Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

It is totally normal, and even expected, for children and teens to test boundaries and defy authority every now and then. However, if the young person is displaying behavior that is excessive for their age and lasts longer than six months it may be oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). ODD is a behavior disorder that is characterized by a frequent and persistent pattern of anger, irritability, arguing, defiance and/or vindictiveness toward authority figures that disrupts activities school and/or home. ODD can vary is severity, from mild to severe, and typically begins to emerge during early childhood.  Therapy for ODD can help the child develop more effective coping skills and can also be helpful for parents struggling to parent a child with ODD.  If a child in your care is suffering from ODD (or you think they might be), reach out to one of TherapyDen’s ODD experts today.

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If you’re a parent of a toddler or preschooler, you might be feeling stuck in the daily power struggles and lost in the sea of conflicting parenting information about what to do. If you're an expecting or new parent, you might be struggling to manage your own stress, anxiety, or sleep problems. It is not uncommon for me to hear parents say, “I love my child, but it’s hard, because everything’s a fight.” A strategy session may be all you need to recalibrate a starting point and find your footing.

— Dr. Kristin Edwards, Psychologist in Tampa, FL

When children act out persistently so that it causes serious problems at home, in school, or with peers, they may be diagnosed with ODD. For younger children, the treatment with the strongest evidence is behavior therapy training for parents, where a therapist helps the parent learn effective ways to strengthen the parent-child relationship and respond to the child’s behavior. Dr. Edwards provides behavioral parent training online.

— Dr. Kristin Edwards, Psychologist in Tampa, FL
 

I am trained and certified in Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), which is for 2-7 year old's that may display anger/aggression, ADHD symptoms, and oppositional to commands. PCIT is an evidenced based model, which yields high success when utilized.

— Mark Lesniewski, Counselor in Erie, PA

I am trained to help children and parents with this disorder

— SUSAN RYAN-MICHALAK, Counselor in Palos Heights, IL
 

I have been trained in curriculums, intervention, and parenting practices that are aimed at assisting children experiencing and displaying anger, defiance, and/ or ADHD symptoms.

— Alexis Bird, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Bakersfield, CA

I have experience working in a school- based setting and offered crisis support to children and teens with a history of behavioral problems. Used the nationally recognized Teaching Family Model to assist youth with learning social skills, anger management, goal setting and basic living skills.

— Andrea Mooradian, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Gig Harbor, WA
 

I have a history of working with children with ODD and their parents. I work with both the client and their family to help them understand how to better communicate their needs to reduce fighting, aruging, and tears.

— Trevor Barger, Licensed Professional Counselor in Springfield, MO

You noticed the increasing presence of heightened emotions, refusal to follow directions, constant arguing, and difficulty getting along with others.

— Latasha Teamer, Licensed Professional Counselor in San Antonio, TX
 

I work with children and adolescents who struggle with ODD. I have a behavioral training background and believe in treating the whole child. That means for those who are diagnosed with ODD it impacts their home, school and the community. I work with all three of those areas, consulting and treating to make sure the child/adolescent receives the best care. ODD is a diagnosis that very easily can burn out families. I provide family/ caregiver support on treatment needs.

— Melissa Morehouse, Therapist in Beverly, MA