Therapy for behavioral challenges in kids, teens, & young adults
Evidence-based therapy that helps kids manage big emotions and build healthier behaviors.
Support for aggression, defiance, emotional outbursts, and disruptive behavior patterns.
Insurance accepted. Appointments often available within days.




teens, & families
Behavioral challenges, at a glance
Behavioral challenges, at a glance
7.4%
About 7.4% of children ages 3-17 have a diagnosed behavioral or conduct disorder.
Often co-occurs
Over half of children with behavioral disorders also have ADHD, anxiety, or depression.
Early help works
Early intervention leads to better outcomes for children and families.
Understanding behavioral challenges
What behavioral challenges look like and how they affect daily life.

Behavioral disorders involve persistent patterns of defiant, aggressive, or disruptive behavior that exceed what is typical for a child's age and significantly impact daily life.
Challenging behaviors are often symptoms of underlying struggles. A clinician evaluates root causes and considers co-occurring conditions.
Beyond the behavior
Challenging behaviors often signal underlying anxiety, ADHD, trauma, or difficulty with emotional regulation.
Skill-building focus
We teach emotional regulation, communication, and problem-solving rather than just suppressing behaviors.
Family-centered care
Parent training is critical. We equip families with practical strategies that transform daily dynamics.
Common behavioral challenges by age
Symptoms look different at every stage of development.

Young Children (4-7)
Frequent tantrums
Hitting, kicking, or biting
Difficulty following rules
Extreme emotional reactions
School-Age (8-12)
Defiance toward authority
Peer aggression
Property destruction
Blaming others constantly
Teens (13-17)
Hostile toward authority figures
Rule-breaking and risk-taking
Verbal aggression
School disciplinary issues
Young Adults (18-25)
Workplace conflict
Relationship difficulties
Chronic irritability
Difficulty accepting consequences
How behavioral therapy helps
Evidence-based strategies for emotional regulation, cooperation, and family harmony.
- Builds emotional regulation skills
- Teaches conflict resolution strategies
- Reduces aggressive and disruptive behaviors
- Strengthens parent-child relationship
- Supports school and social functioning

Why families choose Emora
Specialized pediatric behavioral care vs. general providers.
Other providers
Licensed pediatric and young adult clinicians
Generalist providers
Evidence-based behavioral interventions
Programs focused on behavior suppression only
Parent-inclusive model
Limited parent involvement
Addresses co-occurring ADHD and anxiety
Co-occurring conditions often missed
Insurance accepted
Insurance not always accepted
Virtual sessions reduce behavioral triggers
In-office visits can escalate behaviors
Get started in minutes
Three simple steps to connect with the right clinician.
- 1
Share what’s going on
Answer a few questions about symptoms and goals.
- 2
Verify coverage
See insurance estimates and available times.
- 3
Start sessions
Meet your clinician and begin building skills.

Frequently asked questions
What parents and young adults ask most about behavioral therapy.
All children act out sometimes. But when behavior is persistent, severe, or significantly disrupts home, school, or social life for 6 months or more, it may indicate a behavioral disorder. Signs include frequent aggression, chronic defiance, and difficulty responding to typical parenting strategies.
We treat oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), conduct disorder (CD), disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD), and general behavioral challenges. Many children we work with also have co-occurring ADHD or anxiety.
Extremely important. Research consistently shows that parent management training is the most effective treatment for childhood behavioral disorders. Your involvement isn't optional — it's the foundation of lasting improvement.
Most families see meaningful improvement within 12–16 sessions, especially when parent training strategies are practiced consistently at home. The timeline depends on the severity of behaviors and the consistency of implementation.
Yes, we accept most major insurance plans and verify your coverage upfront. Most families pay between $0 and $30 per session.
We work with many families in this situation. Our therapists can help your child develop the skills they need to succeed in structured environments, and we can provide strategies for working with schools to support your child's return.
Yes — behavioral therapy is the first-line treatment for most childhood behavioral disorders. Many children improve significantly with therapy and parent training alone. If medication is appropriate, our therapists can coordinate with your child's prescriber.
Real stories of growth
Every session is rated by parents. Our therapists maintain a 4.9+ average, because results matter.
She make my daughter feel exelente
Parent of a 13 year old
1 hour ago

Morgan Tulley, RCSWI
Very happy with Ms Tamika! My daughter looks forward to talking with her every week.
Parent of an 8 year old
13 hours ago

Tamika Brown, LPC
The coping skills exercise was very helpful
Parent of a 12 year old
13 hours ago

Shantel Rayford, LPC
She was excellent with my daughter and made her feel very comfortable for her first appointment. She was very nervous but opened up a lot with her.
Parent of a 6 year old
14 hours ago

Maygen Hicks, LCSW
My child felt comfortable the first visit. This is great news because she has tried plenty of counselors and therapist's.
Parent of a 13 year old
14 hours ago

Lillian Tinsley, RMCHI
We are so happy with Harper’s care. It feels thorough and well-planned.
Parent of a 13 year old
14 hours ago
Leah Medina, PMHNP, FNP
We love emora health. Ms. Jerome-Saintil is an amazing listener. She really tries to engage my child in the activities they are doing in their session. I'm hopeful that my child will take real life lessons from her.
Parent of a 10 year old
15 hours ago

Magdala Jerome-Saintil, LMHC
I think she will be very helpful with Harper. She was super kind
Parent of a 7 year old
15 hours ago

Nelda Hunt, LSW
Fabulous! Dr. Nitsch cares and is making a difference!
Parent of a 10 year old
15 hours ago

Dr. Liz Nitsch, PsyD
she was so patient kind and took her time to understand my son and his thoughts n thought process she was excellent
Parent of a 17 year old
15 hours ago

Lisa Raigeluw, LCSW
The session was fun! We read a story and did a worksheet activity! We talked about triggers and how anger can start. Chely is a great therapist! I would definitely recommend her! - From the 11 year old child
Parent of an 11 year old
16 hours ago

Chely Craig, LCSW-A
My son is very excited to begin!
Parent of a 7 year old
17 hours ago

Katherine Vasquez Lugo, RMHCI
She listens very well and has help me in her sessions.
Parent of a 15 year old
17 hours ago

Leah Malloy, LPC-A
She ought to understand what I was asking and looking for and provided it, which was mostly listening. And I found her insight about grief and grieving very helpful.
An Adult client
18 hours ago

Sandra Serna, LPC
Helped me find the perfect therapist!
Parent of a 13 year old
18 hours ago

Jennifer Clark, LCSW
She was super sweet and I can feel the improvement already. Made her feel cared for.
Parent of a 13 year old
18 hours ago

Shemise Michael, LPC
I came to Carrie with deep concerns about the aggression and violent episodes that have been really negatively impacting my other children so much so that one of my sons is so scared of his brother he has been staying at my parents house. She took it very seriously and started us on a new medication immediately. She really cares about the well being of the whole family not just her patient.
Parent of an 8 year old
20 hours ago

Carrie Colson, PMHNP
Stephanie knows how to guide us with our teenager and our teenager enjoyed her talks very much. Wonderful addition she is to have her!
Parent of a 12 year old
1 day ago

Stephanie Rodriguez, LPC-A
Behavior challenges do not define your child
Structured, developmentally informed therapy can help build skills that last.
Not sure where to start? Book a clinical matching session.





