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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.

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4.94
10k+ satisfied kids,
teens, & families
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  • Champ VA US Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Florida Blue
  • Baylor Scott and White
  • UMR
  • Oscar Health
  • Magellan

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.

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.

A young child, appearing about 5-8 years old, is seated at a wooden desk, looking intently at a laptop screen. An adult therapist is visible on the video call, suggesting an online therapy session in a calm, indoor setting.A smiling teen is comfortably sitting and using a laptop in a bright indoor space with large windows. The mood is relaxed and focused as they engage with their computer, with an iced drink visible nearby.Young girl with headphones on our tablet
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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.

Learn More

Core CBT techniques

Skills your child will learn in therapy.

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  • 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
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Conditions CBT treats

Where the research is strongest.

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  • 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.

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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

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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.

Find Care
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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.

Ms. Anes understood exactly where we were coming from and how to help us when it came to our daughter. Totally recommend her!!

Parent of a 9 year old

5 hours ago

Shannon Anes
Provider:

Shannon Anes, PMHNP

Amazing! My daughter gets so happy when it is a therapy day. Ms. Christi has made my daughter so comfortable and provides a safe place for her to be open and honest, free of judgement. I am so grateful that she is my child's therapist.

Parent of a 9 year old

8 hours ago

Christi Ford
Provider:

Christi Ford, LPC-A

TaKayah is awesome! Feels like talking to a friend.

An Adult client

10 hours ago

Takahya Mcintyre
Provider:

Takahya Mcintyre, LCSW

Laquana is the best of the best!

Parent of a 7 year old

11 hours ago

Laquana Richmond
Provider:

Laquana Richmond, LCMHC LPC LMHC LCAS CCS

Mrs. Katie is such a blessing. Thank you.

Parent of an 8 year old

13 hours ago

Katie Jones
Provider:

Katie Jones, CPNP-PC, PMHNP-BC

I think just hearing the confirmation was a bit challenging as well as emotional. I love the Drs kindness and patience, it’s something I don’t get to experience often. I like the descriptions provided in the paperwork as well.

An Adult client

18 hours ago

Dr. Apree Clicque
Provider:

Dr. Apree Clicque, PsyD

Ms. Campos is an awesome therapist. Never judgemental and always helpful.

An Adult client

23 hours ago

Catherine Campos
Provider:

Catherine Campos, LCSW

I love Ms. Morgan. Even when sessions are heavy I still laugh. Never felt more accepted !

An Adult client

1 day ago

Morgan Williams
Provider:

Morgan Williams, LPC

She did really great! Especially with my kids yelling and talking in the background. She didn't skip a beat.

An Adult client

1 day ago

Dr. Apree Clicque
Provider:

Dr. Apree Clicque, PsyD

She was very engaged, personable and attentive

Parent of a 10 year old

1 day ago

Lauren Galvin
Provider:

Lauren Galvin, RCSWI

Sammi loved getting to talk with you and feeling heard. Thank you so much for listening to her. She is very excited to work with you.

Parent of a 15 year old

1 day ago

Nancy Lozano
Provider:

Nancy Lozano, LPC

I liked playing jeopardy with Ms Melissa

Parent of a 10 year old

1 day ago

Melissa Bryant
Provider:

Melissa Bryant, LMHC-S

Thank you for working with me and my son

Parent of a 13 year old

1 day ago

Laquana Richmond
Provider:

Laquana Richmond, LCMHC LPC LMHC LCAS CCS

She is great and knowledgeable.

Parent of a 5 year old

1 day ago

Megan Lundy
Provider:

Megan Lundy, LCSW

Katie Jones was amazing, attentive and kind!

Parent of a 4 year old

1 day ago

Katie Jones
Provider:

Katie Jones, CPNP-PC, PMHNP-BC

Was a great session! Felt really understood and very comfortable with Susan!

Parent of a 1 year old

1 day ago

Susan Tyner
Provider:

Susan Tyner, LCSW

This is the first time I have done therapy and Morgan makes it so easy.

An Adult client

1 day ago

Morgan Williams
Provider:

Morgan Williams, LPC

First session with Jillian was great! She seems like she’ll be a great fit for my son! We look forward to work with her

Parent of a 9 year old

1 day ago

Jillian Kilburn
Provider:

Jillian Kilburn, LPC

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.

Find a clinician
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