Behavior Issues in Children and Adolescents

Compassionate, evidence-based support for kids and families

Parenting a child who struggles with behavioral challenges can be exhausting, confusing, and at times overwhelming. Whether it’s emotional outbursts, defiance, aggression, anxiety-driven avoidance, or social struggles, you want to help your child—but may feel unsure where to start.

At Atlanta Counseling Collective, we specialize in helping children and families address behavior concerns by looking deeper—identifying the root cause—and creating a treatment plan that truly fits your child’s needs.

Understanding Behavior Challenges

Challenging behaviors often have underlying drivers. They may be fueled by:

  • Anxiety or obsessive-compulsive behaviors

  • Difficulty regulating emotions

  • Past trauma or stress

  • Attention or impulse-control difficulties

  • Family communication patterns

  • Transitions or major life changes

By addressing the underlying cause—not just the symptoms—we help families make lasting improvements in behavior, relationships, and emotional health.

Our Treatment Approaches

We customize treatment using one or more of the following evidence-based methods:

SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions)

For children whose behaviors stem from anxiety or OCD, SPACE focuses on working directly with parents to reduce “accommodations” (ways parents adjust life to avoid the child’s distress) and to increase supportive, confidence-building responses. This approach empowers parents to lead change at home without forcing the child into uncomfortable treatment.

DBT-C (Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Children)

For children with intense emotions, impulsivity, or frequent meltdowns, DBT-C teaches kids and parents practical skills in mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and effective communication. Parents learn the same skills alongside their child so everyone can practice and reinforce them at home.

Family Therapy

When communication patterns, family stress, or unresolved conflicts are driving behavior issues, family therapy helps everyone feel heard, develop problem-solving skills, and create a more peaceful, supportive home environment.

Parent Coaching

Some children need targeted behavior plans that focus on consistent parenting strategies, structure, and positive reinforcement. Our parent coaching sessions give you tools you can use right away, with guidance to adapt them as your child grows and changes.

Common Behavior Issues We Help With

  • Frequent tantrums or meltdowns

  • Refusal to attend school or participate in activities

  • Aggression or property destruction

  • Defiance and noncompliance

  • Avoidance related to anxiety or OCD

  • Difficulty calming down after becoming upset

  • Impulsive or risky behaviors

Why Our Approach Works

We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all behavior plans. Instead, we:

  1. Assess the underlying cause of your child’s behaviors.

  2. Match the treatment to the root cause—whether that’s anxiety, emotional regulation struggles, or family dynamics.

  3. Equip both parents and children with skills to create change at home and in daily life.

  4. Support progress over time with consistent check-ins, coaching, and collaboration.

Get Help for Your Child’s Behavior

With the right support, children can learn to manage big feelings, make better choices, and thrive at home, in school, and with peers. We’ll work with your family to create a plan that addresses the cause—not just the symptoms—of behavior challenges.

What Therapy Looks Like With Us:

  • Practical Tools

    Some sessions might focus on practical tools—like coping strategies for anxiety or setting boundaries.

  • Deeper Insight

    Other sessions might explore deeper patterns from your past, helping you understand why you respond the way you do.

  • Safe Relationship

    Our therapists are warm, down-to-earth, and collaborative. We don’t sit silently and nod—we’re in it with you, asking thoughtful questions, noticing what matters, and creating a space where real change can happen.

Lets Get Started.

People who reach out to us are looking for practical tools they can use right away—and a deeper understanding of what’s underneath the struggle. Therapy is where we explore patterns, grow insight, and work toward real, lasting change.

Reach out via email, our portal, or the contact form below:

Email Our Clinical Director
New Patient Request
Schedule On The Portal