Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) Care in Los Angeles & Santa Barbara
Supportive, family-centered evaluation and treatment for ODD — helping children, teens, and the parents who love them find a calmer path forward.
Understanding oppositional defiant disorder
Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) involves a persistent pattern of anger, defiance, and conflict with authority that goes beyond typical childhood behavior and strains daily life at home and school. With the right support, families can see real change. At Refine Psychiatry, we evaluate carefully — because behavior that looks like ODD can overlap with anxiety, ADHD, learning differences, or other conditions — and we partner closely with parents.
Signs & symptoms we help evaluate
ODD is more than occasional defiance. During an evaluation we look carefully at patterns like these:
Frequent, intense anger or loss of temper Arguing with adults and refusing to follow rules Deliberately annoying others, or blaming others for mistakes Resentfulness or spitefulness Conflict that's straining home, school, or friendships
Ready to talk with someone?
Book a confidential evaluation online, or call our team.
Our approach to care
We start with a thorough evaluation to understand what's really driving the behavior, then build a plan with the whole family. Parents are partners throughout, and we coordinate with schools and therapists when helpful.
How we help
Care is individualized and often centers on parent guidance and coordination with evidence-based behavioral therapy; medication is considered only when a co-occurring condition (such as ADHD or anxiety) warrants it.
What to expect as a family
The first visit is a comprehensive evaluation that includes parents. From there we'll build a plan together and schedule follow-ups — in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, or by secure video across California.
Frequently asked questions
Is ODD the same as normal defiance?
Do you treat ODD with medication?
Will parents be involved?
Related conditions we treat
ADHD (Children & Adults)
Comprehensive ADHD evaluation and treatment for children, teens, and adults — combining thorough assessment, medication management when appropriate, and practical strategies for focus, organization, and daily life.
Anxiety Disorders
From generalized anxiety and panic to social anxiety, we help you understand what's driving the worry and build a calmer, more grounded relationship with everyday life.
Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
Pediatric-trained psychiatric care for kids and teens, delivered with patience and warmth — always in close partnership with parents, schools, and existing providers.
PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance)
Anxiety-informed, affirming support for kids, teens, and adults whose distress around everyday demands goes far beyond ordinary defiance.
Straightforward, transparent fees
We believe in no surprises. See exactly how our self-pay fees work before you book your first appointment.
A calmer path forward for your family
Schedule an evaluation in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, or by California telehealth.