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ODD therapy for kids, teens, & 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
10k+ satisfied kids,
teens, & families
Insurance providers Emora accepts

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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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.

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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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.

I think our intake session with my 10 year old daughter went really well. She took time out during our session to explain things to my daughter that made her feel more comfortable.

Parent of a 10 year old

Jun 13, 2026

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Catherine Campos
Provider:

Catherine Campos, LCSW

Stephonia is taking very good care to Xavier and had been hearing us as a whole with my parental worry and his worries! We love her!

Parent of a 10 year old

Jun 13, 2026

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Stephonia Llewellyn
Provider:

Stephonia Llewellyn, LPC, LMHC,-QS

My son felt the session was very helpful. Elizabeth is a great listener and always provides my son with useful tools.

Parent of a 12 year old

Jun 13, 2026

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Elizabeth Bussler
Provider:

Elizabeth Bussler, RCSWI

My daughter feels very comfortable with her therapist and that matters to me overall

Parent of a 16 year old

Jun 13, 2026

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Felt good connection with the therapist, she was very patient with me and made me feel comfortable

An Adult client

Jun 13, 2026

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Dr. Apree Clicque
Provider:

Dr. Apree Clicque, PsyD

Wonderful! Bart knows how to lead the session!

Parent of a 7 year old

Jun 13, 2026

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Bart Liles
Provider:

Bart Liles, LPC. LMFT

Dr. Wicks clearly explained her goals, outlined the process for moving forward, and took the time to answer questions thoroughly. She was very informative, professional, and made it easy to understand what to expect.

Parent of a 4 year old

Jun 12, 2026

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Dr. Betty Wicks
Provider:

Dr. Betty Wicks, PsyD

I loved how Apree met us where we were (let Elliott be distracted and fiddle with Legos) but also talked to him on his level.

Parent of an 8 year old

Jun 12, 2026

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Dr. Apree Clicque
Provider:

Dr. Apree Clicque, PsyD

It was great. My son (11 y/o) felt comfortable and he loved the idea of mixing therapy with fun conversations. Mr. Larry has a great structure for getting to know my son and he sets detailed expectations. We look forward to more sessions

Parent of an 11 year old

Jun 12, 2026

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Larry Smith
Provider:

Larry Smith, LCSW

I felt that she was open and receptive to me and made me feel comfortable to share.

An Adult client

Jun 12, 2026

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Mary Villaverde
Provider:

Mary Villaverde, RMFTI

Mr. Bart is so great with my son, Everett! He looks forward to his sessions. He really gets on his level and is getting to know what Everett enjoys and likes so he can really connect with him. We’re looking forward to continuing sessions with him!

Parent of an 8 year old

Jun 12, 2026

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Bart Liles
Provider:

Bart Liles, LPC. LMFT

She's great! She's understanding. I'll be continuing to see her

An Adult client

Jun 12, 2026

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Diana Schaffer
Provider:

Diana Schaffer, LMHC, LPC

Ms. Harrison is very knowledgeable and helpful.

Parent of a 15 year old

Jun 12, 2026

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Deann Harrison
Provider:

Deann Harrison, PMHNP-BC

Ms. Harrison is wonderful. She listens, evaluates and provides very helpful information. She is always available to help and prompt to respond to messages. I am so glad we were able to connect in this health journey.

Parent of a 15 year old

Jun 12, 2026

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Deann Harrison
Provider:

Deann Harrison, PMHNP-BC

For the first time, my son told me he enjoys speaking with his therapist and wants to continue sessions. He is usually very reluctant to participate, so hearing that after just one session meant a lot. He quickly built a genuine connection with him, and we are incredibly grateful. Highly recommend! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Parent of an 11 year old

Jun 12, 2026

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Matt Dellon
Provider:

Matt Dellon, RCSWI

I think it will be helpful that we have some common interests

Parent of a 16 year old

Jun 12, 2026

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Samantha Douglas
Provider:

Samantha Douglas, RMHCI

Joanne was wonderful, Karina had a great session.

Parent of a 10 year old

Jun 11, 2026

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JoeAnn Allen
Provider:

JoeAnn Allen, RMHCI

I like that she let’s Kaleb talk and express himself but also helps him to see reason and understand his limitations.

Parent of a 9 year old

Jun 11, 2026

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Melinda Labbe
Provider:

Melinda Labbe, LMHC

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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