Depression Counseling in Charlotte, NC

Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions, and its impact feels deeply personal and overwhelming. For teens and young adults , depression disrupts their normal course of development by interfering with school, work, relationships, and self-esteem and making even daily tasks feel unmanageable. At Queen City Counseling & Consulting, we specialize in supporting adolescents and young adults ages 13 to 27, helping them and their families navigate the challenges of depression with compassion and evidence-based care. 

Common Symptoms of Depression 

Depression is often misunderstood as simply “feeling sad.” In reality, it can involve a wide range of symptoms that affect mood, thinking, and physical health. Some common signs include: 

• Anxiety or persistent worry 
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities 
• Tearfulness or frequent crying 
• Feelings of hopelessness or emptiness 
• Thoughts of death or suicide 
• Fatigue and low energy 
• Trouble concentrating or remembering details 
• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much 
• Irritability or anger outbursts 
• Intense guilt or shame 
• Slowed speech or movements 
• Appetite or weight changes 
• Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, or back pain 

Not everyone experiences depression in the same way. For some, it may appear as withdrawal and quiet sadness; for others, it may show up as anger, irritability, or physical complaints. Symptoms must last at least two weeks to meet the criteria for a clinical diagnosis, but early intervention is important no matter how mild or severe they may seem. 

Types of Depression 

Depression can take many forms. Some of the more common types include: 

• Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia): Ongoing symptoms lasting two years or more, sometimes fluctuating in severity. 

• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Symptoms that emerge during winter months when daylight is limited, and lift as seasons change. 

• Postpartum Depression: A more serious form of depression that occurs during pregnancy or after childbirth, marked by sadness, fatigue, and heightened anxiety. 

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest, and impairment in daily functioning lasting at least two weeks. 

Causes and Risk Factors 

There is no single cause of depression. It often arises from a combination of factors such as: 

• Family history of depression or mood disorders 
• Major life stressors or trauma 
• Physical illness or chronic medical conditions 
• Side effects of certain medications 
• Developmental changes during adolescence or early adulthood 

Because many teens and young adults experience depression for the first time in this life stage, early recognition and treatment can make a significant difference in long-term outcomes. 

Our Approach to Treating Depression

At Queen City Counseling & Consulting, we recognize that no two people experience depression in the same way. That’s why our clinicians take a personalized approach, tailoring treatment to each individual’s unique needs and goals. Therapy may include evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), or trauma-informed approaches, depending on what best supports healing and growth.  

In addition to individual therapy, we offer group therapy and an Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) to meet varying treatment needs. Group therapy provides the opportunity to connect with peers, gain new perspectives, and receive support in a safe environment. 

For adolescents who need more structured and intensive support, our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides comprehensive care while allowing them to remain engaged in school and family life. The program integrates evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, expressive arts, music therapy, trauma-informed yoga, and nutrition support. Average participation is 8–12 weeks, tailored to each teen’s needs. 

We also believe that healing doesn’t happen in isolation. When appropriate, we include parents and caregivers in the process, offering tools and education to help families strengthen connection and support recovery. 

For many teens and young adults, however, opening up to parents can feel extremely difficult. They may worry about being misunderstood, fear that their feelings won’t be validated, or struggle to communicate what they’re going through. This is where Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT) can be transformative. 

Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT) 

ABFT is a structured, research-backed therapy model designed specifically for adolescents struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts. It helps repair and strengthen the bond between teens and their caregivers, fostering safety, trust, and open communication. Through a 12–16 week process, families work together and separately with the therapist to: 

• Build stronger emotional connections 
• Learn and practice validation and emotional coaching skills 
• Support teens in expressing their feelings and needs 
• Reduce family conflict and improve understanding 

Research has shown ABFT to be highly effective in reducing depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation in teens, with lasting results. Queen City Counseling & Consulting is proud to have four clinicians trained in this specialized approach.