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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

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Covered by insurance · Licensed specialists · Start within 48 hours

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4.94
10k+ satisfied kids,
teens, & families
Insurance providers Emora accepts

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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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.

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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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.

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

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Chely Craig
Provider:

Chely Craig, LCSW-A

Great conversation and helpful breakthroughs in understanding deeply rooted emotions.

An Adult client

Jul 13, 2026

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Sonia Maria Landino
Provider:

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

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Carrie Colson
Provider:

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

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Christina Avila
Provider:

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

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Milton Hernandez
Provider:

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

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Matt Dellon
Provider:

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

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Miranda Delehoy
Provider:

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

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Jennifer Onibudo
Provider:

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

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Korina Herrera
Provider:

Korina Herrera, LMHC

Just starting out we will see how we go

Parent of a 10 year old

Jul 12, 2026

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Dagmar Chinchilla
Provider:

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

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April Medici
Provider:

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

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Zi'nequa Parker
Provider:

Zi'nequa Parker, LSW

A very patient, unbiased, considerate woman! Excited to speak to her again

An Adult client

Jul 11, 2026

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Shannon Anes
Provider:

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

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Aishah Crosley
Provider:

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

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Michelle Yoo
Provider:

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

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Dr. Ana Zuniga
Provider:

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

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Carrie Cotter
Provider:

Carrie Cotter, LPC-A

Maria is a very good therapist. She makes you feel heard.

An Adult client

Jul 10, 2026

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Maria Martinez
Provider:

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.

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