Depression Therapy for Teens and Young Adults
- Anxiety counseling for every age, and EMDR with our EMDR-trained therapist
- In-person in New Lenox and telehealth across Illinois
- In-network with Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare and UMR
- No waiting list, and we reply within 24 hours
Reviewed by Danielle Moon, LSW, Anxiety & Behavior Therapist · Updated October 2026
Depression therapy helps teens and young adults put words to what they’re carrying, understand what’s actually going on underneath, and start taking small steps toward feeling more connected and more like themselves. At Davis-Smith Mental Health in New Lenox, IL, we offer depression therapy for teens and young adults in New Lenox, Joliet, Frankfort, Mokena, and Lockport who are feeling sad, numb, unmotivated, irritable, disconnected, overwhelmed, or just stuck without knowing how to move forward.
Depression therapy is not about fixing everything at once. It’s about having a consistent place to show up, understand what you’re carrying, and start making sense of it. For teens and young adults especially, depression therapy can be the first time they’ve ever had space to slow down without feeling like they’re falling behind. That matters.
In-network with
- Aetna PPO
- Cigna / Evernorth
- BCBS PPO
- UnitedHealthcare
- UMR
- Initial assessment $200
- Ongoing sessions $150
Insurance and rates
Insurance Accepted
Davis-Smith Mental Health is in network with Aetna PPO, Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, Cigna and Evernorth, UnitedHealthcare, and UMR. Not every therapist is in every network, so we check your plan with you before your first session. If you’d rather pay privately, we can give you a Superbill to use with your out-of-network benefits.
Depression Can Feel Heavy and Hard to Explain
Understanding How Depression Shows Up
Depression doesn’t look the same for everyone, and that’s something a lot of people don’t realize until they’re in the middle of it. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 20.1% of U.S. adolescents ages 12 to 17 and 8.3% of adults had at least one major depressive episode in 2021.
Some teens and young adults cry often or seem visibly sad. Others go quiet. They get irritable, pull back from people, lose interest in things that used to matter, or just feel numb in a way they can’t explain. For some, depression shows up as low motivation, disrupted sleep, or trouble focusing. For others, it looks like being completely overwhelmed by school, work, relationships, or the pressure to have life figured out before they feel ready.
Depression therapy helps clients start making sense of what they’re actually experiencing, whatever form it’s taking, and find small, realistic ways to start caring for themselves again. For more information about depression symptoms, you can review the National Institute of Mental Health‘s overview of depression.
“Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise.”
– Victor Hugo
Identifying depression Symptoms
Common Symptoms of Depression
Recognizing the symptoms of depression is the first step toward seeking help. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the following, it may be time to consider counseling:
Sadness and Hopelessness
Persistent feelings of sadness and a sense of hopelessness about the future.
Lack of Interest in Activities
Losing interest in hobbies or activities that were once enjoyable.
Suicidal Thoughts
Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide, indicating severe depression.
Neglected Appearance or Self-Care
A noticeable decline in personal grooming and self-care.
Feelings of Worthlessness or Guilt
Excessive self-blame or feelings of guilt over minor issues.
Insomnia or Sleeping Too Much
Difficulty sleeping or excessive sleeping patterns disrupting daily life.
Low Self-Esteem
Consistently feeling inadequate or lacking self-worth.
Crying Spells
Frequent episodes of crying, often without a clear trigger.
Fatigue
Persistent tiredness and lack of energy, even after adequate rest.
Depression therapy gives clients room to talk through what they’re actually experiencing, build skills that help them cope in real time, and start rebuilding the kind of routines that make a difference in mood, energy, and how they feel about themselves day to day.
The Power of depression Counseling
How Depression Therapy Helps
Depression therapy gives teens and young adults permission to stop pretending they’re okay. In sessions, we work on actually understanding what’s going on, not just labeling it, but looking at the patterns, the triggers, and what’s been making things harder. From there, we figure out steps that feel real and doable, not overwhelming.
Decreasing Symptoms
Reducing the intensity and frequency of depressive feelings.
Improving Self-Esteem
Building a more positive self-image and increasing self-worth.
Enhanced Communication
Learning how to effectively express feelings and ask for support.
Understanding Triggers
Identifying and managing triggers that exacerbate depression.
Learning New Coping Skills
Developing strategies to manage stress and overcome challenges.
Identifying Unhealthy Thoughts
Recognizing and altering negative thinking patterns.
Rebuilding a Sense of Self
Rediscovering personal strengths and rebuilding identity.
Challenging Negative Self-Talk
Confronting and changing self-critical thoughts.
Message to Parents
When You Are Worried About Your Teen
It’s hard to know what’s normal and what’s something more. Some teens will tell you they’re struggling. Others won’t say a word, and instead you start noticing things. They’re more irritable. They’re sleeping more or barely sleeping. They’ve pulled back from friends, activities, or things they used to care about. The sadness isn’t always obvious, but something feels different, and you can’t shake it.
As a parent, that in-between place is exhausting. You don’t want to push too hard and shut them down, but you don’t want to wait too long either. You’re trying to figure out what to say, how to say it, and whether what you’re seeing is serious enough to do something about.
It usually is worth doing something about.
Therapy gives your teen a space that’s just theirs, where they can say things they might not be ready to say at home. And when it makes sense, we bring parents in too, not to report back, but to help improve communication, build understanding, and give your whole family a better sense of how to support each other outside of sessions. You don’t have to figure this out alone, either.
Depression Therapy for Young Adults
Young adulthood comes with a lot of unspoken pressure. There’s this expectation that you should have a direction, a plan, a handle on things. And when you’re also managing school or work, navigating relationships, and trying to keep up with everyone around you, that pressure doesn’t stay quiet for long.
Depression makes all of it heavier. It can look like feeling stuck in place while everyone else seems to be moving forward. It can feel like disconnection, low motivation, or a kind of fog you can’t quite explain. Sometimes you’re not even sure what you’re feeling. You just know something’s off.
Therapy gives you a place to slow down and actually figure that out. Not to have all the answers, but to start understanding what’s underneath, and to take some real steps toward feeling more like yourself again.
Compassionate and Personalized Care
Our Approach to Treating Depression
At Davis-Smith Mental Health, we know that depression doesn’t move in a straight line.
Some weeks feel like progress. Others feel like starting over. That’s not failure. That’s just what this process actually looks like, and we’re not here to rush it.
When you work with us, we’re not handing you a checklist or a one-size-fits-all plan. We start where you are. We pay attention to what’s getting in the way, what you’re already doing right, and what small steps might actually feel possible given where you are right now. Building trust takes time, and we know that. A lot of people who are struggling with depression have learned to protect themselves, and we respect that. We’re not in a hurry to tear down walls. We’d rather earn our way in. Effective treatments for depression include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps you notice how thoughts, mood and behavior feed each other, and we combine it with other approaches that fit you.
We also take safety seriously. If thoughts of self-harm or suicide are part of what someone is carrying, that gets addressed directly and with care. Our goal is always to support clients in a way that keeps them connected to their life, their people, and their care. When more intensive support is needed, we work to stay involved and make sure the transition back feels as steady as possible.
At the end of the day, we want clients to leave therapy feeling like they have more access to themselves, more understanding of what they’ve been through, and more belief that things can actually shift. If you’re thinking about getting started, you might also want to read our FAQs about counseling, learn what to expect in therapy, or go ahead and schedule a session with our team. We are proud to serve families throughout Will County, including New Lenox, Joliet, Frankfort, Mokena, and Lockport, both in person and through telehealth across Illinois.
New Client
How getting started works
It can be overwhelming coming to counseling. Here’s every step, from your first call to the sessions that follow.
Step 1
Reach out
Request a session online or call (815) 409-5940 to schedule your first appointment.
Step 2
Fill out your intake forms
Your welcome email has everything. Finish the forms at least 48 hours before your appointment, on a phone, tablet or computer, and share your preferred times and therapist.
Step 3
We check your benefits
If you’re using insurance, we check your benefits before confirming your appointment, so you have a good idea of your cost before your first visit.
Step 4
Your first session
Check in on the iPad in our waiting room. Your therapist walks you through confidentiality, answers your questions, and gets to know you and your goals.
Step 5
Plan next steps together
Most people start with weekly sessions, at least three to build a connection, then adjust together as things improve.
Depression Counseling Serving New Lenox and Surrounding Communities
Depression looks different for everyone. For some, it is a teenager who has stopped caring about the things they used to love. For others, it is an adult who is just going through the motions, getting by but not really living. Wherever you are in that experience, our New Lenox office is close to home for clients throughout Will County and southern Cook County, including Frankfort, Mokena, Tinley Park, Orland Park, Lockport, Homer Glen, Manhattan, and Joliet. You have been carrying this long enough. We are here when you are ready.
Personalized care
Licensed, caring therapists
Every therapist on our team works with anxiety. We will match you with the right therapist for you.
Anxiety at the center
Anxiety is the foundation of everything we do.
EMDR-trained care
EMDR helps clients process what talk therapy alone can’t reach.
Every age and stage
From children and teens to young adults and adults.
In-person and telehealth
Our New Lenox office or secure online therapy for clients in Illinois.
Frequently Asked Questions About Depression Therapy
THERE IS A PATH FORWARD
Reach Out for Support Today
Taking the first step toward depression therapy can feel hard, especially when depression is already making everything feel heavier. You don’t have to have it all figured out before you reach out. Our team at Davis-Smith Mental Health is here to answer your questions, walk you through the process, and help you find the right support. If you or someone you love is struggling, contact us today to get started.
Trouble seeing the form? Open it in a new window or call us at (815) 409-5940.
What People Are Saying About Us
5.0 Based on 5 Google reviews
“Davis-Smith Mental Health truly cares about their clients. The therapists are compassionate, skilled, and genuinely committed to helping you grow and heal. It’s clear that Jessica has built a team that shares her values and dedication. Highly recommend to anyone looking for meaningful support and real results.”
Kasia Budyn · Posted on Google
“Jessica provides a safe and welcoming environment for all the teens she sees. She tailors treatment to each teen and is incredibly patient and open to their needs. I have seen first hand the work she does and the connection she has with kids. I cannot recommend her enough as someone who will care for your teen and your family!”
Google User · Posted on Google
“Davis-Smith Mental Health is a trusted resource for providing compassionate, high-quality therapy for teens and emerging adults. I know confidently that clients are supported with empathy, professionalism, and respect. Jessica leads her team with integrity and intention. She clearly prioritizes the well-being of her staff, which allows them to show up fully for the clients they serve. Their commitment to the healing journey is evident in every interaction. I’m grateful to have them as a referral partner and deeply value their work in the mental health community.”
Sherri Wick · Posted on Google
“Jessica is a dedicated therapist and absolutely loves working with teens. You are able to feel the love from the moment you walk through the door. She and her staff will provide a safe and private environment for that one on one attention you deserve.”
Melanie K. Hall · Posted on Google
“Jessica and her team are so passionate and helpful! I would recommend this practice to anyone looking!”
Biljana Krzywinski · Posted on Google
More ways we can help
Other Ways We Help
Anxiety Therapy
Anxiety is the most common reason families come to us, and it’s the foundation of everything we do. Whether your teen is avoiding school, your young adult can’t stop overthinking, or worry has taken over your daily life, we can help. Our therapists use CBT and EMDR to help clients understand what’s driving their anxiety and build real tools to manage it.
Teen Anxiety Counseling
The teen years are when anxiety tends to hit the hardest. School pressure, social stress, comparison, and the weight of figuring out who they are can leave teens feeling overwhelmed and stuck. We work with teens to understand what’s behind the anxiety and give them real skills they can actually use, at school, at home, and in the moments that feel like too much.
EMDR Therapy
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a well-researched approach for trauma, and it’s also used for anxiety. It works by helping the brain reprocess difficult memories and experiences that are keeping you stuck. Our EMDR-trained therapist works with teens, young adults, and adults.
Trauma Counseling
Trauma is one of the most common drivers of anxiety in teenagers and young adults. It doesn’t always look like what you’d expect. It can show up as constant worry, anger, trouble concentrating, or emotional shutdown. Our therapists help clients work through trauma at their own pace, in a space where they feel safe.
Emotional Regulation
When anxiety runs high, emotions feel unmanageable. Some children, teens, and adults feel everything. Small frustrations become explosions. Sadness becomes despair. We help clients understand their patterns and develop strategies for handling intense feelings without shutting down or lashing out.
Relationship Counseling
Anxiety doesn’t just affect the person experiencing it. It changes how they show up in every relationship. We help teens, young adults, and adults work through the ways anxiety and other challenges are impacting their connections with family, friends, and partners.
Life Transitions
Starting high school. Leaving for college. A new job, a divorce, a move. Life transitions can trigger anxiety, depression, and self-doubt, even when the change is something you wanted. We help clients work through the uncertainty and build confidence in who they’re becoming.
Young Adult Counseling
The years between 18 and 30 come with a unique kind of pressure. A lot of young adults are dealing with anxiety they’ve carried since their teenage years but never had the chance to address. We help them get unstuck and start building a life that feels like theirs.
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You don’t have to figure this out alone
If something told you to keep reading this far, trust that feeling. Whether it’s for yourself, your teen, or your young adult, the hardest part is deciding to start. We are here when you are ready.
there is courage in change ♥
- Anxiety counseling for children, teens and adults
- Rated 5.0 on Google
- In-network with Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare and UMR
- Telehealth for clients in Illinois
- In-person in New Lenox
- EMDR therapy for anxiety and trauma
- We truly care about every client
- There is courage in change