Behavioral Issues Therapists in Oakland, CA

Photo of Michelle Lisa Turbin - Second Star Behavior Services, BCBA
Second Star Behavior Services
BCBA
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94619
Second Star Behavior Services provides outstanding therapy and advocacy services to individuals with special needs.
Do you reside in California and require an advocate to help you navigate the IEP process for your child? Are you a conservator or residential home administrator for an adult with special needs who requires an effective behavior plan or would benefit from an analytic approach to teaching life skills? Do you want a behavior assessmet conducted for your child that is thorough and easy to understand? Please call us for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Second Star Behavior Services provides outstanding therapy and advocacy services to individuals with special needs.
Do you reside in California and require an advocate to help you navigate the IEP process for your child? Are you a conservator or residential home administrator for an adult with special needs who requires an effective behavior plan or would benefit from an analytic approach to teaching life skills? Do you want a behavior assessmet conducted for your child that is thorough and easy to understand? Please call us for a free, no-obligation consultation.
(510) 343-7768 View (510) 343-7768
Photo of Lizeth Toscano, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lizeth Toscano
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94601
I use an eclectic approach, including expressive therapies, family systems, strengths-based therapy, play therapy, mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and narrative therapy.
My approach is relational, healing-centered, strengths-based, and collaborative. I support parents, caregivers, and families to find their inner strengths and nurture their relationships with their children. I specialize in helping the parent-child dyad through attachment theory, empathy, and connecting communication. I aim to provide therapy based on the cultural and diverse needs of individuals, parents, families, and children. I am committed to providing emotional support and creating a safe environment where parents, families, and children can better understand themselves.
I use an eclectic approach, including expressive therapies, family systems, strengths-based therapy, play therapy, mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and narrative therapy.
My approach is relational, healing-centered, strengths-based, and collaborative. I support parents, caregivers, and families to find their inner strengths and nurture their relationships with their children. I specialize in helping the parent-child dyad through attachment theory, empathy, and connecting communication. I aim to provide therapy based on the cultural and diverse needs of individuals, parents, families, and children. I am committed to providing emotional support and creating a safe environment where parents, families, and children can better understand themselves.
(510) 296-5557 View (510) 296-5557
Photo of Anne Scouten, LCSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Anne Scouten
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94601  (Online Only)
My holistic approach to therapy is integrative, utilizing various evidence-based modalities such as Person Centered Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy and behavioral therapies with an emphasis on Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
My name is Annie (pronouns: she/her) and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My focus areas of practice include anxiety, depression, childhood abuse and traumas, attachment issues, relationship challenges, and life transitions. I have worked many years supporting victims and survivors of violence and in crisis management services. I also currently work with youth involved in the foster care and juvenile justice systems. I have extensive experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, and I am particularly passionate about working with young adults who are transitioning into adulthood.
My holistic approach to therapy is integrative, utilizing various evidence-based modalities such as Person Centered Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy and behavioral therapies with an emphasis on Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
My name is Annie (pronouns: she/her) and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My focus areas of practice include anxiety, depression, childhood abuse and traumas, attachment issues, relationship challenges, and life transitions. I have worked many years supporting victims and survivors of violence and in crisis management services. I also currently work with youth involved in the foster care and juvenile justice systems. I have extensive experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, and I am particularly passionate about working with young adults who are transitioning into adulthood.
(510) 826-3970 View (510) 826-3970
Photo of April Jourdan, PhD, LEP, ABSNP, BCBA-D
April Jourdan
Licensed Educational Psychologist, PhD, LEP, ABSNP, BCBA-D
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611
I provide clinical supervision for Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), and school psychologists.
I have worked in education for over 20 years. I obtained a Ph.D. in Counseling and Human Development. I am also a Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP#3002), Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA-D#1-11-9745), and a Diplomat from the American Board of School Neuropsychology (ABSNP#10246). In addition, I hold a Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential in the areas of: Counseling, Child Welfare and Attendance, and School Psychology. My areas of special training and expertise include school neuropsychological evaluations, functional behavioral assessments, and treatment planning for a range of neurodevelopmental disorders that affect learning and behavior.
I provide clinical supervision for Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), and school psychologists.
I have worked in education for over 20 years. I obtained a Ph.D. in Counseling and Human Development. I am also a Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP#3002), Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA-D#1-11-9745), and a Diplomat from the American Board of School Neuropsychology (ABSNP#10246). In addition, I hold a Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential in the areas of: Counseling, Child Welfare and Attendance, and School Psychology. My areas of special training and expertise include school neuropsychological evaluations, functional behavioral assessments, and treatment planning for a range of neurodevelopmental disorders that affect learning and behavior.
(628) 400-0469 View (628) 400-0469
Photo of David Cerfolio, LCSW, CAADAC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
David Cerfolio
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CAADAC
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
Once a new behavior pattern is learned and internalized, we turn our attention to finding an explanation for why old behavior patterns developed and how they served the individual.
I am a licensed clinical social worker and certified substance abuse counselor who has worked in the field for the past 15 years. My hope is to use my experiences and skills to help individuals struggling with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD or substance abuse issues find new coping skills in order improve the quality of their lives. My approach combines elements of short-term behavioral therapies (DBT and CBT) with psychodynamic techniques to address problematic behaviors to achieve lasting change.
Once a new behavior pattern is learned and internalized, we turn our attention to finding an explanation for why old behavior patterns developed and how they served the individual.
I am a licensed clinical social worker and certified substance abuse counselor who has worked in the field for the past 15 years. My hope is to use my experiences and skills to help individuals struggling with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD or substance abuse issues find new coping skills in order improve the quality of their lives. My approach combines elements of short-term behavioral therapies (DBT and CBT) with psychodynamic techniques to address problematic behaviors to achieve lasting change.
(510) 296-6270 View (510) 296-6270
Photo of Rebecca Olsen, LCSW, PPSC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rebecca Olsen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PPSC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
With your unique traits in mind, I use a psychodynamic and relational approach with behavior therapy, somatic, and/or trauma-focused techniques, as appropriate.
All people deserve to experience safety within their minds and bodies however due to overwhelming and difficult experiences this does not always feel achievable. I seek to create a caring, non-judgmental, and trustworthy relationship with you where we can process your past and present experiences and develop skills that will enhance a sense of calm within your thoughts and body.
With your unique traits in mind, I use a psychodynamic and relational approach with behavior therapy, somatic, and/or trauma-focused techniques, as appropriate.
All people deserve to experience safety within their minds and bodies however due to overwhelming and difficult experiences this does not always feel achievable. I seek to create a caring, non-judgmental, and trustworthy relationship with you where we can process your past and present experiences and develop skills that will enhance a sense of calm within your thoughts and body.
(510) 777-6579 View (510) 777-6579
Photo of Veronica Rivera, MA, BCBA
Veronica Rivera
MA, BCBA
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94620  (Online Only)
We will take a look into "why" we do the things we do to better understand how we can make lasting behavior change.
I am a BCBA who has been in the field of ABA since 2015. I specialize in parent training, daily living skills, social skills, and helping people learn to to advocate for themselves and obtain independence. I love working with parents who are looking to make changes but aren't sure what they should be doing or where to start. On an individual basis, I also work with those who would like to improve communication skills, increase independence and identify their own emotions and behaviors. I also work with clients who want to make major life changes and are overwhelmed, and sometimes paralyzed, by how large those goals are to start.
We will take a look into "why" we do the things we do to better understand how we can make lasting behavior change.
I am a BCBA who has been in the field of ABA since 2015. I specialize in parent training, daily living skills, social skills, and helping people learn to to advocate for themselves and obtain independence. I love working with parents who are looking to make changes but aren't sure what they should be doing or where to start. On an individual basis, I also work with those who would like to improve communication skills, increase independence and identify their own emotions and behaviors. I also work with clients who want to make major life changes and are overwhelmed, and sometimes paralyzed, by how large those goals are to start.
(415) 573-3792 View (415) 573-3792
Photo of Heather Macbeth - Oakland DBT and Mindfulness Center, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Oakland DBT and Mindfulness Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Not Verified Not Verified
Oakland, CA 94611
We offer evidenced-based treatment, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for the treatment of borderline personality disorder, and other clinical symptoms. We are a team of 5 therapists intensively trained in DBT, and other modalities. We offer a comprehensive DBT program (individual therapy, skills class, consultation team, phone coaching, assessment). We have a program for adults, young adults, families and teens. We are located on Piedmont Avenue, in Oakland in the San Francisco Bay Area. Please review our website for detailed information about our intake process, skills class schedule, individual therapy, mindfulness programs, fees, etc...
We offer evidenced-based treatment, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for the treatment of borderline personality disorder, and other clinical symptoms. We are a team of 5 therapists intensively trained in DBT, and other modalities. We offer a comprehensive DBT program (individual therapy, skills class, consultation team, phone coaching, assessment). We have a program for adults, young adults, families and teens. We are located on Piedmont Avenue, in Oakland in the San Francisco Bay Area. Please review our website for detailed information about our intake process, skills class schedule, individual therapy, mindfulness programs, fees, etc...
(510) 876-9674 View (510) 876-9674
Photo of Sarah Campbell, MA, MFT, RYT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sarah Campbell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, RYT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94609
Therapy can help you recognize and challenge long-term beliefs, behavior and relationship patterns, and habits that get in the way of your optimal emotional health.
Most of us agree that it feels terrible to be stuck. My goal as a therapist is to meet you in your stagnant place and help you find your way through it. Whether you are struggling in school, your career, parenting, relationships, or in finding your purpose, I can help you create and achieve realistic goals for living a more fulfilled life.
Therapy can help you recognize and challenge long-term beliefs, behavior and relationship patterns, and habits that get in the way of your optimal emotional health.
Most of us agree that it feels terrible to be stuck. My goal as a therapist is to meet you in your stagnant place and help you find your way through it. Whether you are struggling in school, your career, parenting, relationships, or in finding your purpose, I can help you create and achieve realistic goals for living a more fulfilled life.
(510) 250-7483 View (510) 250-7483
Photo of Krystal J Alderete, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Krystal J Alderete
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618  (Online Only)
I collaborate with parents to address behavioral problems as well as emotional challenges at home and school.
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in child and adolescent development with over 15 years of experience working with children, teens and families. I have extensive training in child development and have been employed in outpatient and inpatient facilities, have served as the lead mental health clinician in multidisciplinary teams working with children struggling with feeding issues, and have run social skills groups in addition to providing individual and family treatment. I have a substantial amount of experience with teens suffering from anxiety and depression.
I collaborate with parents to address behavioral problems as well as emotional challenges at home and school.
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in child and adolescent development with over 15 years of experience working with children, teens and families. I have extensive training in child development and have been employed in outpatient and inpatient facilities, have served as the lead mental health clinician in multidisciplinary teams working with children struggling with feeding issues, and have run social skills groups in addition to providing individual and family treatment. I have a substantial amount of experience with teens suffering from anxiety and depression.
(415) 969-6011 View (415) 969-6011
Photo of Edit Vidalon, Somatic, Coach
Edit Vidalon
Somatic, Coach
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612  (Online Only)
I am a Somatic Coach who specializes in somatic coaching with neuroscience that understands how the triune nature of the brain explains human behavior in ways that empower us. Using a blend of evidence-based in somatic techniques, and psychology, you will transform your life immediately. I want you to know you can understand yourself, heal, rewire, move forward, and become a new version. Your brain interacts with your emotions, behavior, and body as a whole. I can help you become conscious of how science and your fantastic brain play a role in your thoughts, environment, relationships with others, habits, and values.
I am a Somatic Coach who specializes in somatic coaching with neuroscience that understands how the triune nature of the brain explains human behavior in ways that empower us. Using a blend of evidence-based in somatic techniques, and psychology, you will transform your life immediately. I want you to know you can understand yourself, heal, rewire, move forward, and become a new version. Your brain interacts with your emotions, behavior, and body as a whole. I can help you become conscious of how science and your fantastic brain play a role in your thoughts, environment, relationships with others, habits, and values.
(321) 204-8712 View (321) 204-8712
Photo of LaShante D Smith, EdS, LEP3842, NCSP
LaShante D Smith
EdS, LEP3842, NCSP
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94601
In addition, I develop behavior intervention plans and train personnel on best practices in behavior response systems.
Specializing in psycho educational assessment for a variety of needs; including, Autism, Dyslexia, ADHD, Emotional Disturbance, and other specific learning disabilities. An honest, culturally responsive professional committed to understanding my client's unique needs to develop an appropriate action plan.
In addition, I develop behavior intervention plans and train personnel on best practices in behavior response systems.
Specializing in psycho educational assessment for a variety of needs; including, Autism, Dyslexia, ADHD, Emotional Disturbance, and other specific learning disabilities. An honest, culturally responsive professional committed to understanding my client's unique needs to develop an appropriate action plan.
(510) 826-5277 View (510) 826-5277
Photo of Adisa Anderson, PhD, Psychologist
Adisa Anderson
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94606  (Online Only)
I specialize in multicultural counseling, African American mental health, men’s concerns, intimate relationships, family difficulties, academics, career development, alcohol and drug use, musical arts and healing, anxiety, depression, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal Process Therapy, and Dialectical & Behavioral Therapy.
Therapy is an opportunity to gain insight, change behaviors, develop coping tools, and address challenges we are facing. My work is deeply rooted in empowering and supporting individuals on their personal journey, as they uncover inner-strengths, increase insight about themselves, their relationships, and restore balance in their lives. I embrace a strengths-based, holistic, multicultural, mindfulness-based framework with clients. I welcome diversity in all forms and integrate various treatment modalities based on client need, including Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Interpersonal Process Therapy, and Relational Cultural Therapy.
I specialize in multicultural counseling, African American mental health, men’s concerns, intimate relationships, family difficulties, academics, career development, alcohol and drug use, musical arts and healing, anxiety, depression, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal Process Therapy, and Dialectical & Behavioral Therapy.
Therapy is an opportunity to gain insight, change behaviors, develop coping tools, and address challenges we are facing. My work is deeply rooted in empowering and supporting individuals on their personal journey, as they uncover inner-strengths, increase insight about themselves, their relationships, and restore balance in their lives. I embrace a strengths-based, holistic, multicultural, mindfulness-based framework with clients. I welcome diversity in all forms and integrate various treatment modalities based on client need, including Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Interpersonal Process Therapy, and Relational Cultural Therapy.
(562) 524-1154 View (562) 524-1154
Photo of Daria Wrubel, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Daria Wrubel
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94608
I specialize in working with parents, families, and youth ages 7-25. My work can support an assortment of childhood issues, including: somatic complaints (stomach aches, headaches, etc.), behavioral issues (defiance, aggression, inattention), neurodivergent issues (autism, ADHD, sensory processing), problems with friendships, attachment issues, separation anxiety, depression, excessive worrying, or panic attacks. Childhood can be a magical, joyful time, but it can also bring a host of issues, unique to each child or family.
I specialize in working with parents, families, and youth ages 7-25. My work can support an assortment of childhood issues, including: somatic complaints (stomach aches, headaches, etc.), behavioral issues (defiance, aggression, inattention), neurodivergent issues (autism, ADHD, sensory processing), problems with friendships, attachment issues, separation anxiety, depression, excessive worrying, or panic attacks. Childhood can be a magical, joyful time, but it can also bring a host of issues, unique to each child or family.
(510) 288-5589 View (510) 288-5589
Photo of Franca V Niameh - Reinvisioning Psychotherapy, PsyD, Psychologist
Reinvisioning Psychotherapy
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94602
I also specialized in providing behavioral health consultation for issues such as diabetes, hypertension, weight management, chronic pain, smoking cessation, and substan.
As an integrative licensed clinical psychologist, I am open, receptive, and adaptive. My goal is to help you cultivate resilience and the human capability for recovery.
I also specialized in providing behavioral health consultation for issues such as diabetes, hypertension, weight management, chronic pain, smoking cessation, and substan.
As an integrative licensed clinical psychologist, I am open, receptive, and adaptive. My goal is to help you cultivate resilience and the human capability for recovery.
(510) 756-4180 View (510) 756-4180
Photo of Jeremy Soh, PhD, Licensed Psychoanalyst
Jeremy Soh
Licensed Psychoanalyst, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94606
Do you find yourself stuck, frustrated and ready to examine the deeper motivations of your current conflicts and overall behavior? You've perhaps long sensed that the problems that keep repeating in life suggest getting to the bottom of things. This is an opportunity for self-exploration in psychoanalysis which focuses on the unconscious. Uncovering deep sources of conflicts and problems you weren’t even aware of transforms damaging attachments and reopens possibilities where you may seem desperately trapped.
Do you find yourself stuck, frustrated and ready to examine the deeper motivations of your current conflicts and overall behavior? You've perhaps long sensed that the problems that keep repeating in life suggest getting to the bottom of things. This is an opportunity for self-exploration in psychoanalysis which focuses on the unconscious. Uncovering deep sources of conflicts and problems you weren’t even aware of transforms damaging attachments and reopens possibilities where you may seem desperately trapped.
(510) 822-6898 View (510) 822-6898
Photo of Veronique N Lee, PsyD, Psychologist
Veronique N Lee
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
Seeking help is often the first step in making a change for the better. My goal as a therapist is to support you in your steps towards wellness. I work with children, adolescents, adults and families with a wide range of emotional concerns. I support children and adolescents struggling with emotional or behavioral issues, adults managing life stress, individuals facing life transitions, or families struggling with communication difficulties. As a therapist I will work collaboratively with you to build upon your strengths to create change and will tailor my treatments to meet your unique needs.
Seeking help is often the first step in making a change for the better. My goal as a therapist is to support you in your steps towards wellness. I work with children, adolescents, adults and families with a wide range of emotional concerns. I support children and adolescents struggling with emotional or behavioral issues, adults managing life stress, individuals facing life transitions, or families struggling with communication difficulties. As a therapist I will work collaboratively with you to build upon your strengths to create change and will tailor my treatments to meet your unique needs.
(510) 695-2343 View (510) 695-2343
Photo of Dean Leav - Men's Issues - Dr. Dean, PsyD, QME, Author, Psychologist
Men's Issues - Dr. Dean
Psychologist, PsyD, QME, Author
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94607
Welcome to my practice. I have been in practice since 2007 and have been featured on ABC, NBC, and KCAL as an expert psychologist. I work primarily with men who have hit “rock bottom” and would like help getting up. These men are often in crisis when we first meet. The issues I address are typically related to unhealthy sexual behaviors, infidelity, financial recklessness, gambling, drugs/alcohol, dishonesty/lying, and relational conflicts. My therapy approach is a combination of psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and the 12-Step recovery model. I also share insight from my own painful but redemptive recovery journey.
Welcome to my practice. I have been in practice since 2007 and have been featured on ABC, NBC, and KCAL as an expert psychologist. I work primarily with men who have hit “rock bottom” and would like help getting up. These men are often in crisis when we first meet. The issues I address are typically related to unhealthy sexual behaviors, infidelity, financial recklessness, gambling, drugs/alcohol, dishonesty/lying, and relational conflicts. My therapy approach is a combination of psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and the 12-Step recovery model. I also share insight from my own painful but redemptive recovery journey.
(510) 983-7281 View (510) 983-7281
Photo of Andrea Weicker, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Andrea Weicker
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611
Therapy should be focused on you and your needs. Are you feeling overwhelmed and unsure about what to do about your teen's anxiety? Do you worry a lot, often leaving you anxious, exhausted and overwhelmed? Has parenting become a constant battle, leaving you feeling drained and exhausted? I can help. I have extensive experience working with teens and parents who have experienced trauma, who have suicidal thoughts, self-harming behaviors, school refusal, anxiety, OCD, social withdraw, bullying, low self-esteem, and depression. I specialize in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Exposure Response Prevention (ERP).
Therapy should be focused on you and your needs. Are you feeling overwhelmed and unsure about what to do about your teen's anxiety? Do you worry a lot, often leaving you anxious, exhausted and overwhelmed? Has parenting become a constant battle, leaving you feeling drained and exhausted? I can help. I have extensive experience working with teens and parents who have experienced trauma, who have suicidal thoughts, self-harming behaviors, school refusal, anxiety, OCD, social withdraw, bullying, low self-esteem, and depression. I specialize in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Exposure Response Prevention (ERP).
(510) 694-1783 View (510) 694-1783
Photo of LaToya Braxton, LMFT, MEd, EdS, Marriage & Family Therapist
LaToya Braxton
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MEd, EdS
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
What would it be like to be understood? No really?! The journey truly starts when we first seek to understand ourselves. Through personalized, identity affirming intervention and an unconditional judge-free zone, I implement healthy relationship building with each one of my clients first. As a result, trust can be established and influences you to be empowered yet vulnerable, ultimately leading to healthy behavior modification and a deeper awareness of how to thrive even through adversity.
What would it be like to be understood? No really?! The journey truly starts when we first seek to understand ourselves. Through personalized, identity affirming intervention and an unconditional judge-free zone, I implement healthy relationship building with each one of my clients first. As a result, trust can be established and influences you to be empowered yet vulnerable, ultimately leading to healthy behavior modification and a deeper awareness of how to thrive even through adversity.
(510) 380-7541 View (510) 380-7541
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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.