Emora Health Logo

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.

young woman
person using laptop
girl using phone
kid playing with paint
4.94
10k+ satisfied kids,
teens, & 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

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.

A close-up portrait of a young boy with short hair and freckles, looking down with a contemplative expression in a softly lit indoor setting. He appears to be deep in thought.A young girl with long, light brown hair sits at a desk, concentrating while writing or drawing and resting her chin in her hand. She appears focused and thoughtful, likely in a classroom or study environment.A young boy wearing a blue and white striped shirt sits on a sofa, looking down intently at something in front of him. An adult's hands are gently placed on his leg, suggesting a supportive and comforting interaction in a relaxed indoor setting.
star icon

Beyond the behavior

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

hand icon

Skill-building focus

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

calendar icon

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.

Learn More

Common behavioral challenges by age

Symptoms look different at every stage of development.

A teen seated at a desk with hands covering part of his face, appearing thoughtful or stressed. Another blurred person is visible in the background, suggesting a classroom or study environment.
  • 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
Find Care
Father and son looking at eachother

Why families choose Emora

Specialized pediatric behavioral care vs. general providers.

Emora Health Logo

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

Double Semi Shape
Leaf Shape

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.

Find Care
A young girl with long brown hair and a pink flower behind her ear smiles brightly. She is outdoors with a softly blurred green background.

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
Provider:

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
Provider:

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
Provider:

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
Provider:

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
Provider:

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
Provider:

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
Provider:

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
Provider:

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
Provider:

Korina Herrera, LMHC

She is patient and understanding

Parent of a 4 year old

1 day ago

Lesli White
Provider:

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
Provider:

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
Provider:

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
Provider:

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
Provider:

Cindy-Joy Ortiz, LMHC

She seems to really make my 9yo very comfortable

Parent of a 9 year old

1 day ago

Marilyn Borom
Provider:

Marilyn Borom, LCSW-A

She’s a great listener and offered insight.

Parent of a 13 year old

1 day ago

Dr. Julia Hollinger
Provider:

Dr. Julia Hollinger, PsyD

Really good. We are seeing a connection build

Parent of a 10 year old

1 day ago

Lauren Galvin
Provider:

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.

Find a clinician
young girl smiling at her mom in the car