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.

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4.94
Trusted by 5,000+ kids, teens, and 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
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  • 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 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.

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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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.

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.

Shes a really great therapist. She helped a lot and is very positive.

Parent of a 15 year old

2 hours ago

Jessica Smiley
Provider:

Jessica Smiley, LCSW

We absolutely love Katie Jones. What stands out most is how she connects with my daughter on a personal level. She doesn’t treat her like just another patient. I admire how Katie takes the time to ask about her school activities, interests, and hobbies, and even remembers those details from visit to visit. It means so much to have a provider who makes my daughter feel seen, heard, and comfortable. We are so grateful.

Parent of a 15 year old

2 hours ago

Katie Jones
Provider:

Katie Jones, CPNP-PC, PMHNP-BC

Victoria was warm and welcoming. She was ingaging and made sure we were comfortable with the procedures and expectations etc. We felt it was a very good beginning.

Parent of a 13 year old

3 hours ago

Victoria McKenna
Provider:

Victoria McKenna, LMFT

She really listened to my daughter.

Parent of a 16 year old

6 hours ago

Miranda Esparza
Provider:

Miranda Esparza, LPC

I’m not sure but he did say he would like to continue with sessions

Parent of a 13 year old

18 hours ago

Dr. Shelia Chatman
Provider:

Dr. Shelia Chatman, LPC

My daughter really liked MYERS.

Parent of a 9 year old

19 hours ago

Kathleen Meyers
Provider:

Kathleen Meyers, LCSW

I had a great time with my therapist.

An Adult client

19 hours ago

Ky Carter
Provider:

Ky Carter, LCSW

Very nice and informative. He was very transparent with his goals and incorporating my son's interests into his therapy sessions.

Parent of an 8 year old

19 hours ago

Richard Reyes
Provider:

Richard Reyes, LPC-Associate

Victoria is amazing. Patient. Challenges children to think and grow.

An Adult client

20 hours ago

Victoria Coffman
Provider:

Victoria Coffman, LPC-A

We loved it! Luka himself said that he really enjoyed Miss Cassandra, he said that it went a lot better than what he had imagined it. He is totally looking forward to next week! I can even say that I saw a change in him instantly.

Parent of a 9 year old

20 hours ago

Cassandra Rikard
Provider:

Cassandra Rikard, LMHC

The understanding and patience of the provider was most helpful.

An Adult client

22 hours ago

Kourtney Raven
Provider:

Kourtney Raven, LPC

My daughter definitely does better with structured sessions. She tells me she doesn’t know what to talk about, but specific questions and worksheets help her get started.

Parent of an 11 year old

1 day ago

Mica Smith
Provider:

Mica Smith, LMHC

Absolutely stellar experience with Dr. Logan! She is really attentive, kind, and a pleasure to work with!

Parent of an 8 year old

1 day ago

Dr. Lesley Logan
Provider:

Dr. Lesley Logan, PsyD

Always very good practical advice.

An Adult client

1 day ago

Donald Schroeder
Provider:

Donald Schroeder, LPC

Hopeful. Mr. Lyons is positive and open to listening while providing framework for the conversation. Great 1st meeting.

Parent of a 12 year old

1 day ago

Wayne Lyons
Provider:

Wayne Lyons, LSW

Julia was very friendly, professional, and did a wonderful job interacting with my son. She was very patient and he felt comfortable throughout the whole experience.

Parent of a 5 year old

1 day ago

Dr. Julia Hollinger
Provider:

Dr. Julia Hollinger, PsyD

We appreciate the help I can see her little brain working and this advice will be good for her.

Parent of a 10 year old

1 day ago

Donald Schroeder
Provider:

Donald Schroeder, LPC

Good session.

Parent of a 16 year old

1 day ago

Tiffany Ally
Provider:

Tiffany Ally, LCSW

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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