PTSD and Trauma Therapy for Children, Teens, and 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
  • 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.

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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.

Stefanie has helped me immensely in both my professional and personal life

An Adult client

8 hours ago

Stefanie Luttrell
Provider:

Stefanie Luttrell, LPC, NCC, C-DBT

Assurance that there is no judgment.

Parent of a 12 year old

8 hours ago

Monica Valentine
Provider:

Monica Valentine, LCSW-A

It went really well, my son felt really good after his call and he even said that he picked a really good therapist.

Parent of a 12 year old

8 hours ago

Blanca Orellana
Provider:

Blanca Orellana, LPC-A

Leah was very professional, easy to talk to and gave me all the feedback I was looking for. Thank you for all your help!

An Adult client

8 hours ago

Leah Medina
Provider:

Leah Medina, PMHNP, FNP

Kept my son engaged for 60mins and he felt comfortable right away to share. Great experience!

Parent of a 9 year old

9 hours ago

Anita Plank
Provider:

Anita Plank, LCSW

Today was. A hard day that Tara stepped right into with us and was amazing.

Parent of a 12 year old

10 hours ago

Tara Devlin
Provider:

Tara Devlin, LCSW

It felt like Kourtney has a good idea of what our family is needing

Parent of a 13 year old

15 hours ago

Kourtney Raven
Provider:

Kourtney Raven, LPC

Liliana seemed very positive after, was happy to return to school and is excited for her next session!

Parent of an 8 year old

15 hours ago

Mary Barahona
Provider:

Mary Barahona, RMHCI

The person listened to me attentively.

An Adult client

18 hours ago

Chiedza Nwakudu
Provider:

Chiedza Nwakudu, PMHNP

What I thought was helpful was receiving positive self talk and being more aware of my negative thoughts

An Adult client

1 day ago

Katrease Matthews
Provider:

Katrease Matthews, LPC

She seems like a great fit for my daughter. She is very patient and understanding..

Parent of an 11 year old

1 day ago

Shalena Mosley
Provider:

Shalena Mosley, LPC

She was amazing and sweet and kind I really loved her

Parent of a 6 year old

1 day ago

Dr. Apree Clicque
Provider:

Dr. Apree Clicque, PsyD

Loved the activity and work done within the session!

Parent of a 10 year old

1 day ago

Yari Reyes
Provider:

Yari Reyes, RMHCI

Jennifer was so amazing and kind she walked us through some tough decision-making and emotions

Parent of an 8 year old

1 day ago

Jennifer Guzman
Provider:

Jennifer Guzman, LPC

She was very helpful. Wish we could move forward with her but I appreciate her help navigating our next steps!

Parent of a 13 year old

1 day ago

Kayla Kimes
Provider:

Kayla Kimes, PMHNP

She made me comfortable and heard. I am really happy I scheduled my first therapy session with her.

An Adult client

1 day ago

Shanice Watson
Provider:

Shanice Watson, LPC-A

My daughter feels comfortable sharing with Ericka and is enjoying her sessions.

Parent of a 12 year old

1 day ago

Ericka Jarvis
Provider:

Ericka Jarvis, LCMHC-A

Was very attentive and caring

An Adult client

1 day ago

Kourtney Raven
Provider:

Kourtney Raven, LPC

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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