This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (Intervention). The objectives are as follows:

(1) Primary objective: to examine effectiveness of psychotherapy in comparison with non‐treatment, waiting‐list control or treatment as usual in the treatment of depression in children and adolescents
(2) Secondary objective: to examine adverse effects of psychotherapy in comparison with non‐treatment, waiting‐list control or treatment as usual in the treatment of depression in children and adolescents
(3) To examine cost‐effectiveness of structured psychotherapy in comparison with non‐treatment, waiting‐list control or treatment as usual in the treatment of depression in children and adolescents