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PTSD and trauma therapy for kids, teens, & young adults

Gentle, evidence-based therapy that helps kids process trauma and rebuild safety.

Support for PTSD, acute stress, complex trauma, and trauma-related behavioral changes.

Insurance accepted. Appointments often available within days.

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4.94
10k+ satisfied kids,
teens, & families
  • Anthem Blue Cross
  • aetna
  • blue cross
  • cigna
  • united healthcare
  • optum
  • tricare
  • Champ VA US Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Florida Blue
  • Baylor Scott and White
  • UMR
  • Oscar Health
  • Magellan

Childhood trauma, at a glance

2 in 3

Two in three children experience at least one traumatic event by age 16.

5-8%

Of children exposed to trauma develop PTSD, with higher rates for interpersonal trauma.

Highly treatable

Over 80% of children show significant improvement with trauma-focused CBT.

Understanding childhood trauma

What trauma looks like and how it affects daily life.

A young boy wearing a blue and white striped shirt sits on a sofa, looking down intently at something in front of him. An adult's hands are gently placed on his leg, suggesting a supportive and comforting interaction in a relaxed indoor setting.

Trauma is any experience that overwhelms a child's ability to cope. When children experience or witness frightening events, their developing brain can become stuck in a state of heightened alert.

A licensed clinician evaluates trauma responses across settings and considers overlapping conditions like anxiety or depression.

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Trauma-informed care

Every aspect of our care is designed with trauma sensitivity, from the safe virtual environment to our pacing.

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Evidence-based treatment

Trauma-Focused CBT is the gold standard for childhood PTSD, with decades of research supporting its effectiveness.

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Caregiver involvement

Parents participate in the healing process, learning how to support their child and manage their own responses.

Common signs of trauma by age

Symptoms look different at every stage of development.

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  • Young Children (4-7)

    Nightmares and sleep problems

    Regression in skills

    Clinginess and separation fears

    Repetitive play about the event

  • School-Age (8-12)

    Intrusive memories

    Avoidance of reminders

    Difficulty concentrating

    Guilt or self-blame

  • Teens (13-17)

    Emotional numbing

    Risk-taking behavior

    Social withdrawal

    Anger and irritability

  • Young Adults (18-25)

    Hypervigilance

    Relationship difficulties

    Avoidance patterns

    Flashbacks and dissociation

How trauma therapy helps

Evidence-based strategies for processing trauma and rebuilding safety.

  • Processes traumatic memories safely
  • Builds coping and stabilization skills
  • Reduces avoidance and hyperarousal
  • Strengthens emotional regulation
  • Restores sense of safety and trust
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Why families choose Emora

Specialized pediatric trauma care vs. general providers.

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Other providers

Licensed pediatric and young adult clinicians

Generalist providers

Trauma-Focused CBT specialists

Talk therapy without trauma training

Parent-inclusive model

Limited parent involvement

Safe virtual environment for processing

In-office visits can feel unsafe

Insurance accepted

Insurance not always accepted

Pacing adapted to each child's readiness

One-size-fits-all pacing

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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.

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Frequently asked questions

What parents and young adults ask most about trauma therapy.

PTSD in children involves re-experiencing the trauma (nightmares, flashbacks, or distressing memories), avoiding reminders, negative changes in mood or thinking, and being constantly on edge. If these symptoms persist for more than a month after a traumatic event and affect daily life, your child may benefit from trauma therapy.

No. You don't need a formal PTSD diagnosis. If your child has experienced something distressing and you're seeing changes in their behavior, mood, or functioning, our specialists can assess their needs and recommend the best approach.

TF-CBT is the gold-standard treatment for childhood PTSD, with over 80% of children showing significant improvement. It combines cognitive behavioral techniques with trauma-specific components to help children safely process their experience and develop coping skills.

TF-CBT typically involves 12–16 sessions. Some children may need additional sessions depending on the complexity of their trauma and their individual response to treatment.

Yes. All sessions are HIPAA-protected. Your child's therapist will provide age-appropriate updates to keep you informed of progress, while maintaining the trust and confidentiality your child needs to heal.

Yes — parent involvement is a key component of TF-CBT. You'll learn about trauma responses, develop skills to support your child at home, and participate in joint sessions when appropriate.

Yes, we accept most major insurance plans. We verify your coverage before your first session, and most families pay between $0 and $30 per session.

That's completely normal and expected. Our therapists are trained to work at your child's pace, using age-appropriate techniques that don't force disclosure. TF-CBT builds skills and safety before addressing the trauma directly.

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
Provider:

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
Provider:

Tamika Brown, LPC

The coping skills exercise was very helpful

Parent of a 12 year old

13 hours ago

Shantel Rayford
Provider:

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
Provider:

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
Provider:

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
Provider:

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
Provider:

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
Provider:

Nelda Hunt, LSW

Fabulous! Dr. Nitsch cares and is making a difference!

Parent of a 10 year old

15 hours ago

Dr. Liz Nitsch
Provider:

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
Provider:

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
Provider:

Chely Craig, LCSW-A

My son is very excited to begin!

Parent of a 7 year old

17 hours ago

Katherine Vasquez Lugo
Provider:

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
Provider:

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
Provider:

Sandra Serna, LPC

Helped me find the perfect therapist!

Parent of a 13 year old

18 hours ago

Jennifer Clark
Provider:

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
Provider:

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
Provider:

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
Provider:

Stephanie Rodriguez, LPC-A

Trauma 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.

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