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.
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.
Shes a really great therapist. She helped a lot and is very positive.
Parent of a 15 year old
2 hours ago
Jessica Smiley, LCSW
We absolutely love Katie Jones. What stands out most is how she connects with my daughter on a personal level. She doesn’t treat her like just another patient. I admire how Katie takes the time to ask about her school activities, interests, and hobbies, and even remembers those details from visit to visit. It means so much to have a provider who makes my daughter feel seen, heard, and comfortable. We are so grateful.
Parent of a 15 year old
2 hours ago
Katie Jones, CPNP-PC, PMHNP-BC
Victoria was warm and welcoming. She was ingaging and made sure we were comfortable with the procedures and expectations etc. We felt it was a very good beginning.
Parent of a 13 year old
3 hours ago
Victoria McKenna, LMFT
She really listened to my daughter.
Parent of a 16 year old
6 hours ago
Miranda Esparza, LPC
I’m not sure but he did say he would like to continue with sessions
Parent of a 13 year old
18 hours ago
Dr. Shelia Chatman, LPC
My daughter really liked MYERS.
Parent of a 9 year old
19 hours ago
Kathleen Meyers, LCSW
I had a great time with my therapist.
An Adult client
19 hours ago
Ky Carter, LCSW
Very nice and informative. He was very transparent with his goals and incorporating my son's interests into his therapy sessions.
Parent of an 8 year old
20 hours ago
Richard Reyes, LPC-Associate
Victoria is amazing. Patient. Challenges children to think and grow.
An Adult client
20 hours ago
Victoria Coffman, LPC-A
We loved it! Luka himself said that he really enjoyed Miss Cassandra, he said that it went a lot better than what he had imagined it. He is totally looking forward to next week! I can even say that I saw a change in him instantly.
Parent of a 9 year old
20 hours ago
Cassandra Rikard, LMHC
The understanding and patience of the provider was most helpful.
An Adult client
22 hours ago
Kourtney Raven, LPC
My daughter definitely does better with structured sessions. She tells me she doesn’t know what to talk about, but specific questions and worksheets help her get started.
Parent of an 11 year old
1 day ago
Mica Smith, LMHC
Absolutely stellar experience with Dr. Logan! She is really attentive, kind, and a pleasure to work with!
Parent of an 8 year old
1 day ago
Dr. Lesley Logan, PsyD
Always very good practical advice.
An Adult client
1 day ago
Donald Schroeder, LPC
Hopeful. Mr. Lyons is positive and open to listening while providing framework for the conversation. Great 1st meeting.
Parent of a 12 year old
1 day ago
Wayne Lyons, LSW
Julia was very friendly, professional, and did a wonderful job interacting with my son. She was very patient and he felt comfortable throughout the whole experience.
Parent of a 5 year old
1 day ago
Dr. Julia Hollinger, PsyD
We appreciate the help I can see her little brain working and this advice will be good for her.
Parent of a 10 year old
1 day ago
Donald Schroeder, LPC
Good session.
Parent of a 16 year old
1 day ago
Tiffany Ally, LCSW
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.
