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 Releasing pain and outdated beliefs from parts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.
Carrie is fantastic and helpful while we figure out what kind of medicine my daughter needs to be on. It’s a journey but she’s making it easy!
Parent of an 11 year old
Jul 13, 2026
Carrie Colson, PMHNP
She allowed us time to fully express our concerns and goals moving forward. My daughter feels like she will be easy to connect with and open up to. She looks forward to future sessions!
Parent of a 17 year old
Jul 13, 2026
Christina Avila, LPC
Milton is kind, patient, and very invested in my child's mental health. He's a great support to our 12-year-old and to our family.
Parent of a 12 year old
Jul 13, 2026
Milton Hernandez, LPC
Matt is really great and really is helping me see things from a different perspective and I really apperciate his help
An Adult client
Jul 13, 2026
Matt Dellon, RCSWI
Kendall said her session today was great. She is doing much better in a lot of areas of her life.
Parent of a 13 year old
Jul 13, 2026
Miranda Delehoy, LCSW
It was helpful to learn that Jennifer has experience with a wide range of ages and with neurodivergent children.
Parent of a 6 year old
Jul 13, 2026
Jennifer Onibudo, LPC
She is amazing and so flexible with our schedule and my son does really seem to be opening up to her!
Parent of a 7 year old
Jul 12, 2026
Korina Herrera, LMHC
Just starting out we will see how we go
Parent of a 10 year old
Jul 12, 2026
Dagmar Chinchilla, LCSW
I love Ms. April. She is an amazing therapist. I enjoy my sessions. Even when it gets hard. She’s insightful and knowledgeable.
An Adult client
Jul 11, 2026
April Medici, LMHC
Even though it was hard for him to express himself, he knows it will get easier
Parent of a 7 year old
Jul 11, 2026
Zi'nequa Parker, LSW
A very patient, unbiased, considerate woman! Excited to speak to her again
An Adult client
Jul 11, 2026
Shannon Anes, PMHNP
She was very easy to talk to and listened to what you had to say. She was very reassuring about the process and made sure to answer any questions and asked great questions to make sure she understood my child the best she could to give the best suggestion.
Parent of a 3 year old
Jul 11, 2026
Aishah Crosley, LPC
Michelle is absolutely the best! She is helping me with CPR training and it’s making such a difference!
Parent of a 5 year old
Jul 11, 2026
Michelle Yoo, LPC
Made my 10 year old and myself feel very comfortable and trusting in her care. Looking forward to our next session.
Parent of a 10 year old
Jul 11, 2026
Dr. Ana Zuniga, PsyD
I really have enjoyed my sessions with Carrie so far, in the past I’ve felt like my therapists weren’t a great fit and could tell from the first session or two. I feel like Carrie really cares about what I’m going through and is here to help me. I feel safe to talk to her and I’m excited to keep going through sessions with her and allowing her to help me with my challenges.
An Adult client
Jul 11, 2026
Carrie Cotter, LPC-A
Maria is a very good therapist. She makes you feel heard.
An Adult client
Jul 10, 2026
Maria Martinez, RMHCI
Nothing challenging. Maria was great talking to me and Ayda loved talking with her.
Parent of a 9 year old
Jul 10, 2026
Maria Cook, LCSW-A
Korina always is really helpful with advice
Parent of a 3 year old
Jul 10, 2026
Korina Herrera, LMHC
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.
