Depression rates in Los Angeles have been on the rise, reflecting broader national trends and highlighting the need for accessible mental health services. Children, teens, and adolescents are an especially vulnerable population and are often overlooked. Childhood trauma can lead to a host of mental health conditions in adolescence and adulthood, including depression.
HillsidesCares offers comprehensive mental health treatment services to children, teens, and adolescents in the Los Angeles metro area. If you are seeking depression treatment in Los Angeles for your child, reach out to HillsidesCares today. Early intervention and treatment greatly reduce the risk of later mental health challenges in adulthood, so call today if you have concerns about your child.
Understanding depression rates in Los Angeles
According to the CDC, recent data indicates that approximately 21.4% of adults in the United States experienced symptoms of depression in 2022. While specific figures for Los Angeles County are limited, local studies suggest that depression rates mirror or exceed national averages. For instance, a study reported that suicide rates in Los Angeles County are approximately 10 per 100,000 people, with men being disproportionately affected.
Demographic disparities in depression rates
According to the CDC, depression affects various demographic groups differently:
- Age: Young adults aged 18 to 25 experience higher rates of depression compared to older age groups.
- Gender: Women are more likely to experience depression than men. ​
- Race and Ethnicity: Multiracial adults have the highest prevalence of mental illness at 35.2%, followed by White adults at 24.6%, Hispanic adults at 21.4%, and Black adults at 19.7%. ​
These disparities underscore the importance of culturally sensitive and targeted mental health interventions.​
Contributing factors to depression in Los Angeles
Several socio-economic factors contribute to the prevalence of depression in Los Angeles:
- Poverty: Financial stress is a significant risk factor for depression. In Los Angeles, 24% of Black and 20% of Latino residents live below the federal poverty level, compared to 10% of White residents. ​
- Housing Instability: Adults experiencing housing instability in Los Angeles County are three times more likely to suffer from major depression than those with stable housing. ​
- Social Isolation: The rise of digital communication and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated feelings of loneliness and isolation, which are closely linked to depression.
HillsidesCares: addressing depression treatment in Los Angeles
HillsidesCares is a leading provider of mental health services in Los Angeles, specializing in comprehensive residential treatment for children and adolescents. Their programs are tailored to address various mental health disorders, including depression, by offering evidence-based therapies in a supportive environment. ​
Treatment programs offered by HillsidesCares
HillsidesCares offers a continuum of care to meet the needs of our clients and provide treatment and support throughout their journey.
Residential treatment: Provides 24/7 care with individualized treatment plans focusing on therapeutic and trauma-responsive services.
Outpatient treatment: Offering a partial hospitalization program (PHP), intensive outpatient program (IOP), and outpatient rehab based on the severity of the mental health conditions, outpatient programs provide flexibility to meet school or personal obligations while maintaining structure and accountability.
Aftercare services: Ensures seamless transition and continued support post-discharge to maintain treatment gains.
Evidence-based therapies employed by our trained specialists
HillsidesCares utilizes evidence-based therapies to ensure the most effective treatment possible for teens and adolescents struggling with depression and other mental health conditions.
These include:
- Trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT): A structured, short-term treatment model focused on addressing the specific emotional and psychological needs of children and adolescents impacted by trauma. This therapy helps in reducing trauma-related symptoms while promoting coping skills and emotional regulation.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): A therapy that emphasizes teaching mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness to help adolescents manage intense emotions and improve relationships. DBT is highly effective for individuals struggling with self-harm or suicidal ideation.
- Aggression replacement training (ART): A comprehensive intervention designed to assist teens in developing social skills, emotional control, and moral reasoning, ultimately reducing aggressive behaviors. This approach combines skill-streaming, anger management techniques, and decision-making exercises to promote positive behavioral changes.
- Motivational interviewing (MI): A counseling approach that helps adolescents explore and resolve ambivalence about change, fostering intrinsic motivation. This client-centered technique is particularly effective in addressing substance use disorders or other behaviors requiring positive transformation.
Community involvement and events
HillsidesCares actively engages with the community through events and sponsorships aimed at raising awareness and funds for mental health services:​
- First Anniversary Celebration: In November 2022, HillsidesCares celebrated its first anniversary with an event that invited community members to tour the campus and learn about their services.
- Annual Gala: In February 2025, the non-profit organization Hillsides hosted “La Dolce Vita, A Tuscan Affair,” a fundraising event supporting vulnerable children and families in Greater Los Angeles. ​
By fostering a collaborative environment that combines community support with professional care, Los Angeles can work towards reducing depression rates and promoting mental well-being for all residents, most especially the youngest and most vulnerable.
Contact HillsidesCares today
If your child, teen, or adolescent is struggling with depression or other mental health conditions, it is essential to seek professional help sooner rather than later. HillsidesCares in Pasadena, California, offers residential and outpatient treatment services, robust aftercare programs, and supportive resources for families.
Call 323.641.4842 or contact HillsidesCares online today.