Online IFS therapy for kids, teens, & young adults
Understanding and befriending every part of yourself
IFS therapy helps young people be kind to all parts of themselves, even the parts that feel like anxiety, anger, or self-blame.
Insurance accepted. Appointments often available within days.
Covered by insurance · Licensed clinicians · Start within 48 hours
Covered by insurance · Licensed clinicians · Start within 48 hours
teens, & families
IFS therapy, at a glance
92% recover
Participants in IFS trials for PTSD no longer met diagnostic criteria after 16 sessions (Journal of Traumatic Stress).
16 sessions
Typical course in clinical trials, though many clients benefit from shorter or longer treatment.
Ages 6+
With age-appropriate adaptations. IFS uses concepts like parts, protectors, and Self that kids find intuitive.
What is IFS?
How internal family systems therapy works.
IFS is therapy based on the idea that our minds have different parts. Each part has feelings, beliefs, and a role to play.
In IFS, behaviors that seem bad are actually parts trying to protect us. Instead of fighting anxiety or anger, kids learn what these parts need and become kind to them.
At the heart of IFS is your true self. Your self is calm, curious, kind, and confident. Therapy helps young people find this true self and use it to understand and heal their parts.
Evidence-Based
Backed by clinical research and validated outcomes.
IFS is therapy based on the idea that our minds have different parts. Each part has feelings, beliefs, and a role to play.
In IFS, behaviors that seem bad are actually parts trying to protect us. Instead of fighting anxiety or anger, kids learn what these parts need and become kind to them.
At the heart of IFS is your true self. Your self is calm, curious, kind, and confident. Therapy helps young people find this true self and use it to understand and heal their parts.
Core IFS concepts
The language and framework of internal family systems.
Parts & Self
- Managers. Parts that try to control and prevent pain
- Firefighters. Parts that react impulsively to overwhelm
- Exiles. Young, wounded parts carrying pain and memories
- Self. The core of calm, curiosity, and compassion
The IFS Process
- Identifying and getting to know different parts
- Understanding what each part is trying to protect
- Developing Self-leadership and inner trust
- Unburdening. Releasing pain and outdated beliefs from parts
Child & Teen Adaptations
- Using art, play, and storytelling to explore parts
- Age-appropriate language for the IFS framework
- Externalizing parts through drawing or figurines
- Making the internal world tangible and safe to explore
How IFS helps
Real results for young people.
- Greatly reduces PTSD symptoms
- Builds kindness toward yourself and cuts down on self-blame
- Improves how you notice and manage emotions
- Builds strength to handle hard things
- Fixes problems at the root, not just on the surface
- Creates lasting changes in how you see yourself
Who benefits from IFS
Common applications for children and teens.
Emotional & Trauma
- PTSD and complex trauma
- Anxiety and worry
- Depression and low self-worth
- Self-criticism and perfectionism
Identity & Relationships
- Identity exploration and self-understanding
- Family relationship challenges
- Emotional reactivity and anger
- Grief and loss processing
Why families choose Emora for IFS
Real IFS therapists vs. others.
General providers
Therapists trained and certified in IFS
Therapists without formal IFS training
Changed for kids and teens of all ages
Adult IFS used without changes for kids
Combined with other proven therapies
Only one type of therapy without flexibility
Uses 'parts' approach that makes sense to kids
Focused on diagnosing problems, not understanding parts
Focuses on healing, not labeling kids as sick
Manages symptoms without fixing the root problem
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 what you've noticed.
- 2
Verify coverage
See insurance estimates and available appointment times.
- 3
Start therapy
Meet your matched IFS therapist and begin exploring the inner world.
Frequently asked questions
What parents and young adults ask most about IFS.
IFS works with kids as young as 6 with changes for their age. Kids naturally understand the 'parts' idea. They often already talk about different parts of themselves. Teens and young adults like IFS too.
No. Everyone has different personality parts. That's normal. We all have mixed feelings and thoughts. IFS just gives us a way to understand and work with these natural internal differences.
CBT tries to change thoughts and actions. IFS tries to develop kindness toward all your parts. Instead of fighting unhelpful thoughts, IFS tries to understand what those thoughts are protecting and heal the deeper hurt.
Research studies usually look at 16 sessions. In real life, some kids need fewer sessions, others need more. Your therapist will check in about progress and goals regularly.
Yes. IFS works well online because much of the work is inside your mind, guided imagery, and talking with your parts. Many teens like the privacy and comfort of online sessions.
Real stories of growth
Every session is rated by parents. Our therapists maintain a 4.9+ average, because results matter.
I already see a positive change in my daughter, she seems lighter and happier after only two sessions!
Parent of a 14 year old
Jul 22, 2026
Elsie Peña, LPC
Very nice my son likes his therapist and said she really helps
Parent of a 12 year old
Jul 22, 2026
Rita Montoya-Gomez, LPC
EP really enjoyed the games! I like the calming box idea and the tips to help her during difficult times.
Parent of an 8 year old
Jul 22, 2026
Tracey-Ann Hutchinson, LMHC
She was very understanding and sweet toward my daughter during their session. She was understanding to our reasons for having to switch providers, and made it work very easily with our future schedule.
Parent of a 9 year old
Jul 22, 2026
Korina Herrera, LMHC
Mrs. Johnson is a wonderful and safe space for my daughter’s healing.
Parent of a 9 year old
Jul 22, 2026
Tameka Johnson, LPC
She provided great information, was transparent throughout the entire process, and took the time to make sure she would be a good fit for my daughter before moving forward. That really gave me confidence that her priority was making sure my daughter received the support she needed. My daughter also felt comfortable with her right away, which made the experience even better.
Parent of an 8 year old
Jul 22, 2026
Katennia Thomas, LPC
Great experience - she listened and provided helpful tools
An Adult client
Jul 21, 2026
Treshana Lewis, LCSW
He is so helpful.I mean, I appreciate everything he does for my family
Parent of a 7 year old
Jul 21, 2026
Bart Liles, LPC. LMFT
Lana was amazing with my daughter. My daughter felt heard, validated, and supported.
Parent of a 10 year old
Jul 21, 2026
Lana Rodriguez, LPC
Very open and transparent, didn't tell me what I waned to hear but what I needed to hear. Very comforting and understanding and does what she can to come to a shared agreement about medication route.
An Adult client
Jul 21, 2026
Shannon Anes, PMHNP
Jahn Quattlebaum, our family therapist, has been an absolute gamechanger, by providing us with a safe, compassionate space to communicate and truly hear one another.
An Adult client
Jul 21, 2026
Jahn Quattlebaum, LPC
It was a great session. Nico practiced expressing his feelings to his dad when he felt sad and hurt. He was standing up for himself.
Parent of a 6 year old
Jul 21, 2026
Jacqueline Castaneda, LPC
She was wonderful and my daughter responded well and was able to talk openly. Alyssa gave us some techniques that we both are excited to try. My daughter was nervous before she began but now she is looking forward to her next session.
Parent of a 9 year old
Jul 21, 2026
Alyssa Jimenez-Solis, LCSW
Great listener and helped set realistic goals to help achieve more positive outcomes!
An Adult client
Jul 21, 2026
Paola Oseguera, LPC-Associate
Very personable, makes the session welcoming and comfortable place to be
An Adult client
Jul 21, 2026
Kayla Goodwin, LPC
Teah is very patient and attentive; her demeanor makes it possible to process and communicate in a very comfortable and safe environment.
An Adult client
Jul 21, 2026
Teah Polvado, LCSW
I feel like my therapist is very good at what she does, and is very kind. I go into each meeting expecting a welcoming environment, and I get what I expected and more. (From the 15yo)
Parent of a 15 year old
Jul 20, 2026
MaryBeth Borreca, LCMHC, LMHC
Charlene is always so welcoming and provides helpful strategies to manage ADHD and anxiety. She helps my 9 year old get focused and makes the session bith informative and fun. Her breathing techniques help him relax.
Parent of a 9 year old
Jul 20, 2026
Charlene Childs, LPC-A
Every part of your child has a purpose
IFS helps young people learn that hard emotions are trying to help. It teaches them to lead from a place of calm and kindness.
Not sure where to start? Book a matching session.
