The Efficacy of Alternative Therapies for Children and Adolescents with Depression and Anxiety

Depression and anxiety in children and adolescents are rising worldwide, yet conventionaltreatments such as psychotherapy and medication often face challenges of limited effectiveness,accessibility, and acceptability. Here, we review evidence on alternative therapies, includingcreative arts, physical activity, mind-body practices such as yoga and mindfulness, animal-assisted interventions, and biologically based approaches. Across outcomes, the strongestevidence supports creative therapies, play therapy, and structured physical activity, whichconsistently reduce depression and anxiety and may enhance psychosocial functioning. Evidencefor mindfulness, animal-assisted therapy, light therapy, and aromatherapy is more modest, whilesupplements and other biologically based remedies remain inconclusive. Collectively, theseapproaches show potential to reduce stress, broaden engagement, and address barriers such asstigma when integrated alongside standard care. Future priorities include larger, well-controlledtrials, attention to long-term outcomes, and culturally sensitive evaluation to guide safe,personalized implementation.