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.




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 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.
Stephanie is so caring and she really helps me bring my walls down.
An Adult client
Jun 8, 2026
Stephanie Rodriguez, LPC-A
The online meeting was prompt and glitch free. My son was able to talk and do play therapy while getting to know the counselor and vise versa.
Parent of a 9 year old
Jun 8, 2026
Donna Egbulem, LCSW-A
Good session.
Parent of a 16 year old
Jun 8, 2026
Tiffany Ally, LCSW
It was very helpful and insightful.
An Adult client
Jun 8, 2026
Dr. Ellen Honsa, PsyD, LP
Today's session was great! My child felt heard and got off the session feeling confident! We are so excited to work with Ms. Z!
Parent of a 9 year old
Jun 8, 2026
Katie Jones, CPNP-PC, PMHNP-BC
Tara just makes my daughter feel so safe and seen. It’s such a relief to have her be able to actually speak to someone else.
Parent of a 13 year old
Jun 8, 2026
Tara Steinfeld, LPC
Nancy was great with my daughter and giving some ideas on how to work through the moments when her anxiety creeps in.
Parent of a 9 year old
Jun 8, 2026
Nancy Lozano, LPC
Related well to her. Nice work.
Parent of an 11 year old
Jun 7, 2026
Dr. Betty Wicks, PsyD
Antonio was nice and understood what my teen was trying to say. He often says we don't understand him, so I am happy about this.
Parent of a 16 year old
Jun 7, 2026
Antonio Richey, LCSW
Help with figuring out my issues with brother and how to handle
Parent of a 15 year old
Jun 7, 2026
Christine Applefield, LMFT
She enjoyed this session and is excited for the next one as well
Parent of an 8 year old
Jun 7, 2026
Excited for my next session, felt very comfortable and in a good space .
An Adult client
Jun 7, 2026
Korina Herrera, LMHC
Notice a difference in my child
Parent of a 14 year old
Jun 7, 2026
Katia Torres, LCSW
My daughter said it was very good. They were able to talk about alot of stuff and it was fun.
Parent of a 9 year old
Jun 7, 2026
Elsie Peña, LPC
The testing process for my child with Dr. Bunker went really well. Just like how she explained it would go.
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Dr. Nacona Bunker, PsyD
Korina has been very helpful with the therapy process for my child.
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Korina Herrera, LMHC
Korina is very patient even when my child is having a difficult time with the therapy session.
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Korina Herrera, LMHC
This was our initial visit with Dr. Bunker. She did a great job with explaining how the process would go. She also had great interaction with my child during the visit.
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Dr. Nacona Bunker, PsyD
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.



