The National Institute of Mental Health completed a major study of the most effective treatments for teen depression and found that a combination of antidepressants and talk therapy work best.

“Combination therapy” is defined as a two-pronged approach to deal with depression, using both antidepressants and talk therapy. It’s especially useful for people resistant to either medication or therapy because they’re more likely to stick with combination therapy until the depression is under control.

“Depression in teens is a serious illness that can and should be treated aggressively,” said Dr Thomas Insel, director of the National Institute of Mental Health. “[This study] provides compelling evidence for families and clinicians that the most effective way to treat depression in teens is with a two-pronged approach. It reassures us that antidepressant medication combined with psychotherapy is an effective and safe way to help teens recover from this disabling illness.”