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.
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
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.
