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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
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.

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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 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.

Stephanie is so caring and she really helps me bring my walls down.

An Adult client

Jun 8, 2026

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Stephanie Rodriguez
Provider:

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

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Donna Egbulem
Provider:

Donna Egbulem, LCSW-A

Good session.

Parent of a 16 year old

Jun 8, 2026

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Tiffany Ally
Provider:

Tiffany Ally, LCSW

It was very helpful and insightful.

An Adult client

Jun 8, 2026

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Dr. Ellen Honsa
Provider:

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

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Katie Jones
Provider:

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

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Tara Steinfeld
Provider:

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

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Nancy Lozano
Provider:

Nancy Lozano, LPC

Related well to her. Nice work.

Parent of an 11 year old

Jun 7, 2026

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Dr. Betty Wicks
Provider:

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

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Antonio Richey
Provider:

Antonio Richey, LCSW

Help with figuring out my issues with brother and how to handle

Parent of a 15 year old

Jun 7, 2026

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Christine Applefield
Provider:

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

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Excited for my next session, felt very comfortable and in a good space .

An Adult client

Jun 7, 2026

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Korina Herrera
Provider:

Korina Herrera, LMHC

Notice a difference in my child

Parent of a 14 year old

Jun 7, 2026

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Katia Torres
Provider:

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

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Elsie Peña
Provider:

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

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Dr. Nacona Bunker
Provider:

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

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Korina Herrera
Provider:

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

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Korina Herrera
Provider:

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

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Dr. Nacona Bunker
Provider:

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.

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