PTSD and trauma therapy for kids, teens, & young adults

Gentle, evidence-based therapy that helps kids process trauma and rebuild safety.

Support for PTSD, acute stress, complex trauma, and trauma-related behavioral changes.

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

Childhood trauma, at a glance

2 in 3

Two in three children experience at least one traumatic event by age 16.

5-8%

Of children exposed to trauma develop PTSD, with higher rates for interpersonal trauma.

Highly treatable

Over 80% of children show significant improvement with trauma-focused CBT.

Understanding childhood trauma

What trauma looks like and how it affects daily life.

A young boy wearing a blue and white striped shirt sits on a sofa, looking down intently at something in front of him. An adult's hands are gently placed on his leg, suggesting a supportive and comforting interaction in a relaxed indoor setting.

Trauma is any experience that overwhelms a child's ability to cope. When children experience or witness frightening events, their developing brain can become stuck in a state of heightened alert.

A licensed clinician evaluates trauma responses across settings and considers overlapping conditions like anxiety or depression.

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Trauma-informed care

Every aspect of our care is designed with trauma sensitivity, from the safe virtual environment to our pacing.

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Evidence-based treatment

Trauma-Focused CBT is the gold standard for childhood PTSD, with decades of research supporting its effectiveness.

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Caregiver involvement

Parents participate in the healing process, learning how to support their child and manage their own responses.

Common signs of trauma by age

Symptoms look different at every stage of development.

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  • Young Children (4-7)

    Nightmares and sleep problems

    Regression in skills

    Clinginess and separation fears

    Repetitive play about the event

  • School-Age (8-12)

    Intrusive memories

    Avoidance of reminders

    Difficulty concentrating

    Guilt or self-blame

  • Teens (13-17)

    Emotional numbing

    Risk-taking behavior

    Social withdrawal

    Anger and irritability

  • Young Adults (18-25)

    Hypervigilance

    Relationship difficulties

    Avoidance patterns

    Flashbacks and dissociation

How trauma therapy helps

Evidence-based strategies for processing trauma and rebuilding safety.

  • Processes traumatic memories safely
  • Builds coping and stabilization skills
  • Reduces avoidance and hyperarousal
  • Strengthens emotional regulation
  • Restores sense of safety and trust
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Why families choose Emora

Specialized pediatric trauma care vs. general providers.

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Other providers

Licensed pediatric and young adult clinicians

Generalist providers

Trauma-Focused CBT specialists

Talk therapy without trauma training

Parent-inclusive model

Limited parent involvement

Safe virtual environment for processing

In-office visits can feel unsafe

Insurance accepted

Insurance not always accepted

Pacing adapted to each child's readiness

One-size-fits-all pacing

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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 trauma therapy.

PTSD in children involves re-experiencing the trauma (nightmares, flashbacks, or distressing memories), avoiding reminders, negative changes in mood or thinking, and being constantly on edge. If these symptoms persist for more than a month after a traumatic event and affect daily life, your child may benefit from trauma therapy.

No. You don't need a formal PTSD diagnosis. If your child has experienced something distressing and you're seeing changes in their behavior, mood, or functioning, our specialists can assess their needs and recommend the best approach.

TF-CBT is the gold-standard treatment for childhood PTSD, with over 80% of children showing significant improvement. It combines cognitive behavioral techniques with trauma-specific components to help children safely process their experience and develop coping skills.

TF-CBT typically involves 12–16 sessions. Some children may need additional sessions depending on the complexity of their trauma and their individual response to treatment.

Yes. All sessions are HIPAA-protected. Your child's therapist will provide age-appropriate updates to keep you informed of progress, while maintaining the trust and confidentiality your child needs to heal.

Yes — parent involvement is a key component of TF-CBT. You'll learn about trauma responses, develop skills to support your child at home, and participate in joint sessions when appropriate.

Yes, we accept most major insurance plans. We verify your coverage before your first session, and most families pay between $0 and $30 per session.

That's completely normal and expected. Our therapists are trained to work at your child's pace, using age-appropriate techniques that don't force disclosure. TF-CBT builds skills and safety before addressing the trauma directly.

Real stories of growth

Every session is rated by parents. Our therapists maintain a 4.9+ average, because results matter.

She really listened to my daughter.

Parent of a 16 year old

3 hours ago

Miranda Esparza
Provider:

Miranda Esparza, LPC

I’m not sure but he did say he would like to continue with sessions

Parent of a 13 year old

15 hours ago

Dr. Shelia Chatman
Provider:

Dr. Shelia Chatman, LPC

My daughter really liked MYERS.

Parent of a 9 year old

16 hours ago

Kathleen Meyers
Provider:

Kathleen Meyers, LCSW

I had a great time with my therapist.

An Adult client

16 hours ago

Ky Carter
Provider:

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

16 hours ago

Richard Reyes
Provider:

Richard Reyes, LPC-Associate

Victoria is amazing. Patient. Challenges children to think and grow.

An Adult client

17 hours ago

Victoria Coffman
Provider:

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

17 hours ago

Cassandra Rikard
Provider:

Cassandra Rikard, LMHC

The understanding and patience of the provider was most helpful.

An Adult client

19 hours ago

Kourtney Raven
Provider:

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

23 hours ago

Mica Smith
Provider:

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
Provider:

Dr. Lesley Logan, PsyD

Always very good practical advice.

An Adult client

1 day ago

Donald Schroeder
Provider:

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
Provider:

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
Provider:

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
Provider:

Donald Schroeder, LPC

Good session.

Parent of a 16 year old

1 day ago

Tiffany Ally
Provider:

Tiffany Ally, LCSW

Very nice, respectful, and down to earth. Makes sessions fun while ensuring im being helped. 5 stars

Parent of a 15 year old

1 day ago

Jacinta Little
Provider:

Jacinta Little, LMHC

Bianca was very attentive and helpful. I appreciate that she spent time explaining the process and answering our questions and was great with our son!

Parent of a 6 year old

1 day ago

Bianca Cardenas
Provider:

Bianca Cardenas, LMSW

everything went very well each session was a different challenge new task which were all helpful to make my son make big changes thanks to emma my son has made changes that i struggled to have him make its a process like everything else but she made it all happen she so understanding such a nice person definitely recommend.

Parent of a 12 year old

2 days ago

Emma Palmer
Provider:

Emma Palmer, LCSW

Trauma 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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