ODD Treatment
in Beachwood, NJ
Compassionate support for children, teens, and families experiencing persistent anger, defiance, emotional dysregulation, and behavioral challenges.
You’re Not a Bad Parent — And Your Child Is Not a Bad Kid
Parenting a child or teen who struggles with anger, defiance, emotional outbursts, or difficulty following rules can feel overwhelming, confusing, and deeply stressful. Many parents describe feeling exhausted, discouraged, or unsure of how to help their child succeed at home, in school, or in relationships. Children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) are not intentionally trying to be “difficult”—they are struggling with emotional regulation, frustration tolerance, impulse control, and communication.
At Triangle Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, we understand how challenging ODD can be for the entire family. Children with ODD often feel misunderstood, criticized, or easily overwhelmed. Their reactions are often rooted in anxiety, stress, ADHD, trauma, or other emotional factors—not disobedience or a lack of caring.
Our warm, supportive approach focuses on strengthening emotional skills, improving communication, and helping families work together with confidence and clarity. We provide strategies that reduce conflict, build trust, and help children develop healthier behavior patterns over time.
With flexible hours up to 10 p.m. and weekend availability, we make care accessible for working parents, school-aged children, and busy families.
You’re not alone in this. With the right support, real progress is possible—for your child and your entire family.
ADD/ADHD Treatment
in Toms River, NJ
Compassionate, evidence-based care that supports focus, stability, and long-term success.
What Is ODD?
Oppositional Defiant Disorder is a behavioral and emotional condition that affects children and adolescents. It is characterized by persistent patterns of
anger, irritability, arguing, defiance, blaming others, refusal to follow rules, emotional reactivity, and difficulty handling frustration.
These behaviors are more frequent, intense, or disruptive than what is typical for a child’s age or developmental stage.
Understanding ODD
Common Signs of ODD Include:
- frequent temper outbursts
- easily annoyed or angered
- arguing with adults or authority figures
- deliberately ignoring rules
- refusing to comply with requests
- blaming others for mistakes
- acting spiteful or resentful
- struggling with transitions
- difficulty accepting limits
Left Untreated, ODD Can Lead to:
- school difficulties
- conflicts at home
- strained friendships
- low self-esteem
- behavioral escalation
- emotional burnout for the family
But with the right support, children can dramatically improve their behaviors, build emotional resilience, and learn healthier ways to communicate and respond.
ODD Is Not Caused by "Bad Parenting."
ODD is often linked to underlying factors such as:
- ADHD
- anxiety
- learning differences
- sensory sensitivities
- mood disorders
- trauma or stress
- emotional dysregulation
- challenges with flexibility or impulse control
Many children with ODD are bright, sensitive, strong-willed, and highly perceptive—but lack the skills to manage big emotions.
Our ODD treatment supports a wide range of children, adolescents, and families experiencing emotional or behavioral challenges.
Who ODD Treatment Helps
Children
Younger children may show ODD through:
▲ frequent tantrums
▲ refusal to follow instructions
▲ difficulty sharing or cooperating
▲ arguing with caregivers
▲ emotional outbursts
▲ rigidity or “all-or-nothing” thinking
Treatment helps build emotional language, frustration tolerance, and problem-solving skills.
Teens & Adolescents
Adolescents experience unique challenges that can intensify ODD symptoms, including:
▲ peer pressure
▲ academic demands
▲ identity development
▲
hormonal changes
▲ social stress
▲ expectations at home
Teens may become argumentative, irritable, withdrawn, or reactive. We provide a safe space where they can express themselves while learning healthier communication and coping strategies.
Families & Caregivers
ODD affects the entire household. We support caregivers with tools for:
▲ setting boundaries
▲ managing conflict
▲ strengthening communication
▲ reducing power struggles
▲ reinforcing positive behaviors
▲ improving family dynamics
Parents often feel relief simply knowing they are not alone, and that change is possible.
Children with co-occurring conditions:
ODD commonly appears alongside ADHD, anxiety, sensory processing challenges, mood symptoms, learning differences, and trauma-related responses. We treat the whole picture to promote stability and success.
What to Expect During ODD Treatment
Treatment for ODD at Triangle Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services is collaborative, structured, and focused on building real-life skills for both children and their families.
1. Comprehensive Assessment
We start by understanding the full picture, including:
- emotional triggers
- home dynamics
- school behavior
- sleep patterns
- stressors
- developmental history
- attention and impulse challenges
- communication struggles
- family routines
- strengths and supports
This allows us to create a personalized plan tailored to the child’s needs and family goals.
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps children and teens learn:
- emotional awareness
- coping skills
- problem-solving strategies
- how to pause before reacting
- how to challenge negative or inflexible thoughts
- healthier communication
CBT is especially effective for children with anger, frustration, or rigid thinking.
3. Parent Coaching & Family Support
ODD treatment is most successful when caregivers receive support too. We help families learn:
- positive reinforcement techniques
- how to set consistent boundaries
- effective consequences that don’t escalate conflict
- communication strategies that reduce power struggles
- ways to stay calm during intense moments
- routines that support emotional regulation
This creates a more predictable, peaceful household.
4. Emotional Regulation & Skill Building
Children learn tools such as:
- grounding techniques
- calming strategies
- managing frustration
- problem-solving
- flexible thinking
- mindfulness skills
- communication tools
These skills help reduce outbursts and improve overall behavior.
5. Medication Support (If Needed)
Medication may be used to address co-occurring conditions like ADHD, anxiety, or mood symptoms that contribute to behavioral difficulties. We discuss all options carefully and involve caregivers every step of the way.
6. School & Academic Support
We guide families in:
- communicating with teachers
- understanding behavior plans
- supporting learning differences
- navigating school accommodations
- building routines that support success
7. Flexible Scheduling That Works for Families
With evening and weekend availability, children and teens can receive consistent support without missing school or disrupting family routines.
Why Choose Triangle for ODD Treatment?
ODD treatment requires patience, expertise, and a compassionate understanding of how emotional regulation develops. At Triangle Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, we offer a warm, structured, family-centered approach that helps children thrive.
Compassionate, Judgement-Free Care
We know parents often feel blamed or criticized. Here, you’ll find understanding, validation, and support—not judgment
Expertise in Behavioral Disorders
Richard Holligan, PMHNP-BC, provides skilled diagnosis and treatment — including those with complex symptoms.
Integrated, Evidence-Based Treatment
CBT, parent coaching, school collaboration, and supportive therapy, for meaningful, long-term improvement.
Accessible Hours for Busy Families
With extended evening and weekend hours, families can receive consistent care without interrupting school or work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes ODD?
ODD does not have one single cause. Contributing factors may include genetics, temperament, ADHD, anxiety, learning differences, trauma, and environmental stressors.
Can children outgrow ODD?
With effective treatment and family support, many children significantly improve and develop healthier emotional and behavioral skills.
How do I know if my child has ODD or is just being “strong-willed”?
The difference is frequency, intensity, and impact. If behaviors cause significant stress at home, school, or in friendships, an evaluation can help clarify the cause.
Do parents need to be involved in treatment?
Yes. Parent support and coaching are essential components of successful ODD treatment.
Can medication help with ODD?
Medication does not treat ODD directly, but it can help with co-occurring conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, or mood symptoms that influence behavior.
How long does OCD treatment take?
Each child is unique. Some see improvements quickly, while others benefit from longer-term support. Consistency is key.
Do you offer after-school appointments?
Yes. We offer appointments up to 10 p.m. and weekends to make treatment accessible without missing school.
Take the First Step Toward Peace, Cooperation, and Emotional Growth
At Triangle Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, we help children build emotional skills, reduce outbursts, develop healthier behaviors, and improve communication—while supporting caregivers every step of the way.
Hope for your child begins today. Reach out to schedule an appointment.
