Online 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.
Covered by insurance · Licensed specialists · Start within 48 hours
Covered by insurance · Licensed specialists · Start within 48 hours




teens, & families
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.
Chely was very nice and professional. The onboarding was thorough. She was very thoughtful and considerate with my daughter. It was a great experience overall.
Parent of a 12 year old
Jul 13, 2026
Chely Craig, LCSW-A
Great conversation and helpful breakthroughs in understanding deeply rooted emotions.
An Adult client
Jul 13, 2026
Sonia Maria Landino, LCSW
Carrie is fantastic and helpful while we figure out what kind of medicine my daughter needs to be on. It’s a journey but she’s making it easy!
Parent of an 11 year old
Jul 13, 2026
Carrie Colson, PMHNP
She allowed us time to fully express our concerns and goals moving forward. My daughter feels like she will be easy to connect with and open up to. She looks forward to future sessions!
Parent of a 17 year old
Jul 13, 2026
Christina Avila, LPC
Milton is kind, patient, and very invested in my child's mental health. He's a great support to our 12-year-old and to our family.
Parent of a 12 year old
Jul 13, 2026
Milton Hernandez, LPC
Matt is really great and really is helping me see things from a different perspective and I really apperciate his help
An Adult client
Jul 13, 2026
Matt Dellon, RCSWI
Kendall said her session today was great. She is doing much better in a lot of areas of her life.
Parent of a 13 year old
Jul 13, 2026
Miranda Delehoy, LCSW
It was helpful to learn that Jennifer has experience with a wide range of ages and with neurodivergent children.
Parent of a 6 year old
Jul 13, 2026
Jennifer Onibudo, LPC
She is amazing and so flexible with our schedule and my son does really seem to be opening up to her!
Parent of a 7 year old
Jul 12, 2026
Korina Herrera, LMHC
Just starting out we will see how we go
Parent of a 10 year old
Jul 12, 2026
Dagmar Chinchilla, LCSW
I love Ms. April. She is an amazing therapist. I enjoy my sessions. Even when it gets hard. She’s insightful and knowledgeable.
An Adult client
Jul 11, 2026
April Medici, LMHC
Even though it was hard for him to express himself, he knows it will get easier
Parent of a 7 year old
Jul 11, 2026
Zi'nequa Parker, LSW
A very patient, unbiased, considerate woman! Excited to speak to her again
An Adult client
Jul 11, 2026
Shannon Anes, PMHNP
She was very easy to talk to and listened to what you had to say. She was very reassuring about the process and made sure to answer any questions and asked great questions to make sure she understood my child the best she could to give the best suggestion.
Parent of a 3 year old
Jul 11, 2026
Aishah Crosley, LPC
Michelle is absolutely the best! She is helping me with CPR training and it’s making such a difference!
Parent of a 5 year old
Jul 11, 2026
Michelle Yoo, LPC
Made my 10 year old and myself feel very comfortable and trusting in her care. Looking forward to our next session.
Parent of a 10 year old
Jul 11, 2026
Dr. Ana Zuniga, PsyD
I really have enjoyed my sessions with Carrie so far, in the past I’ve felt like my therapists weren’t a great fit and could tell from the first session or two. I feel like Carrie really cares about what I’m going through and is here to help me. I feel safe to talk to her and I’m excited to keep going through sessions with her and allowing her to help me with my challenges.
An Adult client
Jul 11, 2026
Carrie Cotter, LPC-A
Maria is a very good therapist. She makes you feel heard.
An Adult client
Jul 10, 2026
Maria Martinez, RMHCI
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.



