Online SFBT therapy for kids, teens, & young adults
Focusing on solutions, strengths, and what's already working
SFBT helps young people find what to change, discover their strengths, and build real solutions. It usually takes fewer sessions than traditional therapy.
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
SFBT, at a glance
86% effective
Clients report positive outcomes in behavioral, emotional, and relational domains (Kim & Franklin, 2009).
3-6 sessions
Typical range for SFBT, one of the shortest evidence-based therapy approaches.
Strengths-based
Focuses on what is already working and amplifies it, rather than dwelling on problems.
What is SFBT?
How solution-focused brief therapy works for young people.
SFBT moves the conversation from problems to solutions. Instead of talking about what went wrong, it helps young people see their ideal future and plan next steps.
SFBT believes kids already have strengths and tools to make change. They just need help finding and using them. Teens like this way because it's not all about their problems.
SFBT was created by Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg. It's been studied a lot with kids, teens, and families.
Evidence-Based
Backed by clinical research and validated outcomes.
SFBT moves the conversation from problems to solutions. Instead of talking about what went wrong, it helps young people see their ideal future and plan next steps.
SFBT believes kids already have strengths and tools to make change. They just need help finding and using them. Teens like this way because it's not all about their problems.
SFBT was created by Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg. It's been studied a lot with kids, teens, and families.
Core SFBT techniques
The tools your child's therapist will use.
The Miracle Question
- Imagining life when the problem is solved
- Creating a vivid picture of the preferred future
- Identifying small signs of change already happening
- Building motivation through possibility-focused thinking
Scaling Questions
- Rating current progress on a 1-10 scale
- Identifying what's already working (even a little)
- Setting concrete, achievable next steps
- Tracking progress in a visual, tangible way
Exception Finding
- Discovering times the problem doesn't happen
- Identifying what's different during successful moments
- Amplifying existing strengths and coping strategies
- Building on natural competencies and resources
Complimenting & Coping
- Recognizing and affirming client strengths
- Highlighting resilience and past successes
- Coping questions that uncover hidden competence
- Building self-efficacy through acknowledgment
How SFBT helps
Real results for young people.
- Fast positive change in fewer sessions
- Builds belief in yourself and confidence
- Puts young people in charge of their own change
- Works for many types of behavior and emotion problems
- Teens like it because it's not all about problems
- Focuses on strengths, reduces shame
Who benefits from SFBT
Common applications for children and teens.
Behavioral & Academic
- School-related behavioral challenges
- Academic motivation and performance
- Goal-setting and future planning
- Adjustment to transitions
Emotional & Social
- Self-esteem and self-confidence
- Peer relationship difficulties
- Mild to moderate anxiety and depression
- Family communication challenges
Why families choose Emora for SFBT
Real SFBT therapists vs. others.
General providers
Therapists trained in SFBT methods
Problem-focused approach that can make kids feel worse
Strengths-based approach that gives power to young people
Focuses on what's wrong without building on strengths
Short, efficient therapy with clear goals
No set end date for therapy
Combined with other proven therapies when needed
Only one type of therapy without changes
Tracks progress from day one
Doesn't track results well
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 goals and what you'd like to see change.
- 2
Verify coverage
See insurance estimates and available appointment times.
- 3
Start therapy
Meet your matched therapist and start building on strengths from session one.
Frequently asked questions
What parents and young adults ask most about SFBT.
SFBT works with kids as young as 5 or 6 through adulthood. It changes based on age. Younger kids use pictures and play-based ideas. Teens talk about ideas.
Yes. Research shows SFBT works in 3 to 6 sessions for many problems. It's made to create quick change by using what's already working. Some kids need more sessions for harder problems.
No. SFBT sees the problem but focuses energy on solutions. It's based on research showing that talking about solutions works faster than deep analysis of the problem.
CBT looks at and changes thought patterns step by step. SFBT looks for times when the problem doesn't happen, sees a hoped-for future, and builds on strengths. SFBT is usually shorter and less strict than CBT.
Yes. SFBT works well with other types of therapy. Many therapists mix SFBT questions with CBT, DBT, or family therapy. The strengths focus works with almost any other proven therapy.
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
Your child already has what it takes to change
SFBT helps young people find their strengths and use them to solve problems.
Not sure where to start? Book a matching session.
