Research on Behavioral Activation for Teen Depression

A study published in Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy tested a type of therapy called Brief Behavioral Activation (Brief BA) to help teenagers who are dealing with depression. It’s a short program with 8 therapy sessions that helps teens feel better by doing more positive activities.

The researchers wanted to see if BA worked well, if teens liked it, and if it was easy to use in regular clinics. The results were very encouraging. 19 out of 20 teens completed all of the sessions, and all of them said that Brief BA helped them in some way.

13 of the teens (65%) didn’t need more therapy after finishing the program. Both the teens and their parents gave positive feedback — they said they felt the treatment was helpful and that it made a difference in their daily lives.

Understanding the Research 

Depression in teens can also lead to long-term problems like poor grades, mental illness in adulthood, and an increased likelihood of self-harm.

In this particular study, the researchers tested brief BA, which they believed might work well for teens. (Note that although BA is effective for adults, it has not been widely tested in adolescents, even though it’s simple and can be adapted to their needs.)

The study was done within a local Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMH) service in the UK. Young people looking to be treated for depression were identified by NHS clinicians and offered brief BA as an option if a trained BA therapist and supervision were available.

The study’s participants, including their parents, filled out a feedback questionnaire about their experience with brief BA. (The treatment included 6 to 8 weekly sessions. Parents were involved in some of the sessions, unless it wasn’t possible due to personal circumstances.)

These were the main findings:

• As for the participants’ engagement, 19 out of 20 adolescents engaged with brief BA while 18 completed all 8 sessions and the review. (One discontinued after 6 sessions due to lack of fit, while another stopped after 4 sessions due to symptom remission.)
• Their average scores improved from the clinical range to the borderline range. Meaning, their depression symptoms became less severe.
• Parents also noticed a substantial improvement in their child’s symptoms over time.
• 65% no longer needed further psychological treatment — 8 were fully discharged from services, and 5 continued taking SSRI medication with ongoing monitoring. 4 were referred for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mostly for anxiety.
• By the end of treatment and at follow-up, teens felt they were doing better in their daily lives. They were better able to cope with everyday tasks.

While most participants were satisfied, a few teens found some parts of the treatment challenging. Some parents wished for clearer communication with the therapist, while others thought the program was too short and believed their child needed more time.

Practical Strategies for Parents and Caregivers

Behavioral activation works best when teens regularly do positive and meaningful activities. Parents, caregivers, and school staff can support these actions every day. Here are some simple, effective tips to use at home and school:

Create a daily activity schedule

Depression can cause teens to lose motivation and withdraw from activities they once enjoyed. Help your teen plan their day with a balanced mix of responsibilities (like homework or chores) and enjoyable activities (like hobbies or social time). These can combat depression symptoms by giving them a sense of accomplishment.

Show your own commitment to regular activities

One of the most powerful ways to encourage teens to stay active and engaged is to lead by example. For example, if you make time each day to go for a walk, practice a craft, or even read a book, your teen sees that you prioritize self-care. You might even invite them to join you occasionally.

Help them find school activities or clubs that match their interests

School can also be a place where teens discover their strengths, passions, and friendships. Allowing (and even encouraging) your teen to explore clubs or sports can give them a sense of purpose.

These structured environments also make it easier for your teen to build a routine, which supports behavioral activation.

Check in with their teachers

Your child’s teachers can offer valuable insight into how your teen is doing outside the home. Since depression often affects their motivation, focus, and social interaction, changes in their behavior might show up in the classroom before your teen talks about it.

Remember to check in with teachers regularly, so you can get a clearer picture of how your teen is functioning day to day.

The researchers are also suggesting that brief BA should be tested in other clinics with different staff to see if the positive results can be repeated.

Looking for more tools to support your teen’s mental health? Check out our Depression Worksheets. These resources help teens explore their thoughts and build healthy habits.