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.
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, LSW
Listening and connecting through transparency
Parent of a 9 year old
22 hours ago

Deneisha Graves, LCSWA
It went well so far, questions were answered
Parent of a 15 year old
1 day ago

Jacinta Little, LMHC
Helpful Excited to see her explore hobbies
Parent of a 12 year old
1 day ago

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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, LCSW-A
Friendly and easy to work with
Parent of a 12 year old
2 days ago

Amanda Rodriguez, LPC-A
Runako made my daughter feel comfortable sharing.
Parent of a 9 year old
2 days ago

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, LPC-A
She asked questions and kept my son interested.
Parent of a 16 year old
2 days ago
Leah Medina, PMHNP, FNP
Leah is very attentive and informative!!
Parent of an 8 year old
2 days ago
Leah Medina, PMHNP, FNP
She’s the best! So impactful thoughtful and kind.
An Adult client
2 days ago

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, 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, 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.



