Oppositional Defiant Disorder Therapy for Children, Teens & Adults in Tampa, St. Petersburg & Sarasota
Is every day a battle? Constant arguing, defiance, anger outbursts, or refusal to follow rules — these aren’t “just a phase.” They’re signs of Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), and they can exhaust the entire family.
At It Begins Within we specialize in evidence-based ODD therapy that actually works. We help children, teenagers, and even adults break the cycle of defiance and rebuild healthy family relationships.
What Is Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)?
Oppositional Defiant Disorder is a behavioral disorder, typically diagnosed in children and teens, characterized by a persistent pattern of angry or irritable mood, argumentative and defiant behavior, as well as vindictiveness that lasts at least six months and causes significant problems at home, school, or with peers.
DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria (Simplified)
The behavior must occur with someone who is not a sibling and include at least four symptoms from any category:
Angry/Irritable Mood
Often loses temper
Is often angry and resentful
Argumentative/Defiant Behavior
Often argues with authority figures
Often actively defies or refuses to comply with requests/rules
Often deliberately annoys others
Often blames others for their mistakes or misbehavior
Vindictiveness
Has been spiteful or vindictive at least twice in the past 6 months
Prevalence & Key Facts about odd
Affects 3–10% of children (higher in boys before puberty)
Usually appears before age 8, but can emerge in adolescence
50–70% of cases co-occur with ADHD
Without treatment, up to 50% may develop conduct disorder or continue symptoms into adulthood
ODD is not “bad parenting” or “just stubbornness” — it is a neurodevelopmental pattern that responds extremely well to the right interventions when started early
Who can diagnose ODD in a child or teen?
Oppositional Defiant Disorder should be diagnosed by a licensed mental health professional—such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or licensed therapist—using clinical interviews, parent/teacher reports, and behavioral observations. Pediatricians may screen for ODD, but a full diagnosis and treatment plan typically come from a mental health specialist.
Understanding ODD in Children, Teens and Adults
ODD in Children (Ages 5–12)
Younger children often show defiance at home but can behave at school. Meltdowns, refusal to do chores, blaming siblings, and explosive anger are common. Early intervention with PCIT or parent training yields the best outcomes.
ODD in Teens
In adolescence, ODD often looks like extreme rebellion, not just a defiant teenager - it includes: skipping school, running away, substance use, or verbal aggression. The risk of conduct disorder or depression rises sharply if untreated. Studies have shown significant improvement with teen therapy utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder in Adults
Yes — ODD can persist or re-emerge in adulthood. Adults with untreated ODD often struggle with:
Chronic conflict in relationships
Job instability due to authority issues
Road rage or workplace outbursts
Higher rates of anxiety, depression, or personality disorders
Adult ODD is under-diagnosed because it gets mislabeled as “difficult personality.” Treatments such as CBT, anger management, and schema therapy can be highly effective.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder Specialists in Tampa, Sarasota & St. Petersburg, Fl
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![ODD therapist in sarasota, Nicole young LCSW]()
Nicole Young, MSW, LCSW
Nicole is a child and teen therapist in Sarasota. She specializes in treating oppositional defiant behaviors and emotional regulation challenges and for children ages 5–17
Location: Sarasota
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![Professional headshot of Tampa child and teen therapist Ciana Nguyen, MS, LCSW, specializing in ODD therapy.]()
Ciana Nguyen, MS, LCSW
Ciana is a child therapist in Tampa & Sarasota, she specializes in treating behavioral challenges for children ages 3 - 9 years old
Location: Tampa & Sarasota
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![Headshot of St. Petersburg child therapist Megan Midura, MA, specializing in trauma and ODD therapy.]()
Megan Midura, MA, LMHC
Megan provides trauma-informed therapy for children in St. Petersburg, specializing in behavioral issues and ODD treatment.
Location: St. Petersburg
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![Headshot of Clearwater therapist Melissa Zentner, MS, LMHC, specializing in child and family therapy for ODD]()
Melissa Zentner, MS, LMHC
Melissa supports children, teens, and families in St. Petersburg & Clearwater, focusing on stress, anxiety, and disruptive behaviors including ODD.
Location: St. Petersburg
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![Tampa adolescent therapist Lauren Pankuch, MA, focusing on autism, neurodivergence, and ODD therapy]()
Lauren Pankuch, MA, LMHC
Lauren provides therapy for adolescents in Tampa Bay, with a specialty in autism, neurodivergence, and managing oppositional and defiant behaviors.
Location: Tampa
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![Largo child and adolescent therapist Genevieve Savage, MA, specializing in ODD and family therapy.]()
Genevieve Savage, MSW, LCSW
Genevieve offers therapy for children and adolescents in St. Petersburg and Largo, focusing on defiant behaviors, LBGTQ teens, and ODD treatment.
Location: St. Petersburg
Understanding ODD: Causes, Diagnoses and Treatment
Causes and Risk Factors
ODD doesn’t have a single cause. Instead, it often arises from a mix of:
Genetic & Biological: family history of mental health conditions, brain chemistry differences.
Environmental: inconsistent parenting, trauma, high-conflict households.
Developmental: co-occurring conditions like ADHD or learning disorders.
At IBWHC, we never assign blame. Instead, we focus on understanding your child’s unique circumstances and creating a plan that works for your family.
What to Expect in ODD Therapy Sessions
Consultation. We start with a free consultation to understand you and your child’s challenges.
Assessment. Therapists evaluate behavior, family dynamics, and school context.
Parent Involvement. Parents are coached on practical strategies to use at home.
Consistent Progress. Many families notice meaningful improvements within 3–6 months.
Therapy sessions are available in-person at our Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota offices, with flexible evening and weekend availability.
Evidence-Based Treatments for Oppositional Defiant Disorder in Tampa, St. Petersburg & Sarasota
Treatment for Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) usually combines parent-focused and child-focused therapy approaches. Common options include:
Parent Training in Tampa, St. Petersburg & Sarasota – teaches parents strategies like positive reinforcement, clear routines, and effective discipline.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for children and teens – helps children identify unhelpful thought patterns and build problem-solving and coping skills.
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) – strengthens the parent–child relationship through structured sessions and live coaching.
Family Therapy – improves communication and reduces conflict within the household.
Medication & Psychiatric Support (in some cases) – while there’s no medication specifically for ODD, a psychiatric provider may prescribe treatment if ADHD, anxiety, or depression is also present.
ODD vs. ADHD: Key Differences & Overlap
Our Approach to ODD at It Begins Within
We don’t just treat symptoms — we transform family dynamics.
What sets us apart:
Child therapists that specialize in disruptive behavior disorders
Blend of PCIT + CBT + parent coaching (our unique protocol)
Live coaching sessions (in-person or virtual) — parents learn skills in real time
We treat the whole family
ODD Therapy Near Me in Florida
ODD Therapy in St. Petersburg, FL
Our St. Petersburg office provides ODD therapy for children and teens across Pinellas County, including Clearwater, Largo, Gulfport, Seminole, Feather Sound, and Treasure Island. Our licensed therapists specialize in helping families manage defiant behavior, reduce conflict at home, and build healthier parent–child relationships through evidence-based approaches like CBT, PCIT, and family therapy. Both in-person and virtual sessions are available.
ODD Therapy in Tampa, FL
Located in Westshore, our Tampa team offers child and adolescent ODD therapy for families throughout Hillsborough County, including Hyde Park, Carrollwood, Brandon, Riverview, and Apollo Beach. We provide structured parent coaching, specialized child therapy, and family counseling to address oppositional behavior, strengthen communication, and restore harmony at home.
ODD Therapy in Sarasota, FL
Our Sarasota office provides specialized ODD therapy for children and teens across the Suncoast region, including Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, Venice, Siesta Key, and Palmer Ranch. Our licensed therapists work closely with parents and families to reduce oppositional behavior, improve communication, and create calmer home routines using evidence-based approaches like CBT, PCIT, and family therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) Therapy
What are the symptoms of Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)?
ODD symptoms include frequent anger, irritability, arguing with adults, defying rules, and blaming others; these behaviors go beyond typical childhood defiance.
What is ODD in children and teens?
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a behavioral condition where children show ongoing patterns of uncooperative, defiant, and hostile behavior toward authority figures.
How is ODD treated?
Evidence-based treatment for ODD includes parent coaching, CBT, PCIT, and family therapy to reduce conflict and strengthen healthy communication.
Can adults have ODD?
Yes—some adults continue to show ODD-related patterns of anger, defiance, or authority struggles, and therapy can help with relationships, work stress, and anger management.
What’s the difference between ODD and ADHD?
ODD often co-occurs with ADHD, but while ADHD centers on focus and impulse control, ODD is defined by defiance and anger toward authority. Many children benefit from therapy addressing both together.
What does ODD turn into if untreated?
Without early therapy, ODD may escalate into conduct disorder, substance use, or long-term relationship issues, but treatment significantly reduces these risks.
How do I handle ODD behaviors at home?
Therapists recommend positive reinforcement, consistent routines, and emotion coaching instead of traditional punishments, which often backfire with ODD.
How long does therapy for ODD take?
Most families complete active treatment in 4–7 months. PCIT averages 12–20 sessions.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder Treatments Near Me
Our licensed therapists provide ODD therapy in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota—helping children, teens, and families reduce conflict, build healthier routines, and strengthen relationships.