The information in this program outline is provided by the program representative and edited by the CEBC staff. The Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Depressed Adolescents (IPT-A) program has been rated by the CEBC in the area of: Depression Treatment (Child & Adolescent).

• Child Welfare Outcome: Child/Family Well-Being
• Types of Maltreatment: Does not target any specific kind of maltreatment
• Target Population: Adolescents ages 12-18 years old suffering from non-psychotic depression who can be treated on a once a week outpatient basis.

Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) is a time-limited, manualized psychosocial treatment for depression in adolescents and adults. IPT for adults has been rated by the CEBC in the area of Depression Treatment (Adult). IPT identifies how interpersonal issues are related to the onset or maintenance of depressive symptoms while recognizing the contributions of genetic, biological, and personality factors to vulnerability for depression. The goal of treatment is to improve depressed patients’ communication and problem solving skills to help them improve their relationships. Patients work to understand the effects of interpersonal events on their mood and to improve their communication and problem-solving skills in order to increase their effectiveness and satisfaction in current relationships.

Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Depressed Adolescents (IPT-A) is defined in a treatment manual that was adapted to address the developmental needs of adolescents and their families. IPT-A is an outpatient treatment designed for adolescents with mild to moderate depression severity. It is not indicated for adolescents who are acutely suicidal or homicidal, psychotic, bipolar, or mentally retarded, or for adolescents who are actively abusing substances.