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.




Behavioral challenges, at a glance
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.

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.
Beyond the behavior
Challenging behaviors often signal underlying anxiety, ADHD, trauma, or difficulty with emotional regulation.
Skill-building focus
We teach emotional regulation, communication, and problem-solving rather than just suppressing behaviors.
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.

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

Why families choose Emora
Specialized pediatric behavioral care vs. general providers.
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
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 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.
Shes a really great therapist. She helped a lot and is very positive.
Parent of a 15 year old
2 hours ago

Jessica Smiley, LCSW
We absolutely love Katie Jones. What stands out most is how she connects with my daughter on a personal level. She doesn’t treat her like just another patient. I admire how Katie takes the time to ask about her school activities, interests, and hobbies, and even remembers those details from visit to visit. It means so much to have a provider who makes my daughter feel seen, heard, and comfortable. We are so grateful.
Parent of a 15 year old
2 hours ago

Katie Jones, CPNP-PC, PMHNP-BC
Victoria was warm and welcoming. She was ingaging and made sure we were comfortable with the procedures and expectations etc. We felt it was a very good beginning.
Parent of a 13 year old
3 hours ago

Victoria McKenna, LMFT
She really listened to my daughter.
Parent of a 16 year old
6 hours ago
Miranda Esparza, LPC
I’m not sure but he did say he would like to continue with sessions
Parent of a 13 year old
18 hours ago

Dr. Shelia Chatman, LPC
My daughter really liked MYERS.
Parent of a 9 year old
19 hours ago

Kathleen Meyers, LCSW
I had a great time with my therapist.
An Adult client
19 hours ago

Ky Carter, LCSW
Very nice and informative. He was very transparent with his goals and incorporating my son's interests into his therapy sessions.
Parent of an 8 year old
19 hours ago

Richard Reyes, LPC-Associate
Victoria is amazing. Patient. Challenges children to think and grow.
An Adult client
20 hours ago

Victoria Coffman, LPC-A
We loved it! Luka himself said that he really enjoyed Miss Cassandra, he said that it went a lot better than what he had imagined it. He is totally looking forward to next week! I can even say that I saw a change in him instantly.
Parent of a 9 year old
20 hours ago

Cassandra Rikard, LMHC
The understanding and patience of the provider was most helpful.
An Adult client
22 hours ago

Kourtney Raven, LPC
My daughter definitely does better with structured sessions. She tells me she doesn’t know what to talk about, but specific questions and worksheets help her get started.
Parent of an 11 year old
1 day ago

Mica Smith, LMHC
Absolutely stellar experience with Dr. Logan! She is really attentive, kind, and a pleasure to work with!
Parent of an 8 year old
1 day ago
Dr. Lesley Logan, PsyD
Always very good practical advice.
An Adult client
1 day ago

Donald Schroeder, LPC
Hopeful. Mr. Lyons is positive and open to listening while providing framework for the conversation. Great 1st meeting.
Parent of a 12 year old
1 day ago

Wayne Lyons, LSW
Julia was very friendly, professional, and did a wonderful job interacting with my son. She was very patient and he felt comfortable throughout the whole experience.
Parent of a 5 year old
1 day ago

Dr. Julia Hollinger, PsyD
We appreciate the help I can see her little brain working and this advice will be good for her.
Parent of a 10 year old
1 day ago

Donald Schroeder, LPC
Good session.
Parent of a 16 year old
1 day ago

Tiffany Ally, LCSW
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.





