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
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.

Max has been consistently getting a little better with not letting his negative feelings control his actions.

Parent of an 11 year old

16 hours ago

Wayne Lyons
Provider:

Wayne Lyons, LSW

Listening and connecting through transparency

Parent of a 9 year old

22 hours ago

Deneisha Graves
Provider:

Deneisha Graves, LCSWA

It went well so far, questions were answered

Parent of a 15 year old

1 day ago

Jacinta Little
Provider:

Jacinta Little, LMHC

Helpful Excited to see her explore hobbies

Parent of a 12 year old

1 day ago

Tlexia Victor
Provider:

Tlexia Victor, LPC-A

The sessions seem to be helping. My daughter is opening up to Dr. Katie more and more.

Parent of a 7 year old

1 day ago

Katelynn Morris
Provider:

Katelynn Morris, LCSW

My son really enjoyed meeting with Stefanie and felt comfortable talking to her.

Parent of an 11 year old

1 day ago

Stefanie Luttrell
Provider:

Stefanie Luttrell, LPC, NCC, C-DBT

I really appreciate all the help you have extended to us especially to my daughter. Alicia’s gentle approach and willingness to listen allowed Bettina to be more open to sharing her feelings and thoughts.

Parent of a 17 year old

1 day ago

Alicia Fuentes
Provider:

Alicia Fuentes, LPC-Associate

Courtney made my child feel comfortable and she looks forward to meeting with her again.

Parent of an 11 year old

2 days ago

Courtney Trejo
Provider:

Courtney Trejo, LPC-Associate

Very easy to talk to, great listener and did not feel rushed at all

Parent of a 13 year old

2 days ago

Runako Richardson
Provider:

Runako Richardson, PMHNP

Chely was very down to earth and friendly, she gathered a lot of information from both myself and my son to map out a plan. There was no judgement at all. I'm really looking forward to seeing Greyson work through things and develop emotional regulation and resilience.

Parent of a 10 year old

2 days ago

Chely Craig
Provider:

Chely Craig, LCSW-A

Friendly and easy to work with

Parent of a 12 year old

2 days ago

Amanda Rodriguez
Provider:

Amanda Rodriguez, LPC-A

Runako made my daughter feel comfortable sharing.

Parent of a 9 year old

2 days ago

Runako Richardson
Provider:

Runako Richardson, PMHNP

Happy with the session. Provides a foundation to build on. Other than a technical hiccup, good session.

Parent of a 12 year old

2 days ago

Tlexia Victor
Provider:

Tlexia Victor, LPC-A

She asked questions and kept my son interested.

Parent of a 16 year old

2 days ago

Leah Medina
Provider:

Leah Medina, PMHNP, FNP

Leah is very attentive and informative!!

Parent of an 8 year old

2 days ago

Leah Medina
Provider:

Leah Medina, PMHNP, FNP

She’s the best! So impactful thoughtful and kind.

An Adult client

2 days ago

Caroline Schwenke
Provider:

Caroline Schwenke, LPC-Associate

After going back and forth between different options and not knowing if our child would open up to a specialist, I'm so glad we found Emora! Excited to see what the future holds for our daughter.

Parent of a 13 year old

2 days ago

Shemise Michael
Provider:

Shemise Michael, LPC

Great to hear our child decided to open up about her feelings and get the help she needs. First session was a success and looking forward to seeing the progress she makes.

Parent of a 13 year old

2 days ago

Shemise Michael
Provider:

Shemise Michael, 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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