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.




ODD, at a glance
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.

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.
More Than Defiance
ODD reflects real difficulty with emotional regulation, cognitive flexibility, and frustration tolerance.
Breaking the Cycle
Therapy interrupts negative conflict cycles between parent and child, building cooperation instead.
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.

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

Why families choose Emora
Specialized pediatric ODD care vs. general providers.
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
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 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, LPC, NCC, C-DBT
Assurance that there is no judgment.
Parent of a 12 year old
8 hours ago

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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, RMHCI
The person listened to me attentively.
An Adult client
18 hours ago

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, 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, LPC
She was amazing and sweet and kind I really loved her
Parent of a 6 year old
1 day ago

Dr. Apree Clicque, PsyD
Loved the activity and work done within the session!
Parent of a 10 year old
1 day ago

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, 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, 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, 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, LCMHC-A
Was very attentive and caring
An Adult client
1 day ago

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.



