizing healthy sleep habits and balanced nutrition also supports both mental health and physical well-being. Setting small, achievable goals and making time for activities that bring joy can help teens feel more in control of their symptoms. Mental health professionals can guide teenagers in creating a self-care plan that fits their unique needs, helping them build resilience and improve their overall quality of life.

Why Choose a Licensed Psychologist for Depression Treatment

  • Ability to differentiate depression from other conditions, such as bipolar disorder and severe mental health issues, ensuring accurate diagnosis and appropriate intervention.
  • Training in multiple evidence-based treatment approaches.
  • Experience with adolescent and young adult development.
  • Capacity to conduct psychological testing if needed, which helps assess risks, including safety concerns and potential negative outcomes, and determine the most appropriate treatment.
  • Collaboration with adolescent psychiatry for complex or severe cases, providing specialized care and early intervention when necessary.
  • Understanding of the unique pressures facing today’s students.
You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your teen’s symptoms and learn how evidence-based therapy can help them feel hopeful again.
Book Your Free Consultation Today!

Frequently Asked Questions About Teen Depression Therapy

How do I know if my teen is depressed or just going through normal mood swings?
Depression is more than typical teenage moodiness. Warning signs lasting more than two weeks include:

  • Persistent sadness, irritability, or anger
  • Loss of interest in friends, hobbies, or activities
  • Academic decline or difficulty concentrating
  • Sleep changes (too much or too little)
  • Social withdrawal or isolation
  • Physical complaints (headaches, stomach issues)
  • Expressions of hopelessness or self-harm thoughts

If symptoms interfere with school, relationships, or daily life—or if you notice talk of self-harm—seek professional help immediately. Trust your instincts.

What does depression treatment for teens and college students involve?

Treatment is tailored to your teen’s developmental stage and includes:

Assessment: Understanding contributing factors (family history, trauma, stress, bullying) and ruling out physical health issues

Evidence-based therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), behavioral activation, talk therapy, and coping skills development

Collaborative care: Coordination with schools, school counselors, and psychiatrists when needed

Holistic support: Addressing sleep, nutrition, physical activity, and building a support network

Most teens see improvement within 8-12 weeks with consistent therapy.

When is medication necessary for teen depression?
Medication may be recommended for moderate to severe depression, especially when:

Stress and Life Events:

  • Therapy alone isn’t providing adequate relief
  • Depression significantly interferes with daily functioning
  • There are safety concerns or suicidal thoughts
  • Co-occurring conditions like anxiety or ADHD are present

Medication is always carefully monitored for side effects and used alongside therapy, not alone. As a psychologist, I work closely with psychiatrists to provide comprehensive care. Many teens manage depression successfully with therapy alone; others benefit from combining both approaches.

How can I support my depressed teen while they're in treatment?

Create safety: Listen without judgment, take self-harm talk seriously, watch for warning signs

Support treatment: Attend family sessions, maintain consistent appointments, follow therapist recommendations, be patient

Encourage healthy habits: Promote exercise, ensure consistent sleep, limit excessive screen time, support activities they enjoy

Build their network: Connect with supportive friends/family, communicate with school counselors, reduce unnecessary stressors

Avoid: Dismissing feelings (“just snap out of it”), comparing to others, excessive criticism, isolation

Your involvement shows them they’re not alone.

Why choose a licensed psychologist for teen depression treatment?

As a licensed psychologist specializing in teen and college student depression, I offer:

Diagnostic expertise: Differentiate depression from other conditions (bipolar, ADHD, anxiety), conduct psychological testing, assess risk factors accurately

Specialized training: Evidence-based approaches (CBT, behavioral activation), expertise in adolescent development, understanding of today’s student pressures

Collaborative care: Coordination with schools, collaboration with psychiatrists for complex cases, family involvement, holistic approach

Suicide prevention: Training in recognizing suicidal ideation, crisis planning, immediate intervention

Depression in adolescents requires specialized expertise. I address the unique challenges teens face while building lifelong mental health skills.

Ready to take control of your bipolar disorder?

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Contact Dr. Wolters

Testimonials

– Jessica S.
“After one visit my daughter felt a strong connection to Dr. Wolters. My daughter was able to open up and express herself to the doctor. If you’re looking for a Los Gatos psychologist, I would highly recommend Dr. Wolters to anyone who is looking for some positive changes in their life.”
– Mary J.
“Dr. Wolters has guided me through a lot of improvements in my marriage – from being a codependent person to being more independent. Her teaching methods have helped me a great deal in progressively growing, getting a better sense of my issues and being capable of handling them.”
– Lynn S.
“I have been working with Dr. Wolters for over a year and continue to grow emotionally. She goes the extra mile to help in any way she can. I highly recommend her.”

Phone: 408-358-9679
220 Oak Meadow Drive, Suite C, Los Gatos, CA 95032

Dr. Patrice Wolters – Licensed Psychologist – Counseling and Psychotherapy provided by a Los Gatos Psychologist and Licensed Psychotherapist in Los Gatos, Saratoga, Sunnyvale, and San Jose, CA, California