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Topic: Depression Treatment (Child & Adolescent)

Scientific Ratings in this topic:
1 - Well-Supported by Research Evidence
2 - Supported by Research Evidence
3 - Promising Research Evidence
4 - Evidence Fails to Demonstrate Effect
5 - Concerning Practice
NR - Not able to be Rated
Learn more about the scale

Definition for Depression Treatment (Child & Adolescent):

Depression Treatment (Child & Adolescent) is defined as the treatment of youth with a diagnosis of a depressive disorder, or with elevated symptoms of depression as demonstrated by a standardized screening or assessment tool. Common symptoms may include persistent sad or irritable mood, loss of interest in activities, significant change in appetite or body weight, difficulty sleeping or oversleeping, loss of energy, feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt, and/or difficulty concentrating. The CEBC has evaluated only replicable programs that do not use medication as an essential component of treatment.

Why was Depression Treatment (Child & Adolescent) chosen as a topic by the Advisory Committee? (Click for Answer)

This topic was chosen by the Advisory Committee to highlight the need for timely, appropriate, and effective depression treatment services that support children and families in achieving successful outcomes. Documented research shows that children who enter the child welfare system, particularly those that are removed from their home, experience a significantly higher rate of mental health problems, including depression than children in the general population. This is not surprising, and is likely the result of a number of contributing factors. These factors may include events that precipitated child welfare intervention including abuse, neglect, and abandonment, as well as factors associated with placement, including separation, loss, anger, and fear.

While the child welfare system has historically focused on the physical and safety needs of children, emerging practice within agencies across the country is to now take into account the emotional needs of children as well. Child welfare agencies along with mental health providers have come to recognize that early assessment and timely treatment intervention play a key role in ensuring successful outcomes for children. As a result, a growing number of new initiatives and programs are being implemented within California counties that support the delivery of an array of mental health services to children and families receiving child welfare services. These services range from mental health screening and assessment to individualized treatment for identified needs. Additionally, there is heightened awareness among professionals that the delivery of children’s mental health services must be carefully coordinated across child serving agencies to thoroughly address their complex needs.

Whether children remain living with their parents or are placed outside the home, it is critical that all children in the child welfare system be screened and assessed. Moreover, parents and caregivers must be trained to identify early signs of mental distress enabling them to seek early intervention and appropriate care and treatment.

Marilynne Garrison
Division Chief, Out of Home Care
Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services

Programs in this topic area

Here are your search results for programs in the area of Depression Treatment (Child & Adolescent):

The programs listed below have been reviewed by the CEBC and, if appropriate, been rated using the Scientific Rating Scale.

Programs with a Scientific Rating of 1 - Well-Supported by Research Evidence:

Programs with a Scientific Rating of 2 - Supported by Research Evidence:

Programs with a Scientific Rating of 3 - Promising Research Evidence: