In-Network With Most Commercial Insurers
*Please note that at this time, we are not in network with Medicaid/Medi-Cal
Treatment for Teen Depression
Depression can quietly change how a teen shows up in the world. What once felt manageable—school, friendships, daily routines—can begin to feel overwhelming, leaving parents unsure how to reach the child they know. In adolescents, depression is often part of a broader picture that may include anxiety, trauma, or substance use. Addressing it effectively means looking beyond symptoms to understand what’s driving the distress.
At Muir Wood, our residential and intensive outpatient programs are built specifically for adolescents and grounded in trauma-informed, evidence-based care. We create an environment of safety and trust so teens can open up, develop effective coping skills, and re-engage with school, relationships, and daily life—helping them regain stability and hope for the future.
The Muir Wood Teen Difference
Muir Wood Teen Treatment offers compassionate guidance, clear next steps, and structured adolescent mental health programs designed specifically for teens ages 12–17—so families feel supported from the first call through aftercare and beyond.
Our team partners closely with parents and caregivers from day one, providing personalized treatment plans, regular updates, and real-world tools that build a foundation for lasting progress. Your teen moves toward stability and wellness alongside peers facing similar challenges, while your family gains the skills and confidence to support their journey.
Some of our key differentiators include:
Specialists in Adolescent Care
Everything we do is built for teens ages 12–17—not adapted from adult treatment models. Our team includes board-certified adolescent psychiatrists, licensed therapists, nurses, educators, and recovery counselors who specialize exclusively in teen mental health and substance use treatment. Working as an integrated care team, they deliver evidence-based, developmentally appropriate treatment tailored to each teen’s unique needs.
Small Groups, Strong Connections
Our intentionally small cohorts create space for focused, individualized attention in therapist-led groups while fostering meaningful peer connections. Teens build trust within a consistent group, learning from shared experiences while developing healthy communication and coping skills. Individual therapy sessions complement group work, supporting continued personal growth.
Expertise in Mental Health + Substance Use
With deep expertise in treating both primary mental health conditions and co-occurring substance use challenges, our trauma-informed approach helps teens heal at the root—not just the surface. We focus on the whole person, addressing emotional wellbeing and underlying behavioral patterns to support lifelong healing and resilience.
Support for the Whole Family
Healing doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens together. At Muir Wood, families stay actively involved through weekly therapy, parent education, and a 16-week aftercare coaching program that strengthens trust, communication, and stability long after treatment ends.
Accessible, High-Quality Care Covered by Insurance
Muir Wood is committed to removing financial barriers to adolescent mental health care. We partner with most major insurance providers, helping families access high-quality, evidence-based teen treatment when it matters most.
Stay in School While Getting Support
Education stays a priority throughout treatment. Whether in residential care or IOP, teens keep up with schoolwork while building essential skills. We help them manage assignments, reduce academic stress, and strengthen executive functioning—including planning, time management, and communication. When helpful, we coordinate with families and schools so progress in treatment carries into the classroom and daily life.
Continuum of Care
For teens stepping up or down from Muir Wood residential treatment, our intensive outpatient program (IOP) provides seamless continuity. Shared clinical leadership, a consistent therapeutic philosophy, and close communication between treatment teams ensure each teen’s progress continues without interruption—whether transitioning within our programs or to trusted outpatient partners.
Speak With a Teen Treatment Specialist
Connect with our admissions team today to learn how Muir Wood can support your family.
Muir Wood Treatment Center Reviews
Read about Muir Wood experiences from a parent who has been through it. Read these and other reviews from real parents of Muir Wood alumni. If you would like to speak to an alumni parent, contact us and we’ll arrange it.
“Ruby had a very positive experience overall both times. Many programs make lots of promises and don’t deliver. Muir wood was a transformational experience for Ruby and I think the experience of being part of a community of peers was especially helpful. I’m a mental health professional myself and have already recommended Muir Wood to friends with teens who are struggling.”
Sasha A. Blum – September 2023
“From the moment we walked through the doors, we felt like part of a supportive com- munity dedicated to helping teens thrive. The staff here are compassionate, knowledgeable, and truly invested in the wellbeing of every teen in their care. The programs are tailored to address the needs of each individual, providing a safe space for growth and healing. I highly recommend this center to any parent seeking top-notch care.”
Krista Merlino – May 2024
“Our child had medication resistant severe depression. Muir Wood helped find the right medication and provided a supportive environment, over Covid, no less. My child is thriving and we both agree that even though it was a hard period, it was the best choice to get them treatment. The tutors worked with his teachers and he maintained a 4.0 while getting better.”
Tomasina Burgess – June 2024
“There really are other families that are struggling in more or less the same ways that we are,” she shares in the video below. “I think there’s a way that addiction can make people feel like it’s only happening to them, and it’s really not. It’s behind so many closed doors. And I only wish that more people would come out and get the help that they deserve and that is there to be had. I’m really grateful we found it.”
Katie F. – June 2024
“This program was really wonderful for our daughter and our family as a whole. We love the parent classes and the parent support group. L. loved most of the staff and made some great friends with other girls in the program. The communication between staff and parents is excellent.”
Ilene G. – Oct 2025
My daughter is at the Petaluma Site. She has been there for about 40 days and the therapist has been very communicative. I feel apart of her treatment and have been updated weekly as well as a fast response anytime I have had questions. The support has been great and I love the parent classes. I have learned a lot in this time.
Angela R. – Oct 2025
Signs of Depression in Teens
It can be incredibly difficult for a parent to watch their teen struggle with depression. You may notice them withdrawing from friends or family, losing interest in activities they once enjoyed, or seeming persistently sad or irritable. Depression can manifest in many ways for adolescents—sometimes appearing as low energy, irritability, or frustration rather than obvious sadness. At our teen depression treatment centers, we help families recognize these behaviors not as laziness or defiance, but as signs of a teen who is struggling and in need of support.
Some common symptoms of depression in teenagers include:
- Persistent sadness, irritability, or mood swings
- Loss of interest in hobbies, school, or social activities
- Fatigue, changes in sleep, or changes in appetite
- Withdrawal from friends, family, or social situations
- Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or keeping up with schoolwork
- Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or hopelessness
- Sudden changes in grades, behavior, or peer relationships
Identifying these symptoms early and seeking professional teen depression treatment can significantly improve your child’s recovery, helping them regain emotional stability, confidence, and a sense of hope for the future.
Northern California — Sonoma County
Lohrman Campus for Girls
Mental health and substance use care for teen girls on a tranquil Petaluma property within Sonoma County, surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills.
Skillman Campus for Boys
Dual-diagnosis treatment for teen boys—mental health and substance use care on a serene Petaluma property in lovely Sonoma County.
Fresno/Clovis — Central California
Makena Campus for Girls
Teen girls receive dual-diagnosis care for mental health and substance use challenges in Clovis—a tranquil foothill setting at the gateway to California’s majestic Sierra Nevada.
Arlington Heights Area — Southern California
Call Us To Learn More
When to Seek Help for Your Teen’s Depression
Being a teenager is never easy—school challenges, social pressures, and the everyday struggles of growing up can all cause temporary sadness or frustration. But when low mood, irritability, or hopelessness becomes persistent and begins to interfere with your teen’s ability to function, it may be a sign that they need professional support.
When Outpatient Care May Not Be Enough
Many families start with weekly therapy or medication management—and for some teens, that level of support is exactly what’s needed. But when depression deepens despite consistent outpatient care, or when safety concerns, school refusal, or severe withdrawal make it difficult to maintain daily life, a higher level of care may provide the stabilization your teen needs.
Residential treatment isn’t about replacing the work your teen has been doing—it’s about providing intensive, around-the-clock support during a critical window when symptoms have become too overwhelming to manage at home. Our program offers immersive therapeutic care, allowing teens to step away from stressors, practice new coping skills in real time, and build momentum before returning to outpatient support.
You Don’t Have to Wait for a Crisis
Early intervention matters. If your teen’s low mood, irritability, or withdrawal has lasted for weeks—or if you’ve noticed changes in sleep, appetite, grades, or relationships—it may be time to consider a more intensive level of care. Waiting for things to reach a breaking point can make recovery harder and longer.
We know how confusing it can be for parents to tell the difference between “normal teen struggles” and depression that requires treatment. Our experienced team provides careful assessments, compassionate guidance, and a clear path forward—so you don’t have to face this alone.
How We Support Teens With Depression
Through evidence-based therapies like CBT and DBT, psychiatric care when needed, family involvement, and the structure of residential treatment, teens learn to understand their emotions, challenge negative thinking patterns, and develop healthier ways to cope. Our nature-rich campuses provide a calm, supportive environment where healing can begin—and where teens can reconnect with a sense of hope and capability.
With specialized teen depression treatment, your child can rebuild confidence, strengthen emotional regulation, and rediscover a sense of purpose. Through therapy, connection, and structured support, we help teens move from surviving each day to feeling capable and hopeful about what’s ahead.
Continuity Beyond Residential Care
We believe strong outcomes depend on continuity and collaboration. From admission through discharge, we coordinate closely with your teen’s existing providers and aftercare programs—whether that’s our IOP or another trusted outpatient partner. Our team stays in regular communication with the broader care network to support timely transitions, shared understanding, and a clear path forward.
Depression in adolescence isn’t just sadness—it’s a disruption in how a young person sees themselves, their relationships, and their future. The earlier we intervene with the right kind of care, the more we can protect against long-term suffering and help teens reclaim the life they deserve.
– Dr. David E. Smith, Chair, Addiction Medicine & MQAC, Muir Wood
Accreditations
Muir Wood Supports the Entire Family
Recovery from depression doesn’t happen in isolation—it unfolds within the connections that matter most. Family involvement is an essential part of every teen’s healing journey. From the first call to admissions and throughout recovery, parents and caregivers are active participants in treatment, learning to create a stable, supportive home environment that fosters long-term emotional health.
Family support is woven into every stage of care. Weekly family therapy sessions are facilitated by licensed clinicians who help strengthen communication, rebuild trust, and guide families in working through the effects of depression together. Parents learn to set healthy boundaries, express empathy, and support their teen’s emotional regulation at home.
Through parent education and coaching, families gain practical tools to reinforce coping skills, reduce household stress, and encourage independence in their teens. This guidance continues beyond treatment through our 16-week aftercare program, which helps families maintain progress and stability during reintegration.
Muir Wood also fosters ongoing connection through alumni and peer programs, allowing teens to remain engaged with supportive networks that promote accountability, motivation, and a sense of belonging—key elements in sustaining recovery from depression. Our team further supports healing by coordinating with schools and outpatient providers to ensure a smooth transition back into academics and daily routines. This collaboration helps teens maintain emotional balance while continuing their education and mental health care outside of treatment.
Above all, our trauma-informed, compassionate guidance for every family works with the complexities of adolescent depression and co-occurring mental health challenges, providing empathy and clarity when parents need it most. By integrating family involvement into every aspect of care, we help transform depression recovery into a shared process—one that strengthens family bonds, builds resilience, and lays the groundwork for lasting wellness.
Levels of Care for Teen Depression Treatment
Our teen depression treatment programs are designed to meet each adolescent’s unique emotional and developmental needs, offering both residential and intensive outpatient treatment options. Every treatment plan is personalized to help teens rebuild self-worth, manage symptoms, and rediscover motivation and hope for the future.
At Muir Wood we offer:
- Residential Treatment Program: At our residential treatment center, teens receive 24/7 support in a safe, structured environment designed for healing. Days include individual, group, and family therapy sessions, as well as experiential activities that encourage self-expression and connection.
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): For teens who need consistent therapeutic support but can continue living at home, our intensive outpatient program offers a flexible, structured path to recovery. This level of care bridges the transition from residential treatment back to daily life, helping teens apply what they’ve learned while maintaining their academic and social routines
Our Approach to Treating Teen Depression
Depression in teens goes far beyond temporary sadness—it can affect motivation, energy, relationships, and a young person’s sense of self. At Muir Wood, we understand that depression often reflects deeper struggles: unresolved trauma, overwhelming stress, family challenges, or difficulty managing intense emotions. Our approach addresses what’s driving the depression, not just the symptoms on the surface.
We believe all behaviors exist for a reason. The withdrawal, irritability, or hopelessness you’re seeing in your teen are often attempts to cope with underlying pain they may not have the skills or words to express. Our role is to help teens develop healthier, more effective ways to manage thoughts, emotions, and challenges—building the capacity for self-regulation that supports lasting recovery.
Whether through residential treatment or our intensive outpatient program (IOP), each teen receives a personalized treatment plan tailored to their unique needs, ensuring the right level of care for meaningful, sustained progress.
Evidence-Based Therapies for Teen Depression
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps teens understand how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected—and how shifting one can positively influence the others. Teens learn to recognize negative thought patterns that fuel sadness and hopelessness, challenge self-critical thinking, and develop practical skills for managing depressive symptoms. CBT provides concrete strategies for responding to difficult emotions without spiraling into withdrawal or self-destructive behavior.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills
DBT focuses on four core areas that are particularly valuable for teens struggling with depression:
- Mindfulness: Developing awareness of thoughts and emotions as they arise, without being overwhelmed by them
- Emotion Regulation: Learning to manage intense feelings like sadness, hopelessness, or numbness
- Distress Tolerance: Building the ability to get through painful moments without reverting to self-harm or other harmful behaviors
- Interpersonal Effectiveness: Strengthening communication and relationship skills to reduce isolation and conflict
Together, these skills help teens pause before reacting automatically, choose more effective responses, and gradually rebuild a sense of control over their emotional lives.
Individual Therapy
One-on-one sessions provide a safe, confidential space where teens can process difficult emotions, explore what’s beneath their depression, and apply therapeutic concepts to their unique experiences. Individual therapy builds trust and allows for personalized attention to each teen’s specific challenges and goals.
Group Therapy
Group sessions offer something individual therapy can’t: the power of shared experience. Many teens with depression feel isolated, believing no one understands what they’re going through. In group settings, they discover they’re not alone. Teens learn from each other, practice new skills together, and build the social connection that’s essential for healing.
Family Therapy
Depression affects the whole family—and lasting recovery requires the whole family’s involvement. Weekly family therapy helps parents and caregivers understand their teen’s experience, strengthen communication, rebuild trust, and develop strategies to support continued progress at home. This isn’t about assigning blame; it’s about helping everyone in the family contribute to healing.
Experiential Therapy & Mindfulness Activities
Art, journaling, yoga, and outdoor activities allow teens to reconnect with their bodies, express emotions that are difficult to put into words, and experience moments of calm and creativity. These activities build self-awareness, reduce stress, and offer healthy outlets that teens can continue using long after treatment.
Psychoeducation & Skills Development
Teens learn about depression, emotional regulation, and healthy coping strategies—gaining practical tools for managing academic pressure, social challenges, and daily stress. Understanding what’s happening in their minds and bodies helps teens feel less overwhelmed and more equipped to handle life’s difficulties.
A Foundation for Lasting Change
This integrated, evidence-based approach helps teens move beyond the weight of depression—not by ignoring their pain, but by addressing it directly and building real skills for managing it. Teens leave treatment with greater self-awareness, healthier coping strategies, and the confidence to face challenges as they arise.
