What Is Oppositional Defiant Disorder?
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a behavioral condition characterized by an ongoing pattern of defiant, hostile, and argumentative behavior toward authority figures. Children and adolescents with ODD display persistent anger, irritability, and a strong resistance to rules and requests from parents, teachers, and other adults.
While all children test boundaries and occasionally argue with adults, ODD involves a persistent pattern that significantly interferes with daily functioning at home, school, and in social settings. The symptoms of ODD typically need to be persistent and cause significant problems at home, school, or with peers in order to warrant a diagnosis.
- Meet Our Therapists
- Oppositional Defiant Disorder Symptoms in Children
- How Taylor Counseling Group Treats ODD
- Why Early Intervention Matters
- Getting Started with Taylor Counseling Group
With a deeper sense of understanding, we’ll be able to create a treatment plan to help control anxiety and improve your overall health and wellness.
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Sandra Aponte Paniagua, M.Ed., LPC
Houston Memorial Park
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Jana Anderson, M.S., LPC-S
Galleria
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Stacey Gary, M.A., LPC
San Antonio: Alamo Heights
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Danielle Sanders, M.S., LPC
Dallas
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Geoffrey Godley, M.Ed., LPC
West Houston
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Lydia Ehrmann, M.S., LMFT
San Antonio: Alamo Heights
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Makira Nolen, M.A., LPC
Coppell
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Rachel Reeves, M.A., LPC
Fort Worth
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Sierra Richard, M.Ed., LPC
Dallas
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Shelby N. LaMothe, M.S., LPC
The Woodlands
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Stacy Moore, M.S., LPC
San Antonio: Alamo Heights
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Christina Martinez, M.S., LPC
Fort Worth
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Natalina Velez, MSW, LCSW
San Antonio: Alamo Heights
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Jessica Martin; M.S., LPC
The Woodlands
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Suzanne Fouad, M.A., LPC-Associate
Galleria
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Sandra Jones,M.A.,LPC-S
San Antonio
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Ally Clemments, M.A., LPC
Dallas
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Emma Leach, Practicum Student
Dallas
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Rose Ann Hopwood, M.A., LPC
Galleria
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Brittany Sanchez, M.S., LPC-Associate
The Woodlands
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Alpana Lakshmi, MS, LMFT, LPC
Houston Memorial Park
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Jennifer Sprague, M.S, LPC
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Lindsey Goodman, LPC-Associate, M.Ed.
Galleria
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Matthew Spikes, M.Ed, LPC
Dallas
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Gabrielle White, M.A., LCSW
Waco
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Harry Carpio, M.S, LPC
Houston Memorial Park
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Tichina Lynch, M.S., LPC
Houston Memorial Park
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Lori Caperton, M.A., LPC
Dallas
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Ileana Villarreal, M.A., LMFT
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Nicole Garth, M.S., LPC-Associate
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Kristen Martinez, MSW, LCSW
Fort Worth
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Megan Schaefer, M.S., LPC
San Antonio
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Jesse Gill, MSW, LCSW
Galleria
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Bria Harris, MA, LPC
Galleria
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Krista Weaver, MSW, LCSW, C-DBT
Fort Worth
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Ann Meripolski, MS, LPC, LCDC
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Christina Knight, M.S. LPC
Coppell
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Emily Rogers, M.S., LPC
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Megan Hawkins, M.A., LPC
Houston Memorial Park
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Antoine Votaw, MA, LPC, LCDC
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Michelle Rodgers, MS, LPC-S
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Anita Cepeda, MA, LPC
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Nicole Kremer, M.A., LPC
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Hailey-Lou Lowry, LPC-Associate, LCDC
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Hannah Frederick, M.A, LPC
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Kaila “Kai” Parker, Practicum Student
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Ashley Davis, M.A., LPC
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Holly Patterson, MA, LPC
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Kotia Whitaker, M.S. LMFT
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Vanessa Perkins, MA, LPC
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Amy Hill, MS, LPC-S, LMFT-S
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Colleen Farris, MS, LPC, LMHC
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Oppositional Defiant Disorder Symptoms in Children
Children with ODD typically display a combination of emotional and behavioral symptoms that distinguish the condition from typical childhood defiance. Common signs of ODD include:
Emotional Symptoms:
- Frequent anger and irritability
- Persistent resentment and hostility
- Low frustration tolerance
- Sensitivity to perceived slights or criticism
Behavioral Symptoms:
- Arguing excessively with adults
- Deliberately refusing to follow rules or comply with requests
- Intentionally annoying or upsetting others
- Blaming others for their own mistakes or misbehavior
- Vindictive or spiteful behavior
If your child exhibits these behaviors consistently at home, school, or with peers over time, a professional evaluation is recommended. Early intervention can improve long‑term outcomes and may help reduce the risk of more serious behavioral problems over time.
How Taylor Counseling Group Treats ODD
At Taylor Counseling Group, we utilize evidence-based therapeutic approaches to help children and families manage oppositional defiant disorder. Our treatment model combines individual therapy, family counseling, and parent management training to create comprehensive, individualized treatment plans.
Our ODD Treatment Approach Includes:
- Cognitive-Behavioral Strategies: Helping children develop healthier coping skills, manage emotions, and build problem-solving abilities.
- Family Therapy: Working with parents and caregivers to address family dynamics and support consistent, effective responses to behavior.
- Child and Play-Based Interventions: Using developmentally appropriate approaches, such as play therapy, to address behavioral and emotional concerns.
Our experienced therapists work with children, adolescents, and families on a wide range of behavioral and emotional concerns, including oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). We recognize that effective treatment requires addressing not just the child’s behavior, but also family patterns and environmental factors that contribute to the condition.
Why Early Intervention Matters
Research consistently demonstrates that early professional intervention leads to significantly better long-term outcomes for children with ODD. Without effective support, some children with significant defiant and oppositional behaviors may go on to develop more serious behavioral problems in adolescence, including conduct-related difficulties.
Oppositional behaviors can also occur alongside other conditions such as attention difficulties, anxiety, or mood concerns, which may be addressed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Our comprehensive assessment process identifies these comorbid conditions, allowing us to address all contributing factors to your child’s behavioral challenges.
Early intervention also prevents the negative cycle of school failure, peer rejection, and family conflict that often accompanies untreated ODD. With proper support, children develop healthier coping mechanisms, improved relationships, and better academic performance.
Schedule A Counseling Session For Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Client PortalGetting Started with Taylor Counseling Group
Taylor Counseling Group has multiple locations across Central Texas, including:
- Alamo Heights
- Coppell
- Dallas
- Fort Worth
- Galleria
- Houston Memorial Park
- San Antonio
- The Woodlands
- Waco
Payment & Affordable Care Program
We aim to make counseling services accessible to many families in the region. Taylor Counseling Group accepts most major insurance plans and also offers an income-based Affordable Care Program, helping make counseling more accessible and affordable for many families.
Our team strives to make getting started as simple as possible. You can contact Taylor Counseling Group or schedule online, and your therapist will work with you to understand your concerns and create a personalized treatment plan for your child.
Contact Taylor Counseling Group today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward helping your child thrive.