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.
CBT for kids and teens, at a glance
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.
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.
We love Amanda! It's been over a month- seeing positive results
Parent of an 11 year old
1 hour ago
Amanda Crabtree, LMHC
Evelyn said she was really happy with the session.
Parent of a 9 year old
6 hours ago
Dr. Maritza Rodriguez, LPC-S, CCST
I like the fact that she suggested that we should do ADHD testing and I like that she was asking him questions that were making him think a little about his answers. It was very helpful and it sparked discussion for us afterwards
Parent of a 12 year old
7 hours ago
Shannon Anes, PMHNP
I love Quenton Kayd! I’ve had 18 sessions with him and he has helped me so much! He also takes the time to see things from my perspective and it means so much!
An Adult client
10 hours ago
Quenton Kayd, LPC
Ann is an excellent therapist. She’s been helping my daughter through her anxiety and her thoughtful and insightful guidance has had a meaningful impact on my daughter and managing her anxiety.
Parent of an 11 year old
22 hours ago
Ann Marie Driver, LCMHC-A
She’s very charismatic and easy to talk to. My daughter told me she likes her
Parent of a 13 year old
1 day ago
Katherine Vasquez Lugo, RMHCI
Catherine was warm and welcoming!
Parent of a 10 year old
1 day ago
Catherine Campos, LCSW
My therapist was absolutely amazing I already can tell she is going to help me a lot!
An Adult client
1 day ago
Laura Doocy, LPC-A
Milton is very understanding and listened to my son rattle on and on lol and they're was no rush.
Parent of an 11 year old
1 day ago
Milton Hernandez, LPC
JoeAnn Allen gave us key ways to handle some problems, we appreciate her very much
Parent of a 14 year old
1 day ago
JoeAnn Allen, RMHCI
Rating on behalf of my daughter. She's always in a better mood when she talks with Korina! ✨
Parent of a 14 year old
1 day ago
Korina Herrera, LMHC
My son connects so well with Nathalie. He was skeptical at first now he sets up 10 mind before the session in anticipation for their talk time.
Parent of a 10 year old
2 days ago
Nathalie Fernandez Mendez, LCMHC-A, LMHC
Richard was excellent during my child´s session today. He was very informative, attentive, and truly focused on our specific needs. You can tell he genuinely cares and takes the time to listen and understand. We’re looking forward to future appointments and seeing growth with his support.
Parent of a 6 year old
2 days ago
Richard Reyes, LPC-Associate
The coping mechanism you gave me felt extremely helpful
An Adult client
2 days ago
Marise Jimenez, RMHCI
Very attentive and caring. Took the time out to help us find the right therapist.
Parent of a 16 year old
2 days ago
Jennifer Guzman, LPC
great person easy to talk to. very attentive.
An Adult client
2 days ago
Dr. Joel Bell, PsyD
Sarah is incredible with my 7 year old. So great at building rapport and bringing in coping strategies.
Parent of a 7 year old
2 days ago
Sarah Newton, LMSW
Helped my child open up and feel more self confidence
Parent of a 6 year old
2 days ago
Korina Herrera, LMHC
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.
