Online adjustment disorder therapy for kids, teens, and parents
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.
Covered by insurance · Licensed specialists · Start within 48 hours
Covered by insurance · Licensed specialists · Start within 48 hours
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 clinicians for kids, teens, and parents
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 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.
Megan listened to Jade and gave thoughtful comments/ suggestions. Helped her by talking and letting Jade made her decisions
Parent of a 12 year old
Sep 2, 2026
Megan Lundy, LCSW
Paola is amazing and my high ADHD child likes talking to her. She is professional and thorough.
Parent of a 9 year old
Sep 2, 2026
Paola Bezek, RCSWI
I schedule the session to share few concerns with my child and Jamie was awesome with the response and the plan she have for my kid. I really appreciate her truly effort in supporting my child.
Parent of a 17 year old
Sep 2, 2026
Jamie Williams, RMHCI
Laura was amazing and I am excited to start my therapy journey with her. She offered actionable tips and I’m excited to put them into practice.
An Adult client
Sep 2, 2026
Laura Doocy, LPC
I’m very grateful that Dr Zuniga really listened to me and my son during our first session. She was patient and didn’t make us feel rushed. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with her on a treatment plan for my son.
Parent of an 8 year old
Sep 2, 2026
Dr. Ana Zuniga, PsyD
For my first time doing something like this, I felt really good during my time.
An Adult client
Sep 2, 2026
Mark Wallman, LPC
If you’re looking for an adoption competent counselor, I highly recommend him.
An Adult client
Sep 2, 2026
Mark Wallman, LPC
She is amazing!!!! She understood everything that I’m concerned with my daughter
Parent of a 15 year old
Sep 2, 2026
Crystal Wilson, LPC-Associate
We both had a great experience tonight. I cannot wait for my son to continue therapy with Brittany!
Parent of a 5 year old
Sep 2, 2026
Brittany Daniel, LPC-A
Lucenda always comes prepared with wonderful insights, relatable examples, and leaves me feeling lighter, enlightened, and hopeful. She's the best and a true blessing in my life.
An Adult client
Sep 2, 2026
Lucenda Honore, LCSW
My daughter loves Stefanie very much she trust her so much when it comes to expressing herself on a multitude of different feelings and emotions she experiences which is fantastic to see.
Parent of a 10 year old
Sep 2, 2026
Stefanie Luttrell, LPC, NCC, C-DBT
She's very understanding and has been very helpful through the whole process.
Parent of a 12 year old
Sep 2, 2026
Katie Jones, CPNP-PC, PMHNP-BC
Ari is very kind, open minded, and expresses genuine interest in understanding my child's needs and concerns to help her better navigate her emotions. My child: I loved how easy i could talk to another person and she is so nice.
Parent of a 10 year old
Sep 2, 2026
Ari’Ton Scales, LMHC
Very helpful and I appreciate watching my child actually have a conversation with someone rather than one word answers!
Parent of a 13 year old
Sep 1, 2026
Dr. Jon Skidmore, PsyD
Joy is very warm and knows how to connect
Parent of a 7 year old
Sep 1, 2026
Joy Steiner, LCSW
Very easy to talk to. The appointment went by very quickly!
An Adult client
Sep 1, 2026
Dr. Megan Ingraham, PhD
It was my first session with Matt he was super kind and supportive and made sure to make me make me feel heard and seen with my concerns . I look forward to continuing sessions and I’m glad I found a caring therapist!
An Adult client
Sep 1, 2026
Matt Dellon, RCSWI
I feel like our personalities really clicked, and that’s a very comforting thing to have going into a therapeutic setting. When people share similar ways of looking at life/self, I think that connection can catalyze greater positive change. Keyayanna was warm & personable, looking forward to next session:)
An Adult client
Sep 1, 2026
Keyayanna Alexander, LCMHC-A
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.
