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.




teens, & families
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.



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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
Felt good connection with the therapist, she was very patient with me and made me feel comfortable
An Adult client
Jun 13, 2026
Dr. Apree Clicque, PsyD
Wonderful! Bart knows how to lead the session!
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 13, 2026
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
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
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
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
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
Bart Liles, LPC. LMFT
She's great! She's understanding. I'll be continuing to see her
An Adult client
Jun 12, 2026
Diana Schaffer, LMHC, LPC
Ms. Harrison is very knowledgeable and helpful.
Parent of a 15 year old
Jun 12, 2026
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
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
Matt Dellon, RCSWI
I think it will be helpful that we have some common interests
Parent of a 16 year old
Jun 12, 2026
Samantha Douglas, RMHCI
Joanne was wonderful, Karina had a great session.
Parent of a 10 year old
Jun 11, 2026
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
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.



