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.




teens, & families
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.



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.
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.
Family-centered care
Parent training is critical. We equip families with practical strategies that transform daily dynamics.
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.
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.
My therapist was so kind, informative and patient. I did not feel rushed and immediately was made comfortable.
An Adult client
1 hour ago
Vivian France, LCMHC
My 7 year old needed this and I am so thankful to have found this provider. So excited to watch his progress
Parent of a 7 year old
4 hours ago
Deann Harrison, PMHNP-BC
As a parent I appreciate the patience and flexibility Ms. Quan extends to our family.
Parent of an 11 year old
7 hours ago
JoAnna Quan, LCSW
My son seemed excited about his next session; that says a lot!
Parent of an 11 year old
9 hours ago
Seairra Williams, LPC-A
Was going through a lot of anxiety, but these sessions have helped me calm down
An Adult client
18 hours ago
Mark Wallman, LPC
She did a great job at listening and identifying the work needed to be done
Parent of a 13 year old
21 hours ago
Miranda Esparza, LPC
I feel like Brianna asked really good question and truly tried to understand my daughter. I believe she is going to be a really good fit! Not very ofter does that happen on the first try! I was really hesitant on doing this but I am already thinking this was a great choice!
Parent of an 8 year old
21 hours ago
Brianna Doran, LMHC
Dr. Smart has a caring bedside manner. She’s way to speak with and explains her methods in an easy way to understand.
Parent of a 4 year old
23 hours ago
I like how my doctor listened to me.
Parent of a 15 year old
1 day ago
Mary Barahona, RMHCI
Korina is great at what she does! My son looks forward to his sessions with her.
Parent of a 7 year old
1 day ago
Korina Herrera, LMHC
She is patient and understanding
Parent of a 4 year old
1 day ago
Lesli White, LPC
We appreciate Dr. Clicque’s help in diagnosing our daughter. Especially the rapid evaluation process. It helped us to understand what our daughter has been experiencing.
Parent of a 13 year old
1 day ago
Dr. Apree Clicque, PsyD
Overall, he was looking forward to his session today. He enjoys having someone else he can talk to. He has an instant connection which makes it easy and makes him comfortable opening up.
Parent of a 16 year old
1 day ago
Wayne Lyons, LSW
I am sure she was so sweet as she was the first time I met her…I was not present today, my sons father was but I’m certain she was a delight
Parent of a 5 year old
1 day ago
Ari’Ton Scales, LMHC
My daughter felt comfortable and that session went well. She wasnt hesitant about booking more sessions.
Parent of a 13 year old
1 day ago
Cindy-Joy Ortiz, LMHC
She seems to really make my 9yo very comfortable
Parent of a 9 year old
1 day ago
Marilyn Borom, LCSW-A
She’s a great listener and offered insight.
Parent of a 13 year old
1 day ago
Dr. Julia Hollinger, PsyD
Really good. We are seeing a connection build
Parent of a 10 year old
1 day ago
Lauren Galvin, RCSWI
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.



