Tele-triage for Low Mood in Children and Adolescents

Audience: pediatric

Low mood in children and adolescents is common and can affect daily activities, school, and relationships. Telemedicine can help families understand symptoms, provide guidance, and decide when in-person care is needed. This tele-triage guide explains how telemedicine can support early evaluation of low mood, what signs require urgent attention, and how to prepare for a tele-visit. It also clarifies what telemedicine can and cannot do for pediatric low mood. Early recognition and support are important to help young people feel better and stay safe. However, some symptoms require prompt in-person evaluation to ensure safety and proper care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child or adolescent expresses thoughts or plans of self-harm or suicide — seek emergency care immediately.
• Sudden severe changes in mood or behavior, such as aggression, withdrawal, or confusion — contact healthcare provider promptly.
• Signs of abuse or neglect, including unexplained injuries or fearfulness — report to appropriate authorities and seek medical evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial evaluation of low mood symptoms
• Screening for risk factors such as suicidal thoughts
• Providing advice on coping strategies and support
• Guidance on when to seek in-person care

What telemedicine cannot do

• Emergency situations requiring immediate physical intervention
• Physical examinations or diagnostic testing
• Prescribing certain medications without in-person assessment
• Ongoing therapy requiring regular in-person sessions

Understanding Low Mood in Children and Adolescents

Low mood means feeling sad, down, or unhappy for days or weeks. It is normal to feel this way sometimes, but persistent low mood may need attention. In children and teens, low mood can affect school, friendships, sleep, and appetite. Causes may include stress, changes at home or school, or medical conditions. Talking about feelings and behaviors helps identify if support is needed.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine lets families connect with health professionals using video or phone. For low mood, telemedicine can help by:

Telemedicine is convenient and private, making it easier for some families to get help quickly.

When to Seek In-Person Care

Some signs require urgent in-person evaluation, including:

If these occur, call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

To get the most from a tele-visit:

What Telemedicine Can and Cannot Do

Telemedicine can:

Telemedicine cannot:

After the Telemedicine Visit

After your tele-visit:

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, private location for the tele-visit.
• Ensure a stable internet or phone connection.
• Prepare a list of symptoms, concerns, and questions.
• Include the child or adolescent in the discussion when appropriate.
• Have paper and pen ready for notes.
• Be ready to discuss recent changes in mood, behavior, sleep, and appetite.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's recommendations carefully.
• Monitor the child's mood and behavior regularly.
• Schedule and attend any recommended follow-up appointments.
• Seek emergency care if any red flags develop after the visit.
• Connect with local mental health resources for ongoing support if needed.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose depression in children?

Telemedicine can help screen for signs of depression and assess symptoms, but a full diagnosis often requires in-person evaluation, including physical exams and sometimes tests. Telemedicine is a helpful first step to decide if further care is needed.

What should I do if my child talks about wanting to hurt themselves?

If your child expresses thoughts or plans of self-harm, seek emergency help immediately by calling emergency services or going to the nearest emergency room. This is a medical emergency and requires prompt attention.

Is telemedicine private and confidential for my child?

Telemedicine visits are designed to be private and confidential. Make sure you choose a quiet, private space for the visit and discuss confidentiality with the healthcare provider. Some providers may ask to speak with the child alone to better understand their feelings.

Can telemedicine replace ongoing therapy for my child?

Telemedicine can provide initial support and some therapy sessions, but ongoing mental health therapy often requires regular, sometimes in-person, visits. Your provider can help arrange appropriate ongoing care.

How long does a telemedicine visit for low mood usually last?

Telemedicine visits for low mood typically last between 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the complexity of symptoms and questions. Your provider will work to address your concerns within the scheduled time.

Sources

1. Depression in Children and Teens — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Child and Adolescent Mental Health — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Telehealth for Mental Health — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
4. Depression in Children and Adolescents: Clinical Practice Guideline — American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about your child's health, please seek care from a qualified healthcare provider.