CBT therapy for kids, teens, & young adults
Structured, skills-based therapy that changes unhelpful thinking patterns
CBT helps kids and teens spot and change the negative thoughts behind anxiety, depression, and behavior problems.
Insurance accepted. Appointments often available within days.
teens, & families
CBT for kids and teens, at a glance
49% remission
Nearly half of children with anxiety fully recover with CBT, per the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.
12-16 sessions
Typical course of CBT for children and adolescents. One of the most time-efficient evidence-based therapies.
#1 recommended
First-line therapy for pediatric anxiety and depression by the American Academy of Pediatrics and NICE guidelines.
What is CBT?
How cognitive behavioral therapy works for young people.
CBT is a therapy that helps kids and teens see how their thoughts, feelings, and actions are linked.
Your child's therapist will work with them to find unhelpful thinking patterns and swap them for healthier, more realistic ones.
CBT is one of the most studied therapies. Studies show it works well for anxiety, depression, OCD, and behavior problems.
Evidence-Based
Backed by clinical research and validated outcomes.
CBT is a therapy that helps kids and teens see how their thoughts, feelings, and actions are linked.
Your child's therapist will work with them to find unhelpful thinking patterns and swap them for healthier, more realistic ones.
CBT is one of the most studied therapies. Studies show it works well for anxiety, depression, OCD, and behavior problems.
Core CBT techniques
Skills your child will learn in therapy.
Changing Thought Patterns
- Spotting negative thoughts as they happen
- Checking if those thoughts are true
- Replacing them with helpful ones
- Noticing thinking traps
Getting Active Again
- Planning fun and useful things to do
- Breaking the cycle of staying away
- Getting back into daily life step by step
- Seeing how doing more helps mood
Facing Fears Safely
- Slowly facing scary things with support
- Making a list from easy to hard
- Learning that worry fades on its own
- Building courage through small wins
Coping & Problem-Solving
- Calming and grounding tools
- Step-by-step ways to solve problems
- Ways to handle big feelings
- Plans to stop problems from coming back
How CBT helps
Evidence-based strategies for lasting change.
- Cuts worry by 50-60% on average
- Builds skills that last a lifetime
- Teaches ways to handle big feelings
- Helps at school and with friends
- Helps kids handle tough times on their own
- Includes parents as teammates
Conditions CBT treats
Where the research is strongest.
Anxiety & Fears
- Worry that won't stop
- Fear of social settings
- Specific fears (animals, heights, etc.)
- Fear of being away from parents
Mood & Behavior
- Depression
- OCD
- PTSD (with trauma-focused methods)
- Behavior problems
Why families choose Emora for CBT
Emora's CBT specialists vs. other providers.
General providers
CBT-trained therapists for kids and teens
Therapists may not have CBT training
Methods fitted to your child's age
Same approach for all ages
Parent coaching built into treatment
Little parent role
Clear goals and tracking in every session
No clear goals or structure
89% of clients improve within 5 sessions
No way to track progress
Get started in minutes
Three simple steps to connect with the right clinician.
- 1
Share what's going on
Tell us about your child's challenges and therapy goals.
- 2
Verify coverage
See insurance estimates and available appointment times.
- 3
Start therapy
Meet your matched CBT therapist and begin building skills.
Frequently asked questions
What parents and young adults ask most about CBT.
CBT works for kids ages 5 and up, but is most common for ages 7+. For younger kids, therapists use simpler, play-based methods.
Most kids finish CBT in 12 to 16 weekly sessions. Some see improvements in 4 to 6 sessions. You'll see progress every step of the way.
Yes. Practice between sessions is key. Tasks are right for their age and might be journals, tests, or trying new skills at home.
CBT is focused, skill-based, and goal-focused. Each session targets unhelpful thinking patterns and builds real skills. You track progress toward clear goals.
Yes. Research shows online CBT works as well as in-person for most kids. Emora therapists are trained in online CBT.
Real stories of growth
Every session is rated by parents. Our therapists maintain a 4.9+ average, because results matter.
The testing process for my child with Dr. Bunker went really well. Just like how she explained it would go.
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Dr. Nacona Bunker, PsyD
Korina has been very helpful with the therapy process for my child.
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Korina Herrera, LMHC
Korina is very patient even when my child is having a difficult time with the therapy session.
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Korina Herrera, LMHC
This was our initial visit with Dr. Bunker. She did a great job with explaining how the process would go. She also had great interaction with my child during the visit.
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Dr. Nacona Bunker, PsyD
Korina has been doing a great job with helping my child!
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Korina Herrera, LMHC
She was really extensive and didn’t leave anything out.
An Adult client
Jun 6, 2026
Dr. Apree Clicque, PsyD
The session was great! All of our concerns were addressed, we felt very heard, and it was an overall great experience
Parent of a 10 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Deann Harrison, PMHNP-BC
Ms Richardson took her time to listen to my son's perspective and concerns as well as my own. She is open-minded and patient. We appreciated her help today
Parent of a 15 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Runako Richardson, PMHNP
When she allowed both of us to speak and explained the next steps for our meeting in the future that was great . Thank you.
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Korina Herrera, LMHC
My daughter feels Dr. Jon has helped her more than any of her previous therapists. He does a great job with her.
Parent of a 10 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Dr. Jon Skidmore, PsyD
Dr. Williams truly gets me and he makes me feel like I can take care of myself without having to worry about it.
An Adult client
Jun 5, 2026
Franklin Williams, LCMHC
Navigating a separation from my spouse including children. Victoria does a great job helping us work through and process this.
An Adult client
Jun 5, 2026
Victoria Coffman, LPC-A
Elise is going above and beyond to understand my daughter so she can help her in the best way possible.
Parent of an 11 year old
Jun 5, 2026
Elise McDonald, LPC
Catherine was kind, empathetic, and a great listener. She balanced hearing our thoughts as parents while also ensuring our child was heard and valued.
Parent of a 12 year old
Jun 5, 2026
Catherine Campos, LCSW
So kind and a great listener. She has great patience with him.
Parent of a 10 year old
Jun 4, 2026
Erica Richardson, LCSW
My daughter instantly connected! She’s very excited to work with her
Parent of a 13 year old
Jun 4, 2026
Brianna Doran, LMHC
Dr.Bowes is awesome and a personable provider.
An Adult client
Jun 4, 2026
Dr. Jaclyn Bowes, PsyD
My son feels that this Dr is a great fit. First session and he’s already doing the 10 finger breathing exercise while feeling overwhelmed.
Parent of an 11 year old
Jun 4, 2026
Dr. Jon Skidmore, PsyD
Your child deserves evidence-based care
CBT gives young people tools to manage their thoughts and emotions. These skills last a lifetime.
Not sure where to start? Book a clinical matching session.
