ODD Therapy for Children, Teens, and Young Adults

Specialized therapy that addresses the root causes of oppositional behavior.

Support for persistent defiance, emotional outbursts, and family conflict.

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
  • UMR
  • Oscar Health
  • Magellan
  • Anthem Blue Cross
  • aetna
  • blue cross
  • cigna
  • united healthcare
  • optum
  • tricare
  • Champ VA US Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Florida Blue
  • Baylor Scott and White
  • UMR
  • Oscar Health
  • Magellan

ODD, at a glance

3.3%

About 3.3% of children and adolescents are diagnosed with ODD.

Often co-occurs

Many children with ODD also meet criteria for ADHD, anxiety, or depression.

Highly treatable

Children who receive evidence-based treatment show significant symptom reduction.

Understanding ODD

What ODD looks like and how it affects daily life.

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Oppositional Defiant Disorder involves persistent patterns of angry mood, argumentative behavior, and defiance that significantly exceed what is typical for a child's age.

ODD is driven by genuine difficulty with emotional regulation and frustration tolerance, not willful misbehavior. A clinician evaluates patterns and considers co-occurring conditions.

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More Than Defiance

ODD reflects real difficulty with emotional regulation, cognitive flexibility, and frustration tolerance.

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Breaking the Cycle

Therapy interrupts negative conflict cycles between parent and child, building cooperation instead.

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Family-Centered Care

Parent training is essential. We equip families with strategies that reduce conflict and rebuild connection.

Common signs of ODD by age

Symptoms look different at every stage of development.

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  • Young Children (4-7)

    Frequent tantrums

    Refuses to follow rules

    Deliberately annoys others

    Blames others for mistakes

  • School-Age (8-12)

    Argues with adults constantly

    Defies authority at school

    Easily frustrated

    Vindictive behavior

  • Teens (13-17)

    Hostile toward authority

    Refuses household responsibilities

    Angry outbursts

    Peer and school conflict

  • Young Adults (18-25)

    Workplace authority conflicts

    Relationship difficulties

    Chronic irritability

    Difficulty accepting feedback

How ODD therapy helps

Evidence-based strategies for emotional regulation, cooperation, and family harmony.

  • Builds emotional regulation skills
  • Teaches conflict resolution strategies
  • Reduces oppositional and defiant behaviors
  • Strengthens parent-child relationship
  • Improves school and social functioning
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Why families choose Emora

Specialized pediatric ODD care vs. general providers.

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Other providers

Licensed pediatric and young adult clinicians

Generalist providers

Evidence-based parent management training

Programs not tailored to behavioral disorders

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 power struggles

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 ODD therapy.

All children push boundaries — it's part of growing up. ODD is different because the defiance is persistent (lasting 6 months or more), significantly more intense than what's typical for your child's age, and interferes with daily life at home, school, or with peers.

No. You don't need a formal ODD diagnosis to get started. Our specialists can evaluate your child's behavior patterns during the initial sessions and recommend the best treatment approach.

Most families see meaningful improvement within 12–16 sessions, especially when parent training is part of the plan. The timeline depends on your child's specific needs and how consistently strategies are practiced at home.

Yes — parent involvement is one of the most important factors in treating ODD. You'll participate in parent training sessions, receive regular updates, and learn strategies that make a real difference at home.

Yes, we accept most major insurance plans. We verify your coverage before your first appointment, and most families pay between $0 and $30 per session.

About 50% of children with ODD also have ADHD. Our therapists are experienced in treating both conditions together, creating integrated treatment plans that address attention, impulse control, and behavioral challenges simultaneously.

Yes. Research shows that 67% of children with ODD improve significantly with evidence-based treatment. The key is addressing the underlying emotional and skill deficits — not just the surface behavior.

Real stories of growth

Every session is rated by parents. Our therapists maintain a 4.9+ average, because results matter.

Stefanie has helped me immensely in both my professional and personal life

An Adult client

8 hours ago

Stefanie Luttrell
Provider:

Stefanie Luttrell, LPC, NCC, C-DBT

Assurance that there is no judgment.

Parent of a 12 year old

8 hours ago

Monica Valentine
Provider:

Monica Valentine, LCSW-A

It went really well, my son felt really good after his call and he even said that he picked a really good therapist.

Parent of a 12 year old

8 hours ago

Blanca Orellana
Provider:

Blanca Orellana, LPC-A

Leah was very professional, easy to talk to and gave me all the feedback I was looking for. Thank you for all your help!

An Adult client

8 hours ago

Leah Medina
Provider:

Leah Medina, PMHNP, FNP

Kept my son engaged for 60mins and he felt comfortable right away to share. Great experience!

Parent of a 9 year old

9 hours ago

Anita Plank
Provider:

Anita Plank, LCSW

Today was. A hard day that Tara stepped right into with us and was amazing.

Parent of a 12 year old

10 hours ago

Tara Devlin
Provider:

Tara Devlin, LCSW

It felt like Kourtney has a good idea of what our family is needing

Parent of a 13 year old

15 hours ago

Kourtney Raven
Provider:

Kourtney Raven, LPC

Liliana seemed very positive after, was happy to return to school and is excited for her next session!

Parent of an 8 year old

15 hours ago

Mary Barahona
Provider:

Mary Barahona, RMHCI

The person listened to me attentively.

An Adult client

18 hours ago

Chiedza Nwakudu
Provider:

Chiedza Nwakudu, PMHNP

What I thought was helpful was receiving positive self talk and being more aware of my negative thoughts

An Adult client

1 day ago

Katrease Matthews
Provider:

Katrease Matthews, LPC

She seems like a great fit for my daughter. She is very patient and understanding..

Parent of an 11 year old

1 day ago

Shalena Mosley
Provider:

Shalena Mosley, LPC

She was amazing and sweet and kind I really loved her

Parent of a 6 year old

1 day ago

Dr. Apree Clicque
Provider:

Dr. Apree Clicque, PsyD

Loved the activity and work done within the session!

Parent of a 10 year old

1 day ago

Yari Reyes
Provider:

Yari Reyes, RMHCI

Jennifer was so amazing and kind she walked us through some tough decision-making and emotions

Parent of an 8 year old

1 day ago

Jennifer Guzman
Provider:

Jennifer Guzman, LPC

She was very helpful. Wish we could move forward with her but I appreciate her help navigating our next steps!

Parent of a 13 year old

1 day ago

Kayla Kimes
Provider:

Kayla Kimes, PMHNP

She made me comfortable and heard. I am really happy I scheduled my first therapy session with her.

An Adult client

1 day ago

Shanice Watson
Provider:

Shanice Watson, LPC-A

My daughter feels comfortable sharing with Ericka and is enjoying her sessions.

Parent of a 12 year old

1 day ago

Ericka Jarvis
Provider:

Ericka Jarvis, LCMHC-A

Was very attentive and caring

An Adult client

1 day ago

Kourtney Raven
Provider:

Kourtney Raven, LPC

ODD does 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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