Depression

Treatment of Children

Pediatric specialists in Psychiatry and Psychology at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota offers inpatient and outpatient treatment for children and adolescents with depression. Typically, mild to moderate depressive symptoms can be safely evaluated and treated by an outpatient team of psychiatrists, psychologists and therapists using a combination of psychotherapy and antidepressant medications. Parents or guardians are involved in treatment from beginning to end and learn how to effectively provide support to their child or teen.

When depressive symptoms become severe and the patient's personal safety is a concern, inpatient hospitalization may be recommended. The usual hospital stay for an episode of depression is approximately one week. During the stay, a detailed assessment is provided along with an individually tailored treatment plan that includes individual, group or family therapy.

If antidepressant medication is necessary, the patient's medication tolerance will be carefully assessed prior to being discharged from the hospital. Beginning on the first day of admission to the hospital, Mayo specialists coordinate care with outpatient providers to ensure that patients and their families have a clear and organized plan to return to their outpatient doctor for follow-up care.

Appointments

For appointments or more information, call the Central Appointment Office at 507-538-3270 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central time Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, or complete an online appointment request form.