Therapy for behavioral challenges in kids, teens, & young adults

Evidence-based therapy that helps kids manage big emotions and build healthier behaviors.

Support for aggression, defiance, emotional outbursts, and disruptive behavior patterns.

Insurance accepted. Appointments often available within days.

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4.94
Trusted by 5,000+ kids, teens, and families.
  • Anthem Blue Cross
  • aetna
  • blue cross
  • cigna
  • united healthcare
  • optum
  • tricare
  • Champ VA US Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Florida Blue
  • Baylor Scott and White
  • UMR
  • Oscar Health
  • Magellan
  • Anthem Blue Cross
  • aetna
  • blue cross
  • cigna
  • united healthcare
  • optum
  • tricare
  • Champ VA US Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Florida Blue
  • Baylor Scott and White
  • UMR
  • Oscar Health
  • Magellan

Behavioral challenges, at a glance

7.4%

About 7.4% of children ages 3-17 have a diagnosed behavioral or conduct disorder.

Often co-occurs

Over half of children with behavioral disorders also have ADHD, anxiety, or depression.

Early help works

Early intervention leads to better outcomes for children and families.

Understanding behavioral challenges

What behavioral challenges look like and how they affect daily life.

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Behavioral disorders involve persistent patterns of defiant, aggressive, or disruptive behavior that exceed what is typical for a child's age and significantly impact daily life.

Challenging behaviors are often symptoms of underlying struggles. A clinician evaluates root causes and considers co-occurring conditions.

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Beyond the behavior

Challenging behaviors often signal underlying anxiety, ADHD, trauma, or difficulty with emotional regulation.

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Skill-building focus

We teach emotional regulation, communication, and problem-solving rather than just suppressing behaviors.

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Family-centered care

Parent training is critical. We equip families with practical strategies that transform daily dynamics.

Common behavioral challenges by age

Symptoms look different at every stage of development.

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  • Young Children (4-7)

    Frequent tantrums

    Hitting, kicking, or biting

    Difficulty following rules

    Extreme emotional reactions

  • School-Age (8-12)

    Defiance toward authority

    Peer aggression

    Property destruction

    Blaming others constantly

  • Teens (13-17)

    Hostile toward authority figures

    Rule-breaking and risk-taking

    Verbal aggression

    School disciplinary issues

  • Young Adults (18-25)

    Workplace conflict

    Relationship difficulties

    Chronic irritability

    Difficulty accepting consequences

How behavioral therapy helps

Evidence-based strategies for emotional regulation, cooperation, and family harmony.

  • Builds emotional regulation skills
  • Teaches conflict resolution strategies
  • Reduces aggressive and disruptive behaviors
  • Strengthens parent-child relationship
  • Supports school and social functioning
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Why families choose Emora

Specialized pediatric behavioral care vs. general providers.

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Other providers

Licensed pediatric and young adult clinicians

Generalist providers

Evidence-based behavioral interventions

Programs focused on behavior suppression only

Parent-inclusive model

Limited parent involvement

Addresses co-occurring ADHD and anxiety

Co-occurring conditions often missed

Insurance accepted

Insurance not always accepted

Virtual sessions reduce behavioral triggers

In-office visits can escalate behaviors

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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.

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Frequently asked questions

What parents and young adults ask most about behavioral therapy.

All children act out sometimes. But when behavior is persistent, severe, or significantly disrupts home, school, or social life for 6 months or more, it may indicate a behavioral disorder. Signs include frequent aggression, chronic defiance, and difficulty responding to typical parenting strategies.

We treat oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), conduct disorder (CD), disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD), and general behavioral challenges. Many children we work with also have co-occurring ADHD or anxiety.

Extremely important. Research consistently shows that parent management training is the most effective treatment for childhood behavioral disorders. Your involvement isn't optional — it's the foundation of lasting improvement.

Most families see meaningful improvement within 12–16 sessions, especially when parent training strategies are practiced consistently at home. The timeline depends on the severity of behaviors and the consistency of implementation.

Yes, we accept most major insurance plans and verify your coverage upfront. Most families pay between $0 and $30 per session.

We work with many families in this situation. Our therapists can help your child develop the skills they need to succeed in structured environments, and we can provide strategies for working with schools to support your child's return.

Yes — behavioral therapy is the first-line treatment for most childhood behavioral disorders. Many children improve significantly with therapy and parent training alone. If medication is appropriate, our therapists can coordinate with your child's prescriber.

Real stories of growth

Every session is rated by parents. Our therapists maintain a 4.9+ average, because results matter.

Courtney made my child feel comfortable and she looks forward to meeting with her again.

Parent of an 11 year old

5 hours ago

Courtney Trejo
Provider:

Courtney Trejo, LPC-Associate

Very easy to talk to, great listener and did not feel rushed at all

Parent of a 13 year old

7 hours ago

Runako Richardson
Provider:

Runako Richardson, PMHNP

Chely was very down to earth and friendly, she gathered a lot of information from both myself and my son to map out a plan. There was no judgement at all. I'm really looking forward to seeing Greyson work through things and develop emotional regulation and resilience.

Parent of a 10 year old

9 hours ago

Chely Craig
Provider:

Chely Craig, LCSW-A

Friendly and easy to work with

Parent of a 12 year old

10 hours ago

Amanda Rodriguez
Provider:

Amanda Rodriguez, LPC-A

Runako made my daughter feel comfortable sharing.

Parent of a 9 year old

11 hours ago

Runako Richardson
Provider:

Runako Richardson, PMHNP

Happy with the session. Provides a foundation to build on. Other than a technical hiccup, good session.

Parent of a 12 year old

12 hours ago

Tlexia Victor
Provider:

Tlexia Victor, LPC-A

She asked questions and kept my son interested.

Parent of a 16 year old

13 hours ago

Leah Medina
Provider:

Leah Medina, PMHNP, FNP

Leah is very attentive and informative!!

Parent of an 8 year old

13 hours ago

Leah Medina
Provider:

Leah Medina, PMHNP, FNP

She’s the best! So impactful thoughtful and kind.

An Adult client

14 hours ago

Caroline Schwenke
Provider:

Caroline Schwenke, LPC-Associate

After going back and forth between different options and not knowing if our child would open up to a specialist, I'm so glad we found Emora! Excited to see what the future holds for our daughter.

Parent of a 13 year old

16 hours ago

Shemise Michael
Provider:

Shemise Michael, LPC

Great to hear our child decided to open up about her feelings and get the help she needs. First session was a success and looking forward to seeing the progress she makes.

Parent of a 13 year old

16 hours ago

Shemise Michael
Provider:

Shemise Michael, LPC

My son loves talking to her, the best time of the week. Awesome and caring doctor!

Parent of an 11 year old

18 hours ago

Dr. Nacona Bunker
Provider:

Dr. Nacona Bunker, PsyD

Just the best! We love her! Very patient and caring.

Parent of an 11 year old

18 hours ago

Dr. Nacona Bunker
Provider:

Dr. Nacona Bunker, PsyD

Great communication and constructive coping skills for all involved were helpful.

Parent of an 11 year old

19 hours ago

Maliya Smith
Provider:

Maliya Smith, LPC

Lisa is really sweet and her capability of understanding is amazing.

Parent of a 16 year old

1 day ago

Lisa Raigeluw
Provider:

Lisa Raigeluw, LCSW

Morgan was very easy to talk to. She was very knowledgeable in my situation and offered valuable advice.

An Adult client

1 day ago

Morgan Williams
Provider:

Morgan Williams, LPC

We shared our art and that was nice

Parent of a 13 year old

1 day ago

Joy Steiner
Provider:

Joy Steiner, LCSW

Sarah is very easy to talk with.

Parent of an 11 year old

1 day ago

Sarah Newton
Provider:

Sarah Newton, LMSW

Behavior challenges do not define your child

Structured, developmentally informed therapy can help build skills that last.

Not sure where to start? Book a clinical matching session.

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