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
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.
I think our intake session with my 10 year old daughter went really well. She took time out during our session to explain things to my daughter that made her feel more comfortable.
Parent of a 10 year old
Jun 13, 2026
Catherine Campos, LCSW
Stephonia is taking very good care to Xavier and had been hearing us as a whole with my parental worry and his worries! We love her!
Parent of a 10 year old
Jun 13, 2026
Stephonia Llewellyn, LPC, LMHC,-QS
My son felt the session was very helpful. Elizabeth is a great listener and always provides my son with useful tools.
Parent of a 12 year old
Jun 13, 2026
Elizabeth Bussler, RCSWI
My daughter feels very comfortable with her therapist and that matters to me overall
Parent of a 16 year old
Jun 13, 2026
Felt good connection with the therapist, she was very patient with me and made me feel comfortable
An Adult client
Jun 13, 2026
Dr. Apree Clicque, PsyD
Wonderful! Bart knows how to lead the session!
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 13, 2026
Bart Liles, LPC. LMFT
Dr. Wicks clearly explained her goals, outlined the process for moving forward, and took the time to answer questions thoroughly. She was very informative, professional, and made it easy to understand what to expect.
Parent of a 4 year old
Jun 12, 2026
Dr. Betty Wicks, PsyD
I loved how Apree met us where we were (let Elliott be distracted and fiddle with Legos) but also talked to him on his level.
Parent of an 8 year old
Jun 12, 2026
Dr. Apree Clicque, PsyD
It was great. My son (11 y/o) felt comfortable and he loved the idea of mixing therapy with fun conversations. Mr. Larry has a great structure for getting to know my son and he sets detailed expectations. We look forward to more sessions
Parent of an 11 year old
Jun 12, 2026
Larry Smith, LCSW
I felt that she was open and receptive to me and made me feel comfortable to share.
An Adult client
Jun 12, 2026
Mary Villaverde, RMFTI
Mr. Bart is so great with my son, Everett! He looks forward to his sessions. He really gets on his level and is getting to know what Everett enjoys and likes so he can really connect with him. We’re looking forward to continuing sessions with him!
Parent of an 8 year old
Jun 12, 2026
Bart Liles, LPC. LMFT
She's great! She's understanding. I'll be continuing to see her
An Adult client
Jun 12, 2026
Diana Schaffer, LMHC, LPC
Ms. Harrison is very knowledgeable and helpful.
Parent of a 15 year old
Jun 12, 2026
Deann Harrison, PMHNP-BC
Ms. Harrison is wonderful. She listens, evaluates and provides very helpful information. She is always available to help and prompt to respond to messages. I am so glad we were able to connect in this health journey.
Parent of a 15 year old
Jun 12, 2026
Deann Harrison, PMHNP-BC
For the first time, my son told me he enjoys speaking with his therapist and wants to continue sessions. He is usually very reluctant to participate, so hearing that after just one session meant a lot. He quickly built a genuine connection with him, and we are incredibly grateful. Highly recommend! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Parent of an 11 year old
Jun 12, 2026
Matt Dellon, RCSWI
I think it will be helpful that we have some common interests
Parent of a 16 year old
Jun 12, 2026
Samantha Douglas, RMHCI
Joanne was wonderful, Karina had a great session.
Parent of a 10 year old
Jun 11, 2026
JoeAnn Allen, RMHCI
I like that she let’s Kaleb talk and express himself but also helps him to see reason and understand his limitations.
Parent of a 9 year old
Jun 11, 2026
Melinda Labbe, LMHC
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.
