ODD therapy for kids, teens, & young adults
Specialized therapy that addresses the root causes of oppositional behavior.
Support for persistent defiance, emotional outbursts, and family conflict.
Insurance accepted. Appointments often available within days.
teens, & families
ODD, at a glance
ODD, at a glance
3.3%
About 3.3% of children and adolescents are diagnosed with ODD.
Often co-occurs
Many children with ODD also meet criteria for ADHD, anxiety, or depression.
Highly treatable
Children who receive evidence-based treatment show significant symptom reduction.
Understanding ODD
What ODD looks like and how it affects daily life.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder involves persistent patterns of angry mood, argumentative behavior, and defiance that significantly exceed what is typical for a child's age.
ODD is driven by genuine difficulty with emotional regulation and frustration tolerance, not willful misbehavior. A clinician evaluates patterns and considers co-occurring conditions.
More than defiance
ODD reflects real difficulty with emotional regulation, cognitive flexibility, and frustration tolerance.
Breaking the cycle
Therapy interrupts negative conflict cycles between parent and child, building cooperation instead.
Family-centered care
Parent training is essential. We equip families with strategies that reduce conflict and rebuild connection.
Common signs of ODD by age
Symptoms look different at every stage of development.
Young Children (4-7)
Frequent tantrums
Refuses to follow rules
Deliberately annoys others
Blames others for mistakes
School-Age (8-12)
Argues with adults constantly
Defies authority at school
Easily frustrated
Vindictive behavior
Teens (13-17)
Hostile toward authority
Refuses household responsibilities
Angry outbursts
Peer and school conflict
Young Adults (18-25)
Workplace authority conflicts
Relationship difficulties
Chronic irritability
Difficulty accepting feedback
How ODD therapy helps
Evidence-based strategies for emotional regulation, cooperation, and family harmony.
- Builds emotional regulation skills
- Teaches conflict resolution strategies
- Reduces oppositional and defiant behaviors
- Strengthens parent-child relationship
- Improves school and social functioning
Why families choose Emora
Specialized pediatric ODD care vs. general providers.
Other providers
Licensed pediatric and young adult clinicians
Generalist providers
Evidence-based parent management training
Programs not tailored to behavioral disorders
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 power struggles
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 ODD therapy.
All children push boundaries — it's part of growing up. ODD is different because the defiance is persistent (lasting 6 months or more), significantly more intense than what's typical for your child's age, and interferes with daily life at home, school, or with peers.
No. You don't need a formal ODD diagnosis to get started. Our specialists can evaluate your child's behavior patterns during the initial sessions and recommend the best treatment approach.
Most families see meaningful improvement within 12–16 sessions, especially when parent training is part of the plan. The timeline depends on your child's specific needs and how consistently strategies are practiced at home.
Yes — parent involvement is one of the most important factors in treating ODD. You'll participate in parent training sessions, receive regular updates, and learn strategies that make a real difference at home.
Yes, we accept most major insurance plans. We verify your coverage before your first appointment, and most families pay between $0 and $30 per session.
About 50% of children with ODD also have ADHD. Our therapists are experienced in treating both conditions together, creating integrated treatment plans that address attention, impulse control, and behavioral challenges simultaneously.
Yes. Research shows that 67% of children with ODD improve significantly with evidence-based treatment. The key is addressing the underlying emotional and skill deficits — not just the surface behavior.
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
ODD does not define your child
Structured, developmentally informed therapy can help build skills that last.
Not sure where to start? Book a clinical matching session.
