Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)

Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT for short) is a structured, short-term therapy. It was originally developed to treat depressive episodes and is one of the most scientifically well-researched treatments for depression.

The basic idea is that depression is almost always linked to one’s social environment. A never-ending argument. A move. The death of a grandparent. The therapy focuses on these events and on how the child or adolescent copes with the people around them.

IPT is time-limited from the outset. For acute treatment, 12 to 20 individual sessions of about 50 minutes each are usually scheduled. This provides the treatment with a clear framework and a foreseeable end. The therapist works actively and supportively with the patient, providing targeted guidance to address a specific source of distress.

IPT focuses on four areas of interpersonal problems. At the beginning, the therapist, together with the adolescent, selects one or two of these that are currently causing the most distress:

• Role transitions and life changes: starting at a new school, growing up, changing responsibilities within the family.
• Interpersonal conflicts: ongoing friction with parents, siblings, girlfriends, or a group of friends.
• Grief and loss: unresolved grief following a death or the end of an important relationship.
• Loneliness and social deficits: difficulties forming or maintaining relationships.

This narrow focus is intentional. Instead of rehashing the entire life story, IPT focuses on what is directly related to the current low mood. If you’d like to better understand depression, you can find more information under “depressive episode.”

For adolescents, there is a modified version called IPT-A (the “A” stands for “adolescents”). It takes into account that adolescents are in the midst of separating from their parents’ home and that their social lives revolve largely around their circle of friends, school, and cell phones.

IPT-A therefore often addresses topics that play a role in young people’s daily lives: using messaging apps and social media, friendships, first romantic relationships, and the limits of confidentiality. The division of responsibility among adolescents, parents, schools, and treating professionals is also discussed.

Persistent loneliness and withdrawal from social contact are common triggers. For more information, see Loneliness and Social Isolation.

For adults, the effectiveness of IPT is well documented: robust studies show that IPT can alleviate symptoms of mild to moderate depression. In the treatment of depression, psychotherapy is considered equivalent to medication, and IPT is among the effective treatments, alongside cognitive behavioral therapy.

Psychotherapy is also a central treatment approach for children and adolescents. The German S3 guideline for the treatment of depressive disorders in children and adolescents describes psychotherapy—sometimes in combination with medication—as a cornerstone of treatment. In cases of mild depression, a wait-and-see approach may be taken initially. For moderate to severe cases, psychotherapy or medication may be considered.

A practical tip for parents: IPT is still relatively rare in Germany and is not covered by standard health insurance. When searching for treatment, be sure to specifically ask about this approach.

In IPT-A, parents are not mere observers. Precisely because the approach focuses on relationships, parents are often involved in individual sessions. This might involve discussing a conflict at home or helping parents learn how to support their child through a change in role.

What helps at home:

• Take appointments seriously and support the process reliably, without prying into the content of the sessions.
• Give the teenager a safe space where they can talk openly about friendships and concerns.
• Calmly address observations—such as prolonged withdrawal to their room or cutting off contact—without making accusations.

Depression is not the result of parenting mistakes. It arises from a combination of many factors. Parents can support their child on the path out of this low mood without having to bear the burden alone.

If a low mood persists for more than two weeks, if your child becomes very withdrawn, experiences changes in sleep or eating habits, or loses interest in everything, you should consult a professional. The first places to turn are your child’s pediatrician’s office, a child and adolescent psychiatry practice (KJP), or a medical or psychotherapeutic specialist. If there are signs of self-harm, seek medical help immediately or call emergency services.

Rückenwind “Eltern” is here to support you through coaching. Janike is a social worker and parent coach currently training to become a child and adolescent psychotherapist; she is not licensed and does not make diagnoses. A diagnosis and the decision to pursue a therapeutic approach such as IPT are the sole responsibility of a child and adolescent psychiatry practice or a medical or psychotherapeutic specialist.