Although peer pressure, stress and self-esteem issues are not new, and have been generally accepted as normal growing pains for adolescents, an increasing issue among today's adolescents is depression. Fortunately, adolescent depression is a treatable condition: Evidence-based approaches are available and, by sharpening the skills needed to establish an effective working alliance with adolescents and applying these approaches, clinicians can provide excellent treatment. The cognitive-behavioral approach demonstrated in this program by Dr. John F. Curry is based in developmental psychopathology and social cognitive learning theory, and typically includes behavioral activation, problem-solving, and cognitive restructuring. In the therapy demonstration, Dr. Curry applies his approach to behavioral activation and works with an adolescent teen who is suffering from depression.
