Behavioral Issues Therapists in Milwaukee, WI

Photo of Shannon L Smith, MS, LPC, CSAC, SAP, ICS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Shannon L Smith
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, CSAC, SAP, ICS
Verified Verified
Milwaukee, WI 53224
Are you depressed, easily angered, or stressed out? My name is Shannon Smith with SLS Counseling Group, LLC, specializing in providing high quality behavioral and mental health services. I am a licensed Psychotherapist, Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor and Substance Abuse Professional (SAP), and I am committed to building self-esteem, improving decision making, and developing appropriate coping skills to adults in the community. I focus on individual and group therapy, which ranges from academic underachievement to substance abuse. Each individual has a trait to be resilient and the inherent capability of achieving goals.
Are you depressed, easily angered, or stressed out? My name is Shannon Smith with SLS Counseling Group, LLC, specializing in providing high quality behavioral and mental health services. I am a licensed Psychotherapist, Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor and Substance Abuse Professional (SAP), and I am committed to building self-esteem, improving decision making, and developing appropriate coping skills to adults in the community. I focus on individual and group therapy, which ranges from academic underachievement to substance abuse. Each individual has a trait to be resilient and the inherent capability of achieving goals.
(414) 376-9024 View (414) 376-9024
Photo of Brian Martinezdelacotera, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Brian Martinezdelacotera
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Milwaukee, WI 53217
Brian utilizes an integrative approach with his clients, combining elements of solution-focused, cognitive behavior therapy, and therapy to heal family-of-origin pain and trauma.
Brian is an exceptionally open, kind-hearted therapist providing emotional safety for clients to explore their concerns. With warmth and humor, he assists clients struggling with a wide range of concerns including addictions (heroin, alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, etc.), anxiety, depression, self-worth, trauma, conflicts, and family or other relationship issues. Upon resolving initial concerns, clients are offered time and a safe place to process and work towards developing strategies to maintain a stable mind and a more fulfilling life.
Brian utilizes an integrative approach with his clients, combining elements of solution-focused, cognitive behavior therapy, and therapy to heal family-of-origin pain and trauma.
Brian is an exceptionally open, kind-hearted therapist providing emotional safety for clients to explore their concerns. With warmth and humor, he assists clients struggling with a wide range of concerns including addictions (heroin, alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, etc.), anxiety, depression, self-worth, trauma, conflicts, and family or other relationship issues. Upon resolving initial concerns, clients are offered time and a safe place to process and work towards developing strategies to maintain a stable mind and a more fulfilling life.
(262) 404-4511 View (262) 404-4511
Photo of Sarah Joy Krueger, PhD, Psychologist
Sarah Joy Krueger
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Milwaukee, WI 53217
I work holistically to address complex problems with physical, social, emotional, and behavioral aspects.
Hi, I am Dr. Sarah. Are you facing a significant life transition? Maybe it is an unexpected crisis? Or, is it an all too familiar challenge? I specialize in working with adults and families using systemic and growth-oriented approaches. My practice supports physicians, therapists, and other professionals who are coping with occupational stressors and want to increase their life satisfaction. I also provide parenting support for families with children who have significant health & behavioral challenges. Finally, I provide executive coaching and clinical training to professionals developing competency with children and families.
I work holistically to address complex problems with physical, social, emotional, and behavioral aspects.
Hi, I am Dr. Sarah. Are you facing a significant life transition? Maybe it is an unexpected crisis? Or, is it an all too familiar challenge? I specialize in working with adults and families using systemic and growth-oriented approaches. My practice supports physicians, therapists, and other professionals who are coping with occupational stressors and want to increase their life satisfaction. I also provide parenting support for families with children who have significant health & behavioral challenges. Finally, I provide executive coaching and clinical training to professionals developing competency with children and families.
(414) 261-4312 View (414) 261-4312
Photo of Aimee Rovane, PhD, Pre-Licensed Professional
Aimee Rovane
Pre-Licensed Professional, PhD
Verified Verified
Milwaukee, WI 53201  (Online Only)
I primarily utilize Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), which is an evidence-based approach to behavior therapy that uses a parent-coaching model.
Hello! If you are a parent of a "behaviorally challenged" kiddo, then I am glad you found me! I work with parents who have tried everything and still have trouble successfully managing their children's defiant or noncompliant behavior. My clients display aggression, tantrums, impulsivity, social skills difficulties, anxiety, and everything in between. I offer a compassionate, non-judgmental, and solutions-oriented style to help parents navigate these challenges.
I primarily utilize Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), which is an evidence-based approach to behavior therapy that uses a parent-coaching model.
Hello! If you are a parent of a "behaviorally challenged" kiddo, then I am glad you found me! I work with parents who have tried everything and still have trouble successfully managing their children's defiant or noncompliant behavior. My clients display aggression, tantrums, impulsivity, social skills difficulties, anxiety, and everything in between. I offer a compassionate, non-judgmental, and solutions-oriented style to help parents navigate these challenges.
(224) 279-6467 View (224) 279-6467
Photo of Nicole Marie Pryor - MKE Community Wellness Center, MS,  LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
MKE Community Wellness Center
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Milwaukee, WI 53212  (Online Only)
My focus is to provide Behavioral Health and Substance Use Recovery services to individuals struggling emotionally, physically, and socially in a Trauma Informed environment. Services provided come from a holistic approach. Sessions offered are individual therapy, re-entry support, and group therapy.
My focus is to provide Behavioral Health and Substance Use Recovery services to individuals struggling emotionally, physically, and socially in a Trauma Informed environment. Services provided come from a holistic approach. Sessions offered are individual therapy, re-entry support, and group therapy.
(414) 240-8607 View (414) 240-8607
Photo of Aziza Daher, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Aziza Daher
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Milwaukee, WI 53207
Zena Counseling Center provides an accepting and nurturing environment that emphasizes psychological reconstruction, behavioral reformation and spiritual elevation. This allows our clients to feel comfortable exploring their goals and unique strengths in order to empower them in making meaningful live changes. Our counseling center utilizes a holistic integrative approach that acknowledges the historical experience of each individual. We also focus on reaching out to both mainstream and multi-cultural clientele.
Zena Counseling Center provides an accepting and nurturing environment that emphasizes psychological reconstruction, behavioral reformation and spiritual elevation. This allows our clients to feel comfortable exploring their goals and unique strengths in order to empower them in making meaningful live changes. Our counseling center utilizes a holistic integrative approach that acknowledges the historical experience of each individual. We also focus on reaching out to both mainstream and multi-cultural clientele.
(414) 501-7032 View (414) 501-7032
Photo of Kate O'Brien, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kate O'Brien
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Milwaukee, WI 53215
I find that clients have the best results with my approach blending cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy.
Hello! My name is Kate O'Brien. I am a licensed professional counselor, professional certified art therapist, and I am also a substance abuse counselor in training. I have 8 years' experience working in various levels of care and settings including residential, inpatient, medical hospitals, and assisted living facilities. I have an extensive background in skills coaching such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and exposure and response prevention. I make it my priority to create a safe, nonjudgemental space to help you learn skills and be able to problem solve any concerns.
I find that clients have the best results with my approach blending cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy.
Hello! My name is Kate O'Brien. I am a licensed professional counselor, professional certified art therapist, and I am also a substance abuse counselor in training. I have 8 years' experience working in various levels of care and settings including residential, inpatient, medical hospitals, and assisted living facilities. I have an extensive background in skills coaching such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and exposure and response prevention. I make it my priority to create a safe, nonjudgemental space to help you learn skills and be able to problem solve any concerns.
(414) 626-0125 View (414) 626-0125
Photo of Mehwish Aqueel, NCC, LPC, MSc, Licensed Professional Counselor
Mehwish Aqueel
Licensed Professional Counselor, NCC, LPC, MSc
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Milwaukee, WI 53221
I have indepth experience and training in DBT Dialectical Behavior Therapy for treatment of Depression, Anxiety, Mood Disorder, ADHD, PTSD, Trauma, Grief, Self-esteem, Stress, Anger-Management, Marriage Counseling, Parenting, Interpersonal Skills Development & Addiction.
“A JOURNEY OF A THOUSAND MILES BEGINS WITH A SINGLE STEP” (Tao Te Ching) I am a National Board Certified Counselor specialized in Evidence Based Treatment. My treatment philosophy is to help Adolescents, Adults and families manage stressful life situations, relational stressors, embrace change, acceptance and meet challenging goals.
I have indepth experience and training in DBT Dialectical Behavior Therapy for treatment of Depression, Anxiety, Mood Disorder, ADHD, PTSD, Trauma, Grief, Self-esteem, Stress, Anger-Management, Marriage Counseling, Parenting, Interpersonal Skills Development & Addiction.
“A JOURNEY OF A THOUSAND MILES BEGINS WITH A SINGLE STEP” (Tao Te Ching) I am a National Board Certified Counselor specialized in Evidence Based Treatment. My treatment philosophy is to help Adolescents, Adults and families manage stressful life situations, relational stressors, embrace change, acceptance and meet challenging goals.
(414) 246-5601 View (414) 246-5601
Photo of James Winston - American Behavioral Clinics
American Behavioral Clinics
Verified Verified
Milwaukee, WI 53226
American Behavioral Clinics is an outpatient treatment facility that specializes in psychiatric and behavioral health services for children, teens, and adults. As a center of mental health excellence, we continually remove barriers to ensure quick access to the right care for our clients. We empower every individual with the opportunity to receive a full continuum of recovery-oriented and compassionate care that is built around our industry leading experts. Our clinical team delivers specialized treatment for people who suffer from a variety of mental illnesses, developmental disabilities, addiction issues, and more.
American Behavioral Clinics is an outpatient treatment facility that specializes in psychiatric and behavioral health services for children, teens, and adults. As a center of mental health excellence, we continually remove barriers to ensure quick access to the right care for our clients. We empower every individual with the opportunity to receive a full continuum of recovery-oriented and compassionate care that is built around our industry leading experts. Our clinical team delivers specialized treatment for people who suffer from a variety of mental illnesses, developmental disabilities, addiction issues, and more.
(414) 420-1681 View (414) 420-1681
Photo of Michele M Mastalarz, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Michele M Mastalarz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Milwaukee, WI 53202
My professional goal is to provide a compassionate and supportive therapy environment for persons with mental health and behavioral challenges. My hope is to provide a safe, secure and comfortable space during your time of healing and exploration.
My professional goal is to provide a compassionate and supportive therapy environment for persons with mental health and behavioral challenges. My hope is to provide a safe, secure and comfortable space during your time of healing and exploration.
(262) 584-4977 View (262) 584-4977
Photo of Theresa Weise, LPC , Licensed Professional Counselor
Theresa Weise
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Milwaukee, WI 53215
I take a very client-centered approach that also includes solutions-focused and cognitive behavioral therapies.
Hello, my name is Theresa Weise, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor. I have over 14 years of therapy experience working primarily with adults and couples. I take a very client-centered and compassionate approach. I feel that the client can be their own best expert but that sometimes life circumstances interfere with that knowledge. I will work side by side with you to empower you to become your own best self and reconnect you to their own intuition.
I take a very client-centered approach that also includes solutions-focused and cognitive behavioral therapies.
Hello, my name is Theresa Weise, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor. I have over 14 years of therapy experience working primarily with adults and couples. I take a very client-centered and compassionate approach. I feel that the client can be their own best expert but that sometimes life circumstances interfere with that knowledge. I will work side by side with you to empower you to become your own best self and reconnect you to their own intuition.
(414) 420-9775 View (414) 420-9775
Photo of Alena Kanter, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Alena Kanter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Hello, my name is Alena Kanter. I am credentialed as an Advanced Practice Social Worker and love working with children and pre-teens. I have two years of experience as a school-based therapist. Most of my clients came to me due to behavioral concerns at home and at school, usually stemming from trauma, big life changes and transitions. Many children struggle with big emotions and how to express and process them. I help my clients with coping mechanisms, processing their trauma, safe expression of feelings, and being able to regulate their bodies and minds.
Hello, my name is Alena Kanter. I am credentialed as an Advanced Practice Social Worker and love working with children and pre-teens. I have two years of experience as a school-based therapist. Most of my clients came to me due to behavioral concerns at home and at school, usually stemming from trauma, big life changes and transitions. Many children struggle with big emotions and how to express and process them. I help my clients with coping mechanisms, processing their trauma, safe expression of feelings, and being able to regulate their bodies and minds.
(414) 622-1878 View (414) 622-1878
Photo of Kate Valente, MS,  LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kate Valente
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Milwaukee, WI 53202
I have experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma, difficult life transitions, PTSD, ADHD, and behavioral issues.
Are you struggling to feel connected to yourself or others right now? Perhaps you’re exploring or questioning identity, sexuality, or gender? Are you a parent who has a child that may be struggling with their own mental health, “big feelings”, or behaviors? I specialize in working with kids (6 years and up) & teens, young adults (18-30), and the LGBTQ+ community.
I have experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma, difficult life transitions, PTSD, ADHD, and behavioral issues.
Are you struggling to feel connected to yourself or others right now? Perhaps you’re exploring or questioning identity, sexuality, or gender? Are you a parent who has a child that may be struggling with their own mental health, “big feelings”, or behaviors? I specialize in working with kids (6 years and up) & teens, young adults (18-30), and the LGBTQ+ community.
(414) 420-1632 View (414) 420-1632
Photo of Brian K Morgan, MSE, CAMS-II, CDVS-I, CSAC, LPC-IT, Drug & Alcohol Counselor
Brian K Morgan
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, MSE, CAMS-II, CDVS-I, CSAC, LPC-IT
Verified Verified
Milwaukee, WI 53208
Our programs and resources teach people how to achieve their personal and relational goals through the following skills: assertiveness, behavioral skills, empathy, stress management, problem-solving, conflict resolution and forgiveness.
Hi I'm Brian Morgan from Universal Minds LLC where we specialize in Anger Management, AODA Services and Domestic Violence. The question is who can benefit from our services? The answer is individuals struggling with anger, addiction issues, families, couples, employees, managers, health professionals, etc. We provide trainings on stress, anger, communication and emotional intelligence. We provide 10-week groups/sessions dealing with anger and domestic violence. We provide an assessment and interview of participants prior to individual/group sessions. No matter what background people and clients come from- anger has impacted their lives negatively. We help people find solutions to destructive anger.
Our programs and resources teach people how to achieve their personal and relational goals through the following skills: assertiveness, behavioral skills, empathy, stress management, problem-solving, conflict resolution and forgiveness.
Hi I'm Brian Morgan from Universal Minds LLC where we specialize in Anger Management, AODA Services and Domestic Violence. The question is who can benefit from our services? The answer is individuals struggling with anger, addiction issues, families, couples, employees, managers, health professionals, etc. We provide trainings on stress, anger, communication and emotional intelligence. We provide 10-week groups/sessions dealing with anger and domestic violence. We provide an assessment and interview of participants prior to individual/group sessions. No matter what background people and clients come from- anger has impacted their lives negatively. We help people find solutions to destructive anger.
(414) 455-2114 View (414) 455-2114
Photo of Megan Kathryn Young - Young Family Counseling, LLC, LPC, MSCP, Counselor
Young Family Counseling, LLC
Counselor, LPC, MSCP
Verified Verified
Milwaukee, WI 53202  (Online Only)
I have 10+ years in the mental health field, working with both individuals and groups on trauma, ADHD, moderate to severe behavioral issues, spectrum disorders, parent education and couples/family counseling in addition to supervising multiple interns and clinicians working toward their full licensure.
Welcome to Young Family Counseling, a boutique virtual private therapy practice dedicated to providing personalized and compassionate care in a serene and confidential online environment. I believe that therapy is a deeply personal experience. I offer a customized approach tailored to your unique needs and goals, ensuring that you receive the attention you deserve on your healing journey. My virtual practice maintains a small, selective caseload, enabling me to build meaningful connections and provide the highest quality of care.
I have 10+ years in the mental health field, working with both individuals and groups on trauma, ADHD, moderate to severe behavioral issues, spectrum disorders, parent education and couples/family counseling in addition to supervising multiple interns and clinicians working toward their full licensure.
Welcome to Young Family Counseling, a boutique virtual private therapy practice dedicated to providing personalized and compassionate care in a serene and confidential online environment. I believe that therapy is a deeply personal experience. I offer a customized approach tailored to your unique needs and goals, ensuring that you receive the attention you deserve on your healing journey. My virtual practice maintains a small, selective caseload, enabling me to build meaningful connections and provide the highest quality of care.
View
Photo of Sara Goetz - Integrative Wellness And Nutrition Certified Therapist, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sara Goetz - Integrative Wellness And Nutrition Certified Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Milwaukee, WI 53211
Over the past 12 years, I have worked with individuals, families, and couples in a variety of capacities; at a hospital, clinic, community behavioral health organization, and within school settings. I went to graduate school to specifically study how each aspect of our system plays a part in our overall mental and physical health. I’m also certified in Integrative Wellness and Nutrition for Mental Health as well as Addiction Counseling. Feeling better requires changes within your entire system. One’s system might include family, friends, work, exercise, nutrition, school, social activities, alone time, running errands, chores, etc.
Over the past 12 years, I have worked with individuals, families, and couples in a variety of capacities; at a hospital, clinic, community behavioral health organization, and within school settings. I went to graduate school to specifically study how each aspect of our system plays a part in our overall mental and physical health. I’m also certified in Integrative Wellness and Nutrition for Mental Health as well as Addiction Counseling. Feeling better requires changes within your entire system. One’s system might include family, friends, work, exercise, nutrition, school, social activities, alone time, running errands, chores, etc.
(262) 492-1090 View (262) 492-1090
Photo of Samantha Soppa, MA, LPC, SAC-IT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Samantha Soppa
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, SAC-IT
Verified Verified
Milwaukee, WI 53214
I commonly use the following techniques: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), and mindfulness.
Are you struggling with racing thoughts, continued unwanted behaviors, negative self-talk, low motivation, or just feeling stuck? It is not the easiest decision to ask for help, yet taking care of your mental health is one of the most important things you can do for yourself. We cannot always tackle these difficulties all on our own, so reaching out for guidance through therapy shows strength, courage, and motivation.
I commonly use the following techniques: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), and mindfulness.
Are you struggling with racing thoughts, continued unwanted behaviors, negative self-talk, low motivation, or just feeling stuck? It is not the easiest decision to ask for help, yet taking care of your mental health is one of the most important things you can do for yourself. We cannot always tackle these difficulties all on our own, so reaching out for guidance through therapy shows strength, courage, and motivation.
(262) 588-4517 View (262) 588-4517
Photo of Tiffany Halbur, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Tiffany Halbur
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Milwaukee, WI 53210
I currently hold an LPC in the state of Wisconsin and have completed a Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) course that I utilize with clients who request or benefit from these skills.
While I work with clients of all ages and needs, I spend a lot of time working with teenagers and young adults with depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorders. I enjoy providing a safe space for clients of this age range to develop coping skills, discuss identity and self-esteem and address life changes and transitions. I enjoy assisting clients through past and present struggles and bringing both of these together to reach client goals. I believe that it can be difficult to work on the past if there are present day struggles taking precedent and help clients address immediate stressors or symptoms first.
I currently hold an LPC in the state of Wisconsin and have completed a Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) course that I utilize with clients who request or benefit from these skills.
While I work with clients of all ages and needs, I spend a lot of time working with teenagers and young adults with depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorders. I enjoy providing a safe space for clients of this age range to develop coping skills, discuss identity and self-esteem and address life changes and transitions. I enjoy assisting clients through past and present struggles and bringing both of these together to reach client goals. I believe that it can be difficult to work on the past if there are present day struggles taking precedent and help clients address immediate stressors or symptoms first.
(414) 251-2094 View (414) 251-2094
Photo of Julie Abdullah, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Julie Abdullah
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Milwaukee, WI 53202
I pull strategies from the following approaches, based on individual needs: Person-Centered Therapy, CBT, Behavioral Activation, DBT, Exposure and Response Prevention, Prolonged Exposure, and incorporate mindfulness practices throughout.
Are you starting to wonder if what you feel is "normal"? Maybe anxiety is getting to the point where it is an exhausting, everyday occurrence, and you'd like to get back in control of your life. Everyone struggles with overwhelming situations and emotions from time to time, and I am a firm believer that no obstacle you are facing right now is too big to tackle. As your therapist, I will use practical strategies that will guide you in your journey of empowerment and assist with creating a strengthened sense of self. I will help you make sense of difficult experiences and guide you to the life you most want to live.
I pull strategies from the following approaches, based on individual needs: Person-Centered Therapy, CBT, Behavioral Activation, DBT, Exposure and Response Prevention, Prolonged Exposure, and incorporate mindfulness practices throughout.
Are you starting to wonder if what you feel is "normal"? Maybe anxiety is getting to the point where it is an exhausting, everyday occurrence, and you'd like to get back in control of your life. Everyone struggles with overwhelming situations and emotions from time to time, and I am a firm believer that no obstacle you are facing right now is too big to tackle. As your therapist, I will use practical strategies that will guide you in your journey of empowerment and assist with creating a strengthened sense of self. I will help you make sense of difficult experiences and guide you to the life you most want to live.
(414) 404-3243 View (414) 404-3243
Photo of Kim Wagner, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kim Wagner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Milwaukee, WI 53202  (Online Only)
My practice is anchored in evidenced-based approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy and trauma-informed care.
Life can be challenging and I believe people are resilient. I use a holistic, strength-based approach to meet children, adolescents and adults where they are at and create a safe, non-judgmental space to work through hardships.
My practice is anchored in evidenced-based approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy and trauma-informed care.
Life can be challenging and I believe people are resilient. I use a holistic, strength-based approach to meet children, adolescents and adults where they are at and create a safe, non-judgmental space to work through hardships.
(262) 587-6202 View (262) 587-6202
1
...
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.