Supportive Child & Teen Depression Therapy in Scottsdale

Depression in children and teens can look different than depression in adults. Some young people may seem sad or withdrawn, while others may become irritable, angry, tired, unmotivated, tearful, or less interested in school, friends, hobbies, or family activities.

At Pathways Counseling Services in Scottsdale, AZ, our therapists provide compassionate, age-appropriate support for children, teens, and families navigating depression, emotional overwhelm, low mood, social withdrawal, school stress, grief, trauma-related concerns, and major life changes.

Therapy may include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), play-based strategies, mindfulness tools, emotional regulation skills, parent guidance, family support, and coping skills tailored to the child or teen’s age, needs, and goals.

A supportive therapy environment gives young people space to express what they may not know how to say out loud. Therapy can also help parents better understand changes in mood, behavior, sleep, motivation, and communication so families can respond with more confidence and care.

Why Early Support Matters

When a child or teen is struggling with depression, early support can make a meaningful difference. Depression may affect school performance, friendships, sleep, appetite, motivation, self-esteem, emotional regulation, and family relationships.

Therapy can help children and teens identify emotions, understand triggers, build coping skills, challenge negative thoughts, and reconnect with activities or relationships that support well-being. For younger children, therapy may include play-based or creative approaches. For teens, sessions may focus more on communication, coping tools, identity, relationships, school pressure, and safety planning when needed.

Parents and caregivers are often part of the process. A therapist may provide guidance on how to support your child at home, recognize warning signs, strengthen communication, and create routines that help your child feel more stable and supported.

If depression symptoms are worsening, persistent, or affecting daily life, professional support can help your family take the next step with clarity and care.

Meet Stephanie Levitt, MA, LPC, NCC
Founder of Pathways Counseling Services

Stephanie Levitt, MA, LPC, NCC is a licensed professional counselor in Scottsdale, Arizona, and the founder of Pathways Counseling Services. With more than 20 years of clinical experience, Stephanie supports children, teens, adults, and families navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, emotional overwhelm, family stress, and major life transitions.

On the Child & Teen Depression Therapy page, Stephanie’s work reflects a compassionate and practical approach to helping young people better understand emotions, build coping skills, improve communication, and feel more supported at home, at school, and in relationships.

Stephanie is trained in a range of evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), mindfulness-based techniques, and family systems approaches. Her work focuses on helping children, teens, and families identify emotional patterns, reduce negative self-talk, strengthen coping tools, and create healthier support systems.

Stephanie believes in creating a supportive and structured environment where young people feel heard, respected, and understood. She also works with parents and caregivers when appropriate to strengthen communication, improve emotional connection, and support long-term stability at home.

Outside the therapy room, Stephanie has been featured on podcasts, radio shows, and panel discussions where she speaks about child and teen mental health, trauma recovery, women’s mental health, family dynamics, and practical therapy strategies.

View Stephanie’s profile on Psychology Today →