Individual non-directive supportive therapy (NDST) for mild depression
Some evidence – there is enough evidence to indicate that this can be a helpful treatment option.
This treatment involves individual sessions with a professional to help you work out why you might be feeling depressed. This might include whether you have any worries, whether there are any problems at home, school or with your friends and what might help with these problems. Non-directive supportive therapy is often called counselling. The professional you see might be a counsellor based in your school, GP practice or someone in your local CAMHS clinic.
There is some evidence that non-directive supportive therapy might be able to help children and young people with mild depression. Counselling is also one of the most commonly available psychological treatments and may be more helpful for primary school than secondary school children.
Treatments outlined on these webpages may not be available in every local area. It’s important that you discuss with your GP or mental health professional the treatment options available to you. You can also search for services near you on our Youth Wellbeing Directory and find out more about referral processes here.