Oppositional Defiance (ODD) Therapists in San Diego, CA

Photo of Christiana Silva, Psychologist, PhD
Christiana Silva
Psychologist, PhD
San Diego, CA 92101
Areas of specialization include ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, ODD, OCD, Trauma/Abuse.
Dr. Silva is the Chief Behavior Health Officer for San Diego based mental healthcare provider Fusion Care Group. Fusion Care Group is changing the way people think about and receive mental health service and support. We offer a welcoming and accepting environment where you can feel calm and comfortable while in our care. Our relaxed, modern atmosphere and our amazing, highly trained Psychologists, Psychiatrists and therapists are here for you. Our hope is to provide a place to help our clients achieve their life goals, explore life-circumstances, move through difficult life transitions.
Areas of specialization include ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, ODD, OCD, Trauma/Abuse.
Dr. Silva is the Chief Behavior Health Officer for San Diego based mental healthcare provider Fusion Care Group. Fusion Care Group is changing the way people think about and receive mental health service and support. We offer a welcoming and accepting environment where you can feel calm and comfortable while in our care. Our relaxed, modern atmosphere and our amazing, highly trained Psychologists, Psychiatrists and therapists are here for you. Our hope is to provide a place to help our clients achieve their life goals, explore life-circumstances, move through difficult life transitions.
(619) 916-4099 View (619) 916-4099
Photo of Baileigh Kirkpatrick, Psychologist, PhD
Baileigh Kirkpatrick
Psychologist, PhD
San Diego, CA 92121
Waitlist for new clients
Kirkpatrick has a passion for working with children with complex needs including oppositional defiant disorder, selective mutism, school refusal, specific phobias, and intellectual disabilities.
Dr. Kirkpatrick is a psychological associate with San Diego BrainWorks. Dr. Kirkpatrick earned her M.S. in Applied Educational Psychology and her Ph.D. in School Psychology from the APA-accredited program at the University of Tennessee. Her expertise is in comprehensive evaluations for developmental, academic, emotional, and behavioral needs including ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, and behavioral disorders.
Kirkpatrick has a passion for working with children with complex needs including oppositional defiant disorder, selective mutism, school refusal, specific phobias, and intellectual disabilities.
Dr. Kirkpatrick is a psychological associate with San Diego BrainWorks. Dr. Kirkpatrick earned her M.S. in Applied Educational Psychology and her Ph.D. in School Psychology from the APA-accredited program at the University of Tennessee. Her expertise is in comprehensive evaluations for developmental, academic, emotional, and behavioral needs including ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, and behavioral disorders.
(858) 330-3978 View (858) 330-3978
Photo of Jonah Givelber, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
Jonah Givelber
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
Online Only
In my many years as a social worker, I have worked extensively with people who struggle with ADHD, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and anger. I have helped many people on the autism spectrum. Regardless of the challenges facing the people with whom I work, I find that really listening and offering support can be of great help. So many of us feel alone in our struggles. Through humor and caring, I try to lighten the emotional burdens that my clients carry.
In my many years as a social worker, I have worked extensively with people who struggle with ADHD, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and anger. I have helped many people on the autism spectrum. Regardless of the challenges facing the people with whom I work, I find that really listening and offering support can be of great help. So many of us feel alone in our struggles. Through humor and caring, I try to lighten the emotional burdens that my clients carry.
(619) 391-4229 View (619) 391-4229
Photo of Jamila Mahfudh, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Jamila Mahfudh
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
9 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92103
I have a knack for connecting with youth who are shy or reserved, considered "defiant" or " oppositional" by others, or have difficulty trusting people.
As a parent, you've noticed a change where your adolescent or teen just isn't the way they used to be. Their smile is gone and they're more to themselves, stressed, unmotivated, anxious, sad, or angry and you know something has to change. You know they often feel misunderstood, are quiet, sensitive, don't easily trust adults, or have seen so many therapists they couldn't make progress with and you're not sure they will open up. You need someone to connect with your teen, join their world, and support them in regaining happiness and stability to meet their goal of having a happy, hopeful and successful life.
I have a knack for connecting with youth who are shy or reserved, considered "defiant" or " oppositional" by others, or have difficulty trusting people.
As a parent, you've noticed a change where your adolescent or teen just isn't the way they used to be. Their smile is gone and they're more to themselves, stressed, unmotivated, anxious, sad, or angry and you know something has to change. You know they often feel misunderstood, are quiet, sensitive, don't easily trust adults, or have seen so many therapists they couldn't make progress with and you're not sure they will open up. You need someone to connect with your teen, join their world, and support them in regaining happiness and stability to meet their goal of having a happy, hopeful and successful life.
(619) 279-5750 View (619) 279-5750
Photo of Landon Leathers, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Landon Leathers
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Online Only
My expertise is with ADHD, oppositional behavior, depression, anxiety disorders, and developmental disabilities.
I take a person-centered approach to ensure clients are aligned with myself on goals and interventions.
My expertise is with ADHD, oppositional behavior, depression, anxiety disorders, and developmental disabilities.
I take a person-centered approach to ensure clients are aligned with myself on goals and interventions.
(747) 588-7342 View (747) 588-7342
Photo of Renette Herrera, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Renette Herrera
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Online Only
My expertise encompasses a variety of mental health and developmental challenges, including trauma, anxiety, depression, autism, developmental disabilities, addiction, ADHD, and oppositional defiant behaviors.
My counseling approach is person-centered and solution-focused. I am eclectic in my approach and use other modalities as well in therapy such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Matrix Model for addiction.
My expertise encompasses a variety of mental health and developmental challenges, including trauma, anxiety, depression, autism, developmental disabilities, addiction, ADHD, and oppositional defiant behaviors.
My counseling approach is person-centered and solution-focused. I am eclectic in my approach and use other modalities as well in therapy such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Matrix Model for addiction.
(510) 544-3746 View (510) 544-3746
Photo of Joel Zamora, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Joel Zamora
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Online Only
Currently, I work with adolescents struggling with anxiety, depression, self-harm, and oppositional behaviors.
Hello! My name is Joel Zamora and I am a Spanish-speaking Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) that utilizes Functional Family Therapy (FFT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients meet their therapeutic goals. I work with adolescents and adults dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, and relational issues.
Currently, I work with adolescents struggling with anxiety, depression, self-harm, and oppositional behaviors.
Hello! My name is Joel Zamora and I am a Spanish-speaking Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) that utilizes Functional Family Therapy (FFT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients meet their therapeutic goals. I work with adolescents and adults dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, and relational issues.
(818) 514-1934 View (818) 514-1934
Photo of Eon Iosefa, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Eon Iosefa
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Online Only
I also have a wealth of experience supporting youth involved in the juvenile justice system, oppositional teens, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Hello, I’m Eon Iosefa a licensed Marriage and Family therapist. I entered into this field to help individuals learn, grow, and heal at their own pace. I fundamentally believe that we are the experts of ourselves and our experiences. My therapeutic stance is client-centered and strength-based. Through the use of Motivational Interviewing and techniques from the Harm Reduction Model, I am able to provide the clients I serve with a thorough, strength-based, and client-driven assessment of their mental health needs.
I also have a wealth of experience supporting youth involved in the juvenile justice system, oppositional teens, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Hello, I’m Eon Iosefa a licensed Marriage and Family therapist. I entered into this field to help individuals learn, grow, and heal at their own pace. I fundamentally believe that we are the experts of ourselves and our experiences. My therapeutic stance is client-centered and strength-based. Through the use of Motivational Interviewing and techniques from the Harm Reduction Model, I am able to provide the clients I serve with a thorough, strength-based, and client-driven assessment of their mental health needs.
(805) 262-8383 View (805) 262-8383
Photo of Laisa Jamison, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Laisa Jamison
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Online Only
I spent the past 11 years working primarily with children and their families working with the following population: children who have experienced complex trauma, children with psychiatric hospitalizations, children who are system involved with Child Welfare, children struggling with depression, anxiety, anger, oppositional behaviors, impairments in family and school setting, adjustments disorders, life stressors, and self-esteem issues.
I am also training to utilize Solution Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Dialectic Behavioral Therapy. I find passion in serving children and youth; especially adolescents and young adults.
I spent the past 11 years working primarily with children and their families working with the following population: children who have experienced complex trauma, children with psychiatric hospitalizations, children who are system involved with Child Welfare, children struggling with depression, anxiety, anger, oppositional behaviors, impairments in family and school setting, adjustments disorders, life stressors, and self-esteem issues.
I am also training to utilize Solution Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Dialectic Behavioral Therapy. I find passion in serving children and youth; especially adolescents and young adults.
(209) 395-1529 View (209) 395-1529
Photo of Josie Byers, Pre-Licensed Professional, MFT
Josie Byers
Pre-Licensed Professional, MFT
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
Common issues: Parenting, communication, trauma, anxiety, depression, sex therapy, relationship problems, PTSD, oppositional defiance disorder ( ODD), and marginalized populations LGBTQAI+.
My focus is working with adolescents and families/couples; especially youth who are high risk or unique relationships. I use a trauma-informed lens and utilize solution-focused brief therapy and narrative therapy to help individuals solve issues and come to solutions quickly.
Common issues: Parenting, communication, trauma, anxiety, depression, sex therapy, relationship problems, PTSD, oppositional defiance disorder ( ODD), and marginalized populations LGBTQAI+.
My focus is working with adolescents and families/couples; especially youth who are high risk or unique relationships. I use a trauma-informed lens and utilize solution-focused brief therapy and narrative therapy to help individuals solve issues and come to solutions quickly.
(619) 830-5866 View (619) 830-5866
Photo of Jacqueline Small, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Jacqueline Small
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I have extensive training in Behavior Modification and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and specialize in working with various disabilities including but not limited to:Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder/Attention Deficit Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Conduct Disorder, Intermittent Explosive Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, trauma and bereavement.
I have over 25 years experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families providing individual, couples and family therapy in both Philadelphia and San Diego. I managed a school based program in San Diego County for 15 years providing an array of mental health services to children and adolescents with severe emotional and behavior problems. I have also worked as a Medical Social Worker at Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego for the past 20 years providing supportive counseling to children and their families during a medical and/or health crisis.
I have extensive training in Behavior Modification and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and specialize in working with various disabilities including but not limited to:Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder/Attention Deficit Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Conduct Disorder, Intermittent Explosive Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, trauma and bereavement.
I have over 25 years experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families providing individual, couples and family therapy in both Philadelphia and San Diego. I managed a school based program in San Diego County for 15 years providing an array of mental health services to children and adolescents with severe emotional and behavior problems. I have also worked as a Medical Social Worker at Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego for the past 20 years providing supportive counseling to children and their families during a medical and/or health crisis.
(619) 452-3815 View (619) 452-3815
Photo of Bryn Chesser, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Bryn Chesser
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
San Diego, CA 92122
You might look like you're managing just fine on the outside, but inside, it’s a different story—waves of anxiety, a heaviness you can’t explain, or an edge of irritability that keeps catching you off guard. Maybe you’ve been feeling disconnected from yourself or stuck in patterns that no longer serve you. With a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness-based approaches, I help clients untangle the emotional knots that keep them from feeling fully present and alive.
You might look like you're managing just fine on the outside, but inside, it’s a different story—waves of anxiety, a heaviness you can’t explain, or an edge of irritability that keeps catching you off guard. Maybe you’ve been feeling disconnected from yourself or stuck in patterns that no longer serve you. With a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness-based approaches, I help clients untangle the emotional knots that keep them from feeling fully present and alive.
(858) 544-3169 View (858) 544-3169
Photo of Karen Derman, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Karen Derman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Online Only
My name is Karen Derman, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. (LMFT) Is your child or teen struggling at home, in school, or in their relationships with others? Does your young adult have difficulty getting and keeping jobs? I can help! I teach parents how they can help their child, teen or young adult thrive. My approach to therapy varies based on the needs of each parent, child, teen, and young adult. I most frequently use relationship therapy to build trust and strengthen the parent-child-parent bond. I also use family therapy to facilitate communication.
My name is Karen Derman, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. (LMFT) Is your child or teen struggling at home, in school, or in their relationships with others? Does your young adult have difficulty getting and keeping jobs? I can help! I teach parents how they can help their child, teen or young adult thrive. My approach to therapy varies based on the needs of each parent, child, teen, and young adult. I most frequently use relationship therapy to build trust and strengthen the parent-child-parent bond. I also use family therapy to facilitate communication.
(619) 567-1847 View (619) 567-1847
Photo of Aniel Ponce, Psychologist, PsyD
Aniel Ponce
Psychologist, PsyD
3 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92108
Hi there! I’m a psychologist who focuses on neurodiversity, working with people who have unique ways of experiencing the world, like those with autism, ADHD, and other neurodiverse traits. I understand that each person may face challenges related to communication, sensory sensitivities, executive function, or social interactions. My focus is on helping you with these aspects through understanding and personalized support. A lot of my clients come to me looking for clarity about their neurological differences and practical ways to handle everyday life. They want to understand themselves better and find strategies that work for them
Hi there! I’m a psychologist who focuses on neurodiversity, working with people who have unique ways of experiencing the world, like those with autism, ADHD, and other neurodiverse traits. I understand that each person may face challenges related to communication, sensory sensitivities, executive function, or social interactions. My focus is on helping you with these aspects through understanding and personalized support. A lot of my clients come to me looking for clarity about their neurological differences and practical ways to handle everyday life. They want to understand themselves better and find strategies that work for them
(858) 422-1618 View (858) 422-1618
Photo of Lisa Lansing, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Lisa Lansing
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Online Only
My name is Lisa Lansing and I am a licensed clinical social worker for more than 25 years. I believe that looking at our past can give us clues to our future and help us live our best lives. Utilizing a strength-based approach, I can help you improve the relationship you have with yourself and others. Together we can create positive change in areas such as self-esteem, healthy boundaries, overcoming depression and anxiety, assertiveness, communication, anger management, grief as well as working on parenting issues.
My name is Lisa Lansing and I am a licensed clinical social worker for more than 25 years. I believe that looking at our past can give us clues to our future and help us live our best lives. Utilizing a strength-based approach, I can help you improve the relationship you have with yourself and others. Together we can create positive change in areas such as self-esteem, healthy boundaries, overcoming depression and anxiety, assertiveness, communication, anger management, grief as well as working on parenting issues.
(858) 758-8763 View (858) 758-8763
Photo of Ann Anderson, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Ann Anderson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Online Only
Nobody’s childhood dream was to grow up and feel overwhelmed, alone, stuck or unworthy. I aim to help individuals heal from trauma-related issues such as anxiety, depression, and relationship/family issues. If you find yourself living without a navigation system to understand emotional terrain or trauma that impacts your well-being; you are not alone. All of us go through rough patches in our lives. My approach is specific to meet your unique needs in a safe and non-judgemental space.
Nobody’s childhood dream was to grow up and feel overwhelmed, alone, stuck or unworthy. I aim to help individuals heal from trauma-related issues such as anxiety, depression, and relationship/family issues. If you find yourself living without a navigation system to understand emotional terrain or trauma that impacts your well-being; you are not alone. All of us go through rough patches in our lives. My approach is specific to meet your unique needs in a safe and non-judgemental space.
(760) 280-9425 View (760) 280-9425
Photo of Jim Goethel, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Jim Goethel
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I would like to help you clarify your goals, identify obstacles to reaching those goals, and then work together collaboratively to determine the best method of navigating your life and relationships to achieve personal fulfillment. I believe that attitude and perception significantly impact how individuals deal with pain and conflict, and that exploring problematic areas from different perspectives in a safe, nonjudgmental environment can transform and heal.
I would like to help you clarify your goals, identify obstacles to reaching those goals, and then work together collaboratively to determine the best method of navigating your life and relationships to achieve personal fulfillment. I believe that attitude and perception significantly impact how individuals deal with pain and conflict, and that exploring problematic areas from different perspectives in a safe, nonjudgmental environment can transform and heal.
(619) 452-3038 View (619) 452-3038
Photo of Jacob Ambrose - Restore Psychology - ADHD Testing, Psychologist, PhD
Restore Psychology - ADHD Testing
Psychologist, PhD
2 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92108
Are you struggling with concentration difficulties, procrastination, or low motivation? Are you wondering if you or your child may have ADHD, depression, or anxiety? At Restore Psychology, we specialize in comprehensive psychological testing and diagnostic evaluations to help you gain clarity and move forward with confidence. Our San Diego practice offers evidence-based testing for ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, and other learning disability for children, teens, and adults, as well as full psychological evaluations for anxiety, depression, OCD, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, and other psychological concerns.
Are you struggling with concentration difficulties, procrastination, or low motivation? Are you wondering if you or your child may have ADHD, depression, or anxiety? At Restore Psychology, we specialize in comprehensive psychological testing and diagnostic evaluations to help you gain clarity and move forward with confidence. Our San Diego practice offers evidence-based testing for ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, and other learning disability for children, teens, and adults, as well as full psychological evaluations for anxiety, depression, OCD, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, and other psychological concerns.
(619) 935-3599 View (619) 935-3599
Photo of John Ackerman, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
John Ackerman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Online Only
Navigating through the complexities of anger management, depression and anxiety can be challenging. Intense emotions can arise swiftly, often making it difficult to maintain composure and perspective. However, understanding and managing these intense feelings is not only possible but within your reach, and I'm committed to helping you achieve this.
Navigating through the complexities of anger management, depression and anxiety can be challenging. Intense emotions can arise swiftly, often making it difficult to maintain composure and perspective. However, understanding and managing these intense feelings is not only possible but within your reach, and I'm committed to helping you achieve this.
(858) 330-5286 View (858) 330-5286
Photo of Sarah Izaguirre, Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Sarah Izaguirre
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
San Diego, CA 92106
Working with children, teenagers, adults, and families has been my priority for the past decade in order to help them develop the skills they need to build healthy lives. My goal is to create a safe environment in which individuals feel comfortable expressing themselves openly and free of judgment. I believe in working as a team in order to help each person develop insight in themselves and their situation, while cultivating their strengths, and highlighting their resiliency. When needed, I involve parents, families, psychiatrists, and physicians in order to ensure collaboration to increase the client's support within treatment.
Working with children, teenagers, adults, and families has been my priority for the past decade in order to help them develop the skills they need to build healthy lives. My goal is to create a safe environment in which individuals feel comfortable expressing themselves openly and free of judgment. I believe in working as a team in order to help each person develop insight in themselves and their situation, while cultivating their strengths, and highlighting their resiliency. When needed, I involve parents, families, psychiatrists, and physicians in order to ensure collaboration to increase the client's support within treatment.
(619) 598-1117 View (619) 598-1117

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Oppositional Defiance (ODD) Therapists

What is the most effective treatment for oppositional defiant disorder?

The treatment of Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) will involve multiple approaches designed to help both the youngster and their parents, sometimes including medication. A therapist will help a child learn ways to regulate their emotions, curb their impulsiveness, and counteract anger, defiance, and disruption, while showing parents ways to bring these lessons into their home. A technique designed for children with conditions like ODD, known as Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS), may also be used. CPS addresses a child’s concerns and rewards appropriate responses while discouraging harsh punishment or criticism.

How does treatment for oppositional defiant disorder work?

Treatment for ODD addresses the issues underlying a child’s defiance and disruption, the emotional regulation and impulse-control skills they lack, and the way adults respond to them. ODD therapy is based on the idea that children with the disorder understand the difference between right and wrong, that they want to behave well, and that, with help, they can. By responding to the child with empathy instead of harsh criticism, ignoring nonviolent behaviors, and rewarding positive actions, a therapist, and the other adults in a child’s life, can help children improve their behavior.

How long does therapy for oppositional defiant disorder take?

Therapy for oppositional defiant disorder is not a short-term undertaking. Depending on the severity of a child’s symptoms, their age, the presence of other conditions like ADHD, anxiety or a mood disorder, and their family dynamic, it can take months before improvement is noted. The cooperation of parents and teachers is crucial, because the skills learned in therapy must be practiced in real-world situations, with all their potential triggers.

Does oppositional defiant disorder go away?

ODD can remit following treatment. ODD is often diagnosed in nursery school, and early intervention is essential for a positive prognosis. In two-thirds of children, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, symptoms resolve within three years.