Behavioral Issues Therapists in Chattanooga, TN

Photo of Hillary Mossburg, Licensed Professional Counselor in Chattanooga, TN
Hillary Mossburg
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
Chattanooga, TN 37404
I enjoy working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. I utilize an integrative approach to therapy and take a trauma-informed, family systems perspective. I have experience working with the following issues: childhood behavioral disorders, trauma, anxiety, depression, relational/interpersonal issues, spirituality issues, self-esteem, grief and loss, adjustment and phase of life issues. I believe that all individuals are worthy to be known and I enjoy getting to know about the uniqueness of each individual and family in a safe therapeutic environment.
I enjoy working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. I utilize an integrative approach to therapy and take a trauma-informed, family systems perspective. I have experience working with the following issues: childhood behavioral disorders, trauma, anxiety, depression, relational/interpersonal issues, spirituality issues, self-esteem, grief and loss, adjustment and phase of life issues. I believe that all individuals are worthy to be known and I enjoy getting to know about the uniqueness of each individual and family in a safe therapeutic environment.
(423) 205-5762 View (423) 205-5762
Photo of Marcus R Perez, Licensed Professional Counselor in Chattanooga, TN
Marcus R Perez
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
Chattanooga, TN 37421
I incorporate multiple modalities within my practice including Applied Behavior Analysis, REBT, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and Systems Theory to ensure a holistic perspective to helping others.
When people experience life stressors or trauma, it's not uncommon for their lives to feel like they're unraveling. My passion is to use a solution focused methods to set goals and improve client outcomes. Many people want answers, and I enjoy helping others find answers. I enjoy exploring solutions through recognizing how life experiences impact behavior patterns.
I incorporate multiple modalities within my practice including Applied Behavior Analysis, REBT, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and Systems Theory to ensure a holistic perspective to helping others.
When people experience life stressors or trauma, it's not uncommon for their lives to feel like they're unraveling. My passion is to use a solution focused methods to set goals and improve client outcomes. Many people want answers, and I enjoy helping others find answers. I enjoy exploring solutions through recognizing how life experiences impact behavior patterns.
(765) 523-4816 View (765) 523-4816
Photo of Danielle M McDonough, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Chattanooga, TN
Danielle M McDonough
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37402  (Online Only)
If you identify with any of the above questions, give yourself a shout out for finding a specialist who helps kids ages 2 to 8 years with behavioral and emotional concerns.
Have the terrible 2's never stopped or gotten worse after your child turned 2.5 yrs? Do you have a young child with more frequent, long, or intense temper tantrums and behavior problems than is expected for the child’s age? Does your child seem to get a thrill out of purposely annoying others, get in trouble regularly at preschool, or react with defiance and aggression to adult requests and limits? Or, is your child so anxious that you are dreading daycare or school drop offs because your child has to be pried off of you? Is your child struggling to adjust to a transition like parents’ divorce, a new sibling, grief, or trauma?
If you identify with any of the above questions, give yourself a shout out for finding a specialist who helps kids ages 2 to 8 years with behavioral and emotional concerns.
Have the terrible 2's never stopped or gotten worse after your child turned 2.5 yrs? Do you have a young child with more frequent, long, or intense temper tantrums and behavior problems than is expected for the child’s age? Does your child seem to get a thrill out of purposely annoying others, get in trouble regularly at preschool, or react with defiance and aggression to adult requests and limits? Or, is your child so anxious that you are dreading daycare or school drop offs because your child has to be pried off of you? Is your child struggling to adjust to a transition like parents’ divorce, a new sibling, grief, or trauma?
(423) 564-4642 View (423) 564-4642
Photo of Kate Rustand in Chattanooga, TN
Kate Rustand
MEd, CMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37419
I am trauma-focused and offer a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focused treatment as well as am EMDR trained.
Hi! I’m Kate. If you’re here, you’re already brave. It takes tremendous bravery and courage to seek professional help, to sit with and process some feelings of hurt. I believe it to be an incredible privilege to work as a counselor. To be trusted with some of the most vulnerable places in an individual’s life is an honor and I will uphold your story with integrity. I believe in the concept of wellness, in healing the whole person rather than a diagnosis or a problem. I consider counseling to be beneficial for all people, regardless of what may bring someone into my space. I would love to work together towards a journey of healing!
I am trauma-focused and offer a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focused treatment as well as am EMDR trained.
Hi! I’m Kate. If you’re here, you’re already brave. It takes tremendous bravery and courage to seek professional help, to sit with and process some feelings of hurt. I believe it to be an incredible privilege to work as a counselor. To be trusted with some of the most vulnerable places in an individual’s life is an honor and I will uphold your story with integrity. I believe in the concept of wellness, in healing the whole person rather than a diagnosis or a problem. I consider counseling to be beneficial for all people, regardless of what may bring someone into my space. I would love to work together towards a journey of healing!
(423) 933-2628 View (423) 933-2628
Photo of Angie (Angelique) Davis, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Chattanooga, TN
Angie (Angelique) Davis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chattanooga, TN 37402
I provide play therapy & I have experience with parenting, behavior management, troubled teens, self-harm, helping kids and adults navigate the life changes of divorce, anger management with kids/teens, child abuse, anxiety/depression, & ADHD.
Life can be hard, and sometimes we need some extra help and support to get through those difficult times. Whether it's dealing with young children or teenagers, relationship or family issues, anxiety or depression, the challenges of college life or jobs, or the curve ball that life throws at us, it can be stressful to manage, and can be helpful to have someone outside of the situation to talk with.
I provide play therapy & I have experience with parenting, behavior management, troubled teens, self-harm, helping kids and adults navigate the life changes of divorce, anger management with kids/teens, child abuse, anxiety/depression, & ADHD.
Life can be hard, and sometimes we need some extra help and support to get through those difficult times. Whether it's dealing with young children or teenagers, relationship or family issues, anxiety or depression, the challenges of college life or jobs, or the curve ball that life throws at us, it can be stressful to manage, and can be helpful to have someone outside of the situation to talk with.
(615) 235-1628 View (615) 235-1628
Photo of Jeigh Billingy, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Chattanooga, TN
Jeigh Billingy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37421  (Online Only)
Are you dealing with an emotional or behavioral issue? Do you find that your family or immediate support system is difficult to navigate? Do you feel stuck or unsure of your next move? Do you deal with severe trauma from an experience that holds you back from your best life? Let me help you find more confidence, clarity and self love - reach out!.
Life is complex. There are issues from childhood experiences, major life transitions, mental and physical health, failures, and hopes and dreams that you may face. With these issues, it can be difficult to understand how to get where you're going, or even where you want to go. These issues can impact your life on every level. These levels can be personal, professional, social, emotional, physical, societal, spiritual, cultural or even undefined. Together, let's work to find balance, purpose, intention, clarity, healing, your voice... and even a "game plan" to help you cope with and live your best life.
Are you dealing with an emotional or behavioral issue? Do you find that your family or immediate support system is difficult to navigate? Do you feel stuck or unsure of your next move? Do you deal with severe trauma from an experience that holds you back from your best life? Let me help you find more confidence, clarity and self love - reach out!.
Life is complex. There are issues from childhood experiences, major life transitions, mental and physical health, failures, and hopes and dreams that you may face. With these issues, it can be difficult to understand how to get where you're going, or even where you want to go. These issues can impact your life on every level. These levels can be personal, professional, social, emotional, physical, societal, spiritual, cultural or even undefined. Together, let's work to find balance, purpose, intention, clarity, healing, your voice... and even a "game plan" to help you cope with and live your best life.
(423) 621-4249 View (423) 621-4249
Photo of Aptitude Behavioral Services, LLC in Chattanooga, TN
Aptitude Behavioral Services, LLC
MEd, BCBA, LBA
Verified Verified
Chattanooga, TN 37421
Waitlist for new clients
I started Aptitude Behavioral Services, LLC to service school-age children in the East TN area. I love working with children through pre-teen ages and have also worked with a few higher-functioning teenagers. My typical day involves working with families that face challenges with behavior and working directly with children to decrease these behaviors while building skill deficits. I enjoy including family in my sessions and want to empower caregivers and family members so that they are equipped to handle behavioral challenges.
I started Aptitude Behavioral Services, LLC to service school-age children in the East TN area. I love working with children through pre-teen ages and have also worked with a few higher-functioning teenagers. My typical day involves working with families that face challenges with behavior and working directly with children to decrease these behaviors while building skill deficits. I enjoy including family in my sessions and want to empower caregivers and family members so that they are equipped to handle behavioral challenges.
(423) 438-1372 View (423) 438-1372
Photo of Heal and Hope Counseling Services, LLC, Licensed Professional Counselor in Chattanooga, TN
Heal and Hope Counseling Services, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, MFT, LPC, CTMH, CCTP
Verified Verified
Chattanooga, TN 37401
We are more than a business, we are a ministry to any who come to us in need for help. We have multiple counselors: Glyndora Condon MS MFT LPC CTMH, CCTP EMDRIA ACS: specializing in behavioral, relational (marriage, couple, children, friendships) emotional, trauma, anger, autism, domestic violence, life transitions, dissociative, addictions, and provides certified classes for DV, Anger, A&D, and Parenting; also Kelly Brownlow, MS SW, who specializes Family/Children/Adolescent and behavioral issues. Amanda Teague MSW, trauma and DID; Lakita Quarles, LME; Family, adolescents, A&D issues. Cierra Cannaly MFT-Child and adult, multi-issue
We are more than a business, we are a ministry to any who come to us in need for help. We have multiple counselors: Glyndora Condon MS MFT LPC CTMH, CCTP EMDRIA ACS: specializing in behavioral, relational (marriage, couple, children, friendships) emotional, trauma, anger, autism, domestic violence, life transitions, dissociative, addictions, and provides certified classes for DV, Anger, A&D, and Parenting; also Kelly Brownlow, MS SW, who specializes Family/Children/Adolescent and behavioral issues. Amanda Teague MSW, trauma and DID; Lakita Quarles, LME; Family, adolescents, A&D issues. Cierra Cannaly MFT-Child and adult, multi-issue
(423) 380-0204 View (423) 380-0204
Photo of Erin K White, Licensed Professional Counselor in Chattanooga, TN
Erin K White
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP, MAMFTC
Verified Verified
Chattanooga, TN 37415
I use an integrative and holistic approach — drawing from Internal Family Systems, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, HRV Biofeedback, and my Level 1 Gottman Method Couples Therapy training, and other approaches.
I use my training and years of experience to build relationships with clients that produce wholeness and healing. I believe the care, trust, and honesty in the counseling relationship can help people move from surviving (maybe just barely) to thriving. I want my clients to experience renewal in their lives.
I use an integrative and holistic approach — drawing from Internal Family Systems, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, HRV Biofeedback, and my Level 1 Gottman Method Couples Therapy training, and other approaches.
I use my training and years of experience to build relationships with clients that produce wholeness and healing. I believe the care, trust, and honesty in the counseling relationship can help people move from surviving (maybe just barely) to thriving. I want my clients to experience renewal in their lives.
(423) 205-1264 View (423) 205-1264
Photo of Joyre A Montgomery, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Chattanooga, TN
Joyre A Montgomery
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37421  (Online Only)
I enjoy working with clients who are experiencing issues related to family conflict, couples, parent and child disconnect, foster care/ adoption, self love, depression, anxiety, grief, postpartum issues, parenthood, personality disorders, mood disorders, behavioral challenges, adjustment, intrapersonal conflict, setting healthy boundaries, building lasting relationships, trauma, personal identities and other areas.
I enjoy working with clients who are experiencing issues related to family conflict, couples, parent and child disconnect, foster care/ adoption, self love, depression, anxiety, grief, postpartum issues, parenthood, personality disorders, mood disorders, behavioral challenges, adjustment, intrapersonal conflict, setting healthy boundaries, building lasting relationships, trauma, personal identities and other areas.
(423) 436-9962 View (423) 436-9962
Photo of Patrick Nelson, Marriage & Family Therapist Intern in Chattanooga, TN
Patrick Nelson
Marriage & Family Therapist Intern, MS, MFT-I
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37421
Waitlist for new clients
Life can be overwhelming, and it is easy to feel lost or alone. Maybe you feel stuck or trapped with whatever situation you find yourself in now. You may not know what your next steps are, but you know you want things to be different. The mountain that you want to climb is right there, but taking those first steps seems terrifying. I want you to know that there is hope. That your current struggles do not have to be part of your future reality. I’m passionate about helping individuals gain insight into themselves in their patterns of behavior, which helps them develop new coping skills and strategies to navigate life's challenges.
Life can be overwhelming, and it is easy to feel lost or alone. Maybe you feel stuck or trapped with whatever situation you find yourself in now. You may not know what your next steps are, but you know you want things to be different. The mountain that you want to climb is right there, but taking those first steps seems terrifying. I want you to know that there is hope. That your current struggles do not have to be part of your future reality. I’m passionate about helping individuals gain insight into themselves in their patterns of behavior, which helps them develop new coping skills and strategies to navigate life's challenges.
(423) 250-1320 View (423) 250-1320
Photo of Jacqueline O'Dell, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Chattanooga, TN
Jacqueline O'Dell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chattanooga, TN 37404  (Online Only)
Jackie utilizes therapy modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mindfulness techniques, and more as appropriat.
Jackie is a Licensed Clinical Psychotherapist (LCPT) with over 25 years of experience working with adults, including individuals, families, couples, seniors, people with disabilities, dancers, and athletes. Her expertise has supported those experiencing the loss of a loved one, dramatic life changes, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma, eating disorders, and gender issues, as well as end-of-life issues.
Jackie utilizes therapy modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mindfulness techniques, and more as appropriat.
Jackie is a Licensed Clinical Psychotherapist (LCPT) with over 25 years of experience working with adults, including individuals, families, couples, seniors, people with disabilities, dancers, and athletes. Her expertise has supported those experiencing the loss of a loved one, dramatic life changes, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma, eating disorders, and gender issues, as well as end-of-life issues.
(423) 205-6758 View (423) 205-6758
Photo of Michelle Waldrop (Johnson), Pre-Licensed Professional in Chattanooga, TN
Michelle Waldrop (Johnson)
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA-CMHC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37404
I am passionate about story, visual arts, paying attention to attachment wounds, and a holistic view of the person as emotional, spiritual, and physical. I enjoy using therapeutic art practices with my clients to explore many aspects of hurt and healing. I have several years of experience working in mental and behavioral health treatment, with a variety of ages. I currently desire to work with adolescents and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, OCD, codependency, trauma post-traumatic stress, and other life stressors. I believe we are formed by both the things we have experienced and the relationships we have been a part of.
I am passionate about story, visual arts, paying attention to attachment wounds, and a holistic view of the person as emotional, spiritual, and physical. I enjoy using therapeutic art practices with my clients to explore many aspects of hurt and healing. I have several years of experience working in mental and behavioral health treatment, with a variety of ages. I currently desire to work with adolescents and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, OCD, codependency, trauma post-traumatic stress, and other life stressors. I believe we are formed by both the things we have experienced and the relationships we have been a part of.
(423) 250-9433 View (423) 250-9433
Photo of Jordan Cody Manning, Marriage & Family Therapist in Chattanooga, TN
Jordan Cody Manning
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37415
I work with adolescents and adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, low self esteem, grief, family conflict, anger, life transitions, and marital issues. I enjoy working with clients who desire to have someone help them in navigating these issues and finding their own unique path to wholeness. I strive to create an environment of genuine acceptance that promotes a sense of safety and encouragement for personal and familial growth. I have had over four years of experience focused on working with younger adolescents and their families addressing conflict, behavior problems, and family relationship dynamics.
I work with adolescents and adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, low self esteem, grief, family conflict, anger, life transitions, and marital issues. I enjoy working with clients who desire to have someone help them in navigating these issues and finding their own unique path to wholeness. I strive to create an environment of genuine acceptance that promotes a sense of safety and encouragement for personal and familial growth. I have had over four years of experience focused on working with younger adolescents and their families addressing conflict, behavior problems, and family relationship dynamics.
(423) 436-8252 View (423) 436-8252
Photo of Sam Wolfe, Pre-Licensed Professional in Chattanooga, TN
Sam Wolfe
Pre-Licensed Professional, MEd
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37419
He employs Solution Focused, Cognitive Behavioral, and Systems approaches to help his clients develop meaningful progress in addressing some of life's most challenging problems.
Sam has extensive experience walking alongside people facing some of life's most difficult circumstances. His desire is to enable his clients to grow into their best selves possible. Sam is well equipped to walk his clients through depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and more. Sam has been trained in EMDR.
He employs Solution Focused, Cognitive Behavioral, and Systems approaches to help his clients develop meaningful progress in addressing some of life's most challenging problems.
Sam has extensive experience walking alongside people facing some of life's most difficult circumstances. His desire is to enable his clients to grow into their best selves possible. Sam is well equipped to walk his clients through depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and more. Sam has been trained in EMDR.
(423) 933-2575 View (423) 933-2575
Photo of Blake Feagans, Licensed Professional Counselor in Chattanooga, TN
Blake Feagans
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37411
With trust as the foundation, I utilize Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, interpersonal therapy, and mindfulness practices.
I specialize in providing therapeutic services to individuals across various age groups, addressing concerns like: trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, relational challenges, academic difficulties, spirituality, sexual addiction, identity exploration, and grief. My approach is rooted in relational therapy, emphasizing the significance of authentic connections and mutual accountability in the healing process. I find fulfillment in assisting individuals who struggle to establish meaningful connections and are often marginalized or labeled as challenging. Additionally, I offer specialized weekly group support for male sex addiction.
With trust as the foundation, I utilize Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, interpersonal therapy, and mindfulness practices.
I specialize in providing therapeutic services to individuals across various age groups, addressing concerns like: trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, relational challenges, academic difficulties, spirituality, sexual addiction, identity exploration, and grief. My approach is rooted in relational therapy, emphasizing the significance of authentic connections and mutual accountability in the healing process. I find fulfillment in assisting individuals who struggle to establish meaningful connections and are often marginalized or labeled as challenging. Additionally, I offer specialized weekly group support for male sex addiction.
(423) 403-3553 View (423) 403-3553
Photo of Sharon Ratchford, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Chattanooga, TN
Sharon Ratchford
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37405
Life can bring overwhelming challenges. I understand the struggle and mixed emotions. Choosing a therapist during this time can also be difficult but, together, we can work to make this time manageable as we gain understanding of daily conflicts and concerns. I begin each therapeutic relationship based on empathy, compassion and trust while providing a comfortable, safe environment to establish goals, build healthier relationships and achieve life changes. I use resources from cognitive behavior along with other integrative approaches to meet individual needs and help find productive solutions to daily struggles.
Life can bring overwhelming challenges. I understand the struggle and mixed emotions. Choosing a therapist during this time can also be difficult but, together, we can work to make this time manageable as we gain understanding of daily conflicts and concerns. I begin each therapeutic relationship based on empathy, compassion and trust while providing a comfortable, safe environment to establish goals, build healthier relationships and achieve life changes. I use resources from cognitive behavior along with other integrative approaches to meet individual needs and help find productive solutions to daily struggles.
(423) 455-5959 View (423) 455-5959
Photo of Abby Fowler, Pre-Licensed Professional in Chattanooga, TN
Abby Fowler
Pre-Licensed Professional, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
Chattanooga, TN 37404
I am certified to utilize Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and am working towards becoming a registered play therapist.
When children experience big emotions, they usually do not know how to talk about them. Play is how children learn and communicate. Children teach us so much about their inner world if we just watch them play. I am passionate about helping kids have a better understanding of their emotions and how to regulate them. It is also important for caregivers to feel supported and to learn tools that can help them and their child have a positive relationship.
I am certified to utilize Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and am working towards becoming a registered play therapist.
When children experience big emotions, they usually do not know how to talk about them. Play is how children learn and communicate. Children teach us so much about their inner world if we just watch them play. I am passionate about helping kids have a better understanding of their emotions and how to regulate them. It is also important for caregivers to feel supported and to learn tools that can help them and their child have a positive relationship.
(423) 445-0735 View (423) 445-0735
Photo of Jon E Harris, Counselor in Chattanooga, TN
Jon E Harris
Counselor, MA, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37421
It is my privilege to help people confront relational and emotional health problems they may face when life's problems become overwhelming. My counseling practice primarily focuses on helping individuals and couples come to a place of restoration in their individual and relational lives whether dealing with a marriage in crisis or an individual emotional, behavioral or spiritual crisis. Please give me a call if I can help you with any of your counseling needs.
It is my privilege to help people confront relational and emotional health problems they may face when life's problems become overwhelming. My counseling practice primarily focuses on helping individuals and couples come to a place of restoration in their individual and relational lives whether dealing with a marriage in crisis or an individual emotional, behavioral or spiritual crisis. Please give me a call if I can help you with any of your counseling needs.
(423) 650-4794 View (423) 650-4794
Photo of A. G. Estes, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Chattanooga, TN
A. G. Estes
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, TLMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37403
I utilize Internal Family Systems and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques alongside Play Therapy consisting of toys, games, and activities that allow children to feel in charge of their decisions in a safe and empowering way.
Day-to-day life can be exhausting. Maybe you were laying your child down for bed, and they said something that scared you or maybe your family is going through transitions, and you're worried about how they are responding to it. Through the therapeutic relationship, I join alongside children (ages 3-12), families, and individuals to provide an empathic, welcoming place where fears and hopelessness can be replaced with coping skills and a greater understanding of oneself. I work with children experiencing big emotions, behavioral/school difficulties, anxiety, self-esteem, and low social engagement.
I utilize Internal Family Systems and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques alongside Play Therapy consisting of toys, games, and activities that allow children to feel in charge of their decisions in a safe and empowering way.
Day-to-day life can be exhausting. Maybe you were laying your child down for bed, and they said something that scared you or maybe your family is going through transitions, and you're worried about how they are responding to it. Through the therapeutic relationship, I join alongside children (ages 3-12), families, and individuals to provide an empathic, welcoming place where fears and hopelessness can be replaced with coping skills and a greater understanding of oneself. I work with children experiencing big emotions, behavioral/school difficulties, anxiety, self-esteem, and low social engagement.
(423) 430-6307 View (423) 430-6307

Behavioral Issues Therapists

What happens in therapy for behavioral issues?

No matter the type of therapy, individuals form an alliance with the therapist; that connection is often therapeutic in itself, plus it becomes an instrument of change. Individuals learn to identify situations that are especially troublesome for them and acquire new patterns of thinking and behaving. In therapy for ADHD, one of the most common behavior issues for children, individuals learn how to improve frustration tolerance, control impulsivity, manage attentional focus, and gain skills of self-organisation.

What therapy types help with behavioral issues?

Many types of therapy have been found effective, each targeting one or more areas of dysfunction. Perhaps best-known and most widely tested is cognitive and behavioral therapy (CBT), in which individuals learn new behavioral strategies and curb reactivity to frustrating or distressing situations that trigger disruptive behaviour. Anger, anxiety, mood disorders, impulse control problems are commonly addressed in CBT. Family therapy or parent management training is often helpful to reduce parent-child conflict and behavioral difficulties at home.

How long does therapy last for behavioral issues?

Among popular approaches to treating behavioral concerns, CBT is considered a short-term therapy intended to be administered in 15 to 20 weekly sessions. Parent training in behavior management, often used when the underlying cause of behavior issues is ADHD in children under 12, usually occurs in weekly sessions for 8 to 16 weeks. When behavioral issues stem from persistent aggression or defiance, therapy may last for months, and usually targets both children and their parents.

How effective is therapy for behavior issues?

Studies show that therapy for behavior issues in children is highly effective and may prevent the development of antisocial behavior later in life. Family intervention—parent management training or family therapy, both of which involve parents and children together—is considered most effective, notably for children under age 12 who persistently engage in aggressive, defiant, rule-breaking or other disruptive behavior. Whether provided alone or in combination with medication, CBT is highly effective in helping people regulate their emotions, and for people with ADHD, it addresses impulsiveness, hyperactivity and attentional focus.