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.
Courtney made my child feel comfortable and she looks forward to meeting with her again.
Parent of an 11 year old
5 hours ago

Courtney Trejo, LPC-Associate
Very easy to talk to, great listener and did not feel rushed at all
Parent of a 13 year old
7 hours ago

Runako Richardson, PMHNP
Chely was very down to earth and friendly, she gathered a lot of information from both myself and my son to map out a plan. There was no judgement at all. I'm really looking forward to seeing Greyson work through things and develop emotional regulation and resilience.
Parent of a 10 year old
9 hours ago

Chely Craig, LCSW-A
Friendly and easy to work with
Parent of a 12 year old
10 hours ago

Amanda Rodriguez, LPC-A
Runako made my daughter feel comfortable sharing.
Parent of a 9 year old
11 hours ago

Runako Richardson, PMHNP
Happy with the session. Provides a foundation to build on. Other than a technical hiccup, good session.
Parent of a 12 year old
12 hours ago

Tlexia Victor, LPC-A
She asked questions and kept my son interested.
Parent of a 16 year old
13 hours ago
Leah Medina, PMHNP, FNP
Leah is very attentive and informative!!
Parent of an 8 year old
13 hours ago
Leah Medina, PMHNP, FNP
She’s the best! So impactful thoughtful and kind.
An Adult client
14 hours ago

Caroline Schwenke, LPC-Associate
After going back and forth between different options and not knowing if our child would open up to a specialist, I'm so glad we found Emora! Excited to see what the future holds for our daughter.
Parent of a 13 year old
16 hours ago

Shemise Michael, LPC
Great to hear our child decided to open up about her feelings and get the help she needs. First session was a success and looking forward to seeing the progress she makes.
Parent of a 13 year old
16 hours ago

Shemise Michael, LPC
My son loves talking to her, the best time of the week. Awesome and caring doctor!
Parent of an 11 year old
18 hours ago

Dr. Nacona Bunker, PsyD
Just the best! We love her! Very patient and caring.
Parent of an 11 year old
18 hours ago

Dr. Nacona Bunker, PsyD
Great communication and constructive coping skills for all involved were helpful.
Parent of an 11 year old
19 hours ago

Maliya Smith, LPC
Lisa is really sweet and her capability of understanding is amazing.
Parent of a 16 year old
1 day ago

Lisa Raigeluw, LCSW
Morgan was very easy to talk to. She was very knowledgeable in my situation and offered valuable advice.
An Adult client
1 day ago

Morgan Williams, LPC
We shared our art and that was nice
Parent of a 13 year old
1 day ago

Joy Steiner, LCSW
Sarah is very easy to talk with.
Parent of an 11 year old
1 day ago

Sarah Newton, LMSW
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.



