Defiant Disorders

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) services offered in San Antonio, TX

Oppositional defiant disorder and other defiant disorders often appear in childhood or adolescence and involve persistent patterns of anger, defiance, or irritability toward authority figures. At Soluna Mind and Wellness, our behavioral disorder treatment approach focuses on understanding the emotional needs beneath the behavior. We collaborate with families to create structure, strengthen communication, and develop positive coping and problem-solving skills that promote self-regulation and long-term success. To get help, call the office or request a telehealth appointment online today. In-person appointments will be available beginning in 2026.

Photo by Linda Herrera

Defiant Disorders Q & A

What are defiant disorders?

Defiant disorders are behavioral conditions that cause ongoing patterns of anger, irritability, and defiant behavior toward authority figures.

While occasional disobedience is a normal part of childhood and adolescence, persistent defiance that disrupts family life, school, and/or friendships can indicate a deeper issue.

At Soluna Mind and Wellness, the experienced team helps children and teens learn healthier ways to express emotions and manage behavior through compassionate, evidence-based care.

What are the signs of a defiant disorder?

Children or adolescents with ODD may frequently:

Argue with parents, teachers, and/or other adults
Refuse to follow rules or instructions
Deliberately annoy or provoke others
Blame others for their mistakes or misbehavior
Display frequent anger or resentment
Act spitefully or seek revenge

These behaviors typically last at least six months and cause significant difficulties at home, school, and in relationships.

What causes defiant disorders?

The cause of defiant disorders isn’t known, but it’s believed that genetic, environmental, and social factors play roles. Influences can include:

A child’s temperament
Family dynamics
Exposure to stress or trauma

Coexisting mental health conditions like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, or depression can also contribute to ODD.

At Soluna Mind and Wellness, the team takes time to understand the whole picture before developing a personalized treatment plan for your child.

How is a defiant disorder diagnosed?

Diagnosis begins with a thorough psychiatric evaluation that can include interviews with the child, parents, and teachers.

The Soluna Mind and Wellness team assesses behavior patterns, emotional health, and family environment to determine if the child’s symptoms point to ODD or another condition.

How are defiant disorders treated?

Defiant disorder treatment focuses on improving communication, building emotional regulation skills, and strengthening family relationships. Behavioral therapy and parent management training are often highly effective.

In some cases, the team will recommend medication if coexisting conditions like ADHD or mood disorders are present. Telehealth services are available for convenient, consistent follow-up care.

Can children outgrow defiant disorders?

With early intervention and proper support, many children learn to manage their emotions and behaviors more effectively. Left untreated, however, ODD raises the risk of more severe behavioral problems in adolescence or adulthood.

The Soluna Mind and Wellness team is dedicated to collaborating with families to help restore harmony and give children the tools they need to succeed.

Call the office or book an appointment online today to start your child’s journey toward positive change.

Services

Adult Psychiatry

At Soluna Mind and Wellness in San Antonio, Texas, our adult psychiatry services provide comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment for a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and trauma-related conditions. Each treatment plan is personalized to your unique needs, combining medication management, supportive therapy, and lifestyle guidance. Our goal is to help adults achieve lasting emotional stability, improved daily functioning, and an overall sense of well-being. Call the office to schedule a telehealth appointment or request one online today. In-person appointments will be available beginning in 2026.

Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

At Soluna Mind and Wellness in San Antonio, Texas, we specialize in child and adolescent psychiatry, offering compassionate, developmentally appropriate care to children and teens. We understand how mental health challenges like ADHD, anxiety, depression, and behavioral concerns can affect school performance and family relationships. Our approach emphasizes collaboration with families, educators, and therapists to promote healthy emotional development and academic success. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today for child and adolescent psychiatry. In-person appointments will be available beginning in 2026.

Psychiatric Medication Management

At Soluna Mind and Wellness in San Antonio, Texas, our psychiatric medication management services provide a thoughtful, collaborative approach to using medication as part of your mental health treatment. We focus on finding the right balance between drug effectiveness and toleration while educating patients about how medications work, what to expect, and how to achieve the best results. We treat many conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. To schedule a psychiatric medication management consultation, call the office or request one online today.

Neuropsychological testing for ADHD

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects individuals of all ages and can significantly impact focus, organization, academic performance, and daily functioning. At Soluna Mind and Wellness in San Antonio, Texas, neuropsychological testing provides a comprehensive understanding of cognitive and behavioral functioning to help accurately diagnose ADHD and guide effective treatment planning. To determine if you're a candidate for neuropsychological testing for ADHD, call the office or request an appointment online today.

Telehealth

At Soluna Mind and Wellness in San Antonio, Texas, we currently offer convenient telehealth appointments to provide accessible, high-quality mental health care from the comfort of your home. Our board-certified providers specialize in compassionate, personalized psychiatric services designed to help you thrive. We’re excited to announce that in-person appointments will be available beginning in 2026, giving patients even more options to connect and receive care that fits their lifestyle. To schedule a telehealth appointment, call the office or request one online today.

SPRAVATO®

Coming Soon....

Beginning in 2026, Soluna Mind and Wellness in San Antonio, Texas, will offer Spravato® (esketamine) treatments for adults struggling with treatment-resistant depression. Administered in a safe, supervised clinical setting, Spravato works differently from traditional antidepressants—helping patients experience relief and improved mood faster. Our compassionate team will guide each step of the process, ensuring a supportive and healing environment for every individual. To learn more about Spravato, call the office or request a consultation online today.

TMS

Coming Soon....

Around one-third of the 16 million Americans with depression live with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Hayden Castillo, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, and Victor Labrado, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, at Soluna Mind and Wellness in San Antonio, Texas, offer innovative transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) as an alternative depression treatment if antidepressants and therapy haven't reduced your symptoms. Call Soluna Mind and Wellness or request a consultation online today to determine if TMS can help you.

Conditions We Treat