ODD Therapy in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota
We understand how overwhelming it can feel to parent a child or teenager with Oppositional Defiant Disorder. If your child frequently argues with adults, defies rules, or seems constantly angry and irritable, you are not alone and help is available. Our compassionate team of therapists specializes in evidence-based treatment for ODD and related behavioral challenges. Serving families in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, and surrounding areas, we help children, teens, and parents rebuild harmony at home while equipping families with practical, lasting tools.
What Is Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)?
Oppositional Defiant Disorder is a behavioral disorder that typically starts in childhood or early adolescence. According to the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition), it is defined by a recurring pattern of the following behaviors lasting for at least six months:
Persistent pattern of angry or irritable mood
Argumentative and defiant behavior
Sometimes spiteful or vindictive actions toward authority figures
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: 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.
Meet Our Therapists | Oppositional Defiant Disorder Specialists
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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 provides child and teen therapy in Tampa & Sarasota, specializing in anxiety, depression, and behavioral challenges.
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![Licensed St. Petersburg therapist Ashley Canto, MS, LMHC, providing trauma and ODD therapy for children.]()
Ashley Canto, MS, LCSW
Ashley provides St. Petersburg therapy for children and tweens, with expertise in trauma, defiance, and ODD-related behaviors.
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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.
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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.
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![Headshot of St. Petersburg child therapist Megan Midura, MA, specializing in trauma and ODD therapy.]()
Megan Midura, MA, RMHCI
Megan provides trauma-informed therapy for children in St. Petersburg, specializing in behavioral issues and ODD therapy.
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![Largo child and adolescent therapist Genevieve Savage, MA, specializing in ODD and family therapy.]()
Genevieve Savage, MSW
Genevieve offers therapy for children and adolescents in St. Petersburg and Largo, focusing on defiant behaviors, LBGTQ teens, and ODD treatment.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder Treatments
Treatment for Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) usually combines parent-focused and child-focused therapy approaches. Common options include:
Parent Coaching & Training – teaches parents strategies like positive reinforcement, clear routines, and effective discipline.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – 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.
Who We Work With
Children with odd
For children showing early signs of oppositional or defiant behavior, our therapists use play-based approaches, CBT, and skill-building exercises to help them express emotions in healthier ways. Sessions focus on reducing tantrums, improving cooperation, and giving kids the tools they need to succeed at home and school.
Teens with odd
Adolescents with ODD often struggle with authority, peer relationships, and school performance. Our teen-focused therapy builds emotional regulation, problem-solving, and communication skills, while creating a safe space for them to explore challenges without judgment. We also address co-occurring issues like ADHD, anxiety, or depression, which are common alongside ODD.
Parents
Because parenting a child with ODD can be overwhelming, we provide parent coaching and support sessions to teach practical strategies that work better than traditional discipline. Parents learn how to set clear expectations, stay consistent, and use positive reinforcement to strengthen their relationship with their child.
Families
ODD affects the entire household. Our family therapy sessions create a space where siblings, parents, and children can practice new communication patterns, resolve conflict, and build stronger bonds. By working together, families discover healthier routines and more peaceful interactions at home.
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 near Westshore and South Tampa, 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, individual child therapy, and family counseling to address oppositional behavior, strengthen communication, and restore harmony at home. In-person and online options make therapy accessible for busy parents.
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. Both in-person and virtual sessions are available to fit your family’s needs.
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.
Is therapy for ODD covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans include coverage for ODD treatment; our team can verify your benefits before beginning therapy.
Find ODD Treatment Near You
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.