Adjustment disorder therapy for kids, teens, & young adults
Evidence-based therapy that helps kids navigate life's biggest changes.
Support for emotional and behavioral responses to divorce, moves, loss, and other life transitions.
Insurance accepted. Appointments often available within days.
teens, & families
Adjustment disorder, at a glance
Adjustment disorder, at a glance
5-20%
of youth in outpatient care are diagnosed with adjustment disorder
8.2
average sessions before families see meaningful improvement at Emora
3 months
is the typical duration when early treatment prevents escalation
Understanding adjustment disorder
When a child's reaction to change feels bigger than expected.
With anxiety
Excessive nervousness, worry, or fear of the future following a stressful life change.
With depressed mood
Sadness, hopelessness, crying, or loss of interest in activities after a significant event.
Adjustment disorder develops within 3 months of a stressful event such as a divorce, a move, a loss, or a big change at school. The child's emotional or behavioral response exceeds what you would normally expect for the situation.
Unlike clinical depression or anxiety, adjustment disorder is directly linked to a specific stressor. A licensed clinician evaluates the timing, severity, and functional impact to guide treatment.
With behavioral changes
Acting out, defiance, or conduct problems that started after a specific stressor.
Adjustment disorder develops within 3 months of a stressful event such as a divorce, a move, a loss, or a big change at school. The child's emotional or behavioral response exceeds what you would normally expect for the situation.
Unlike clinical depression or anxiety, adjustment disorder is directly linked to a specific stressor. A licensed clinician evaluates the timing, severity, and functional impact to guide treatment.
Common signs of adjustment disorder by age
Symptoms look different at every stage of development.
Young Children (4-7)
Regression (bedwetting, thumb-sucking)
Increased clinginess or tantrums
Refusing to go to school
Changes in eating or sleeping
School-Age (8-12)
Declining grades
Withdrawal from friends
Frequent crying or outbursts
Physical complaints (stomachaches, headaches)
Teens (13-17)
Irritability or defiance
Social withdrawal
Drop in academic performance
Risky behavior or substance experimentation
Young Adults (18-25)
Difficulty adjusting to college or work
Persistent sadness after a life change
Relationship problems or isolation
Loss of motivation or direction
Common triggers
Life events that can lead to adjustment disorder in children and teens.
What causes adjustment disorder?
Adjustment disorder is always linked to a specific stressor. Common triggers in children and teens include:
- Parental divorce or separation
- Moving to a new home or school
- Death of a family member or pet
- Bullying or social conflicts
- Academic pressure or school changes
- Illness or hospitalization
How adjustment disorder therapy helps
Evidence-based strategies for processing change and building resilience.
- Identifies the stressor and the child's response pattern
- Teaches healthy coping strategies for difficult emotions
- Builds problem-solving skills for navigating change
- Involves parents in creating a supportive home environment
- Prevents escalation to more chronic conditions
Why families choose Emora
Specialized pediatric care vs. general providers.
Other providers
Licensed pediatric and young adult clinicians
Generalist providers
Solution-focused, time-limited approach
Open-ended therapy without clear milestones
Parent-inclusive therapy model
Limited parent involvement
Virtual sessions accessible during stressful transitions
In-person visits that add scheduling stress
Insurance accepted
Insurance not always accepted
Built-in screening and progress tracking
Limited progress visibility
Get started in minutes
Three simple steps to connect with the right clinician.
- 1
Share what's going on
Answer a few questions about symptoms and goals.
- 2
Verify coverage
See insurance estimates and available times.
- 3
Start sessions
Meet your clinician and begin building skills.
Frequently asked questions
What parents and young adults ask most about adjustment disorder therapy.
Real stories of growth
Every session is rated by parents. Our therapists maintain a 4.9+ average, because results matter.
Luv Ms Tyra she really helps my daughter in many ways
Parent of a 13 year old
Jun 4, 2026
Tyra Rios, LMFT
It felt great discussing some issues that were a bit uncomfortable.
Parent of a 10 year old
Jun 4, 2026
Stefanie Luttrell, LPC, NCC, C-DBT
I really like Matt this was only my 2nd session but he has been really supportive and great so far and i really think that I will be sticking with him for awhile so look forward to dealing with me for the long haul lol thank you so much I really couldnt ask for someone better than him 100 percent will recommend him to anyone thank you matt
An Adult client
Jun 4, 2026
Matt Dellon, RCSWI
Ms. Cassandra was exceptional, as always. Caring, knowledgable, kind, right on the ball, always such a pleasure to see her! We feel very lucky to have her as Luka’s therapist!
Parent of a 9 year old
Jun 4, 2026
Cassandra Rikard, LMHC
Megan is the kid est most understanding therapist. She works even through technical difficulties, always with a simile and task for my kid to do while waiting for the next session. We have seen the change in our daughter and are delighted with it.
Parent of a 14 year old
Jun 4, 2026
Megan Lundy, LCSW
I felt that my therapist listened to me and having her there for me at my hardest moment felt wonderful. She’s attentive, kind and caring.
Parent of a 12 year old
Jun 3, 2026
Jessica Moya, LCSW-S
Deanna has been a wonderful therapist for myself and my daughters. She has helped through some tough times and has been amazing. I highly recommend her to everyone.
Parent of a 15 year old
Jun 3, 2026
Deanna Ruocco, LCSW
Thank you Jennifer for your kindness and compassion for Christian
Parent of a 16 year old
Jun 3, 2026
Jennifer Clark, LCSW
My 4 year old daughter looks forward to her sessions with Korina every week. Korina has been extremely helpful to her and to me in learning how to navigate difficult situations that arise.
Parent of a 4 year old
Jun 3, 2026
Korina Herrera, LMHC
I believe it is helpful that my daughter has a therapist again. Nothing seemed challenging and my daughter said her new therapist seemed kind.
Parent of a 12 year old
Jun 3, 2026
Laura Doocy, LPC-A
They listened really well and were a delight to meet with
Parent of a 13 year old
Jun 3, 2026
Taylor Burch, LMFT
It was a helpful session. Deanna is helping me to focus and set goals.
An Adult client
Jun 3, 2026
Deanna Ruocco, LCSW
Cecilia listened to everyone in the family and asked good questions. She expressed a positive attitude. We are looking forward to the next meeting
Parent of an 11 year old
Jun 3, 2026
Cecilia Coleman, LPC-A
My child is attending these sessions and connecting with the therapist. They are working well together and I have seen so much improvement in mood, personal hygiene and emotional processing. I'm so relieved we found Korina. There is trust and safety with her.
Parent of a 13 year old
Jun 3, 2026
Korina Herrera, LMHC
Dr. Apree Clicque was very welcoming, made me feel comfortable and helped explain things clearly.
An Adult client
Jun 3, 2026
Dr. Apree Clicque, PsyD
Working through emotional problems in life is difficult. With Ms. Campos help, my emotional problems become easier to deal with. There are not enough words to express how positive an impact she has had on my life.
An Adult client
Jun 3, 2026
Catherine Campos, LCSW
I felt like she understood my daughter and that will be helpful.
Parent of an 8 year old
Jun 3, 2026
Miranda Delehoy, LCSW
She told me about tapping and how she didn’t feel safe. I am glad i know that now.
Parent of a 10 year old
Jun 3, 2026
Courtney Trejo, LPC-Associate
Adjustment disorder does not define your child
Structured, developmentally informed therapy can help build skills that last.
Not sure where to start? Book a clinical matching session.
