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
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 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
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 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
Diana Gaona, LPC
I love how she challenges you to open up and just think
An Adult client
Aug 28, 2026
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
Tonya Coleman Seimears, LCSW
very thorough and made my daughter feel comfortable
Parent of a 7 year old
Aug 28, 2026
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
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
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
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
Dal Ibe, PMHNP
My therapist is amazing easy to talk to and very understanding.
An Adult client
Aug 27, 2026
Sharlyn McGary, LPC
Very easy to talk to and understanding
An Adult client
Aug 27, 2026
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
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
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
Dr. Apree Clicque, PsyD
Ms. Lopez was a great therapist in our first session.
Parent of a 13 year old
Aug 27, 2026
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
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
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
Rebecca Cole, LPC
Thank you Dr. August for your time.
Parent of a 15 year old
Aug 27, 2026
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.

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.


