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Online therapy for behavioral challenges in kids, teens, and parents

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.

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.
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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 clinicians for kids, teens, and parents

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 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.

Diana was amazing and a very good listener. My 6yo loved her!

Parent of a 6 year old

Aug 28, 2026

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Diana Gaona
Provider:

Diana Gaona, LPC

I love how she challenges you to open up and just think

An Adult client

Aug 28, 2026

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Ronnie Roper
Provider:

Ronnie Roper, LCSW

She’s so sweet and understanding, and I deal with stress and anger so much better.

Parent of a 15 year old

Aug 28, 2026

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Tonya Coleman Seimears
Provider:

Tonya Coleman Seimears, LCSW

very thorough and made my daughter feel comfortable

Parent of a 7 year old

Aug 28, 2026

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Jocelyn Zafra
Provider:

Jocelyn Zafra, LMFT

I felt very comfortable opening up, much quicker than I expected. We unpacked a lot in 60 minutes, and I have a few helpful things to think about before our next session. The biggest thing was shifting my mindset to the fact that I'm in charge of my emotions, and not letting others actions, or inactions guide my "boat."

An Adult client

Aug 27, 2026

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Dr. Jon Skidmore
Provider:

Dr. Jon Skidmore, PsyD

I absolutely adore my therapist. She has gotten me through so much. I actually was her patient when she was at thrive works and I highly recommend her. She is very understanding very gentle. If you were going through any type of trauma, I would recommend her 10 out of 10.

An Adult client

Aug 27, 2026

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Jacinta Little
Provider:

Jacinta Little, LMHC

Dane seems to be responding well with Alyssa. I am grateful he has found someone who he can share with.

Parent of a 16 year old

Aug 27, 2026

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Alyssa Jimenez-Solis
Provider:

Alyssa Jimenez-Solis, LCSW

I am so grateful for Dr. Ibe and the care she provided for my teenager. Finding the right support for adolescent anxiety and PMDD is difficult, but Dr. Ibe made my teen feel instantly comfortable and heard. She listened without judgment and explained treatment options clearly. I am happy she provided a solution and look forward to seeing improvement in my child’s confidence and stress management. Highly recommend to any parent looking for compassionate, expert teen mental health care

Parent of a 13 year old

Aug 27, 2026

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Dal Ibe
Provider:

Dal Ibe, PMHNP

My therapist is amazing easy to talk to and very understanding.

An Adult client

Aug 27, 2026

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Sharlyn McGary
Provider:

Sharlyn McGary, LPC

Very easy to talk to and understanding

An Adult client

Aug 27, 2026

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Laura Doocy
Provider:

Laura Doocy, LPC

A chart was shared to help him reference something visual to help with challenging moments and to practice calming himself.

Parent of a 12 year old

Aug 27, 2026

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Ari’Ton Scales
Provider:

Ari’Ton Scales, LMHC

She really understands my child, and has done great with getting her to open up

Parent of a 14 year old

Aug 27, 2026

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Marleth Garza
Provider:

Marleth Garza, LPC-A

Dr. Apree was awesome. Thorough, insightful, communicated well with our 7 year old.

Parent of a 7 year old

Aug 27, 2026

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Dr. Apree Clicque
Provider:

Dr. Apree Clicque, PsyD

Ms. Lopez was a great therapist in our first session.

Parent of a 13 year old

Aug 27, 2026

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Maricruz Lopez
Provider:

Maricruz Lopez, LPC

Discussing an option to work out my daughters frustrations when she is upset .

Parent of a 7 year old

Aug 27, 2026

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Victoria Foss
Provider:

Victoria Foss, LPC-A

Dr. Apree was very thorough and took her time. She answered all of my questions and encouraged me to reach out if I needed anything.

An Adult client

Aug 27, 2026

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Dr. Apree Clicque
Provider:

Dr. Apree Clicque, PsyD

Ms. Cole was just so sweet and loving to my boy that it really settled this mama’s heart❤️

Parent of a 5 year old

Aug 27, 2026

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Rebecca Cole
Provider:

Rebecca Cole, LPC

Thank you Dr. August for your time.

Parent of a 15 year old

Aug 27, 2026

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Dr. August Alvarado
Provider:

Dr. August Alvarado, PhD

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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Used in care: the SNAP-IV oppositional defiant (ODD) rating scale

8 parent-report items covering the DSM ODD symptom pattern, read against the published cutoff. We don’t publish it here — an Emora clinician uses it as part of an evaluation.

All mental health assessments

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