Play Therapy is a form of children’s psychotherapy that builds upon natural communication patterns. Because play is a child’s first language, play therapy allows children and teens to use toys, art, or other expressive methods to communicate their thoughts, feelings, and perceptions in their own unique ways. Play therapy should be utilized only by trained professionals.

Yes, we take several different insurance companies including Medicaid. Visit our Rates and Insurance page to see an updated list of the insurance we accept.

Because play therapy is a form of counseling, it follows the same guidelines as other forms of psychotherapy. What parents and children say in therapy is confidential, except in the cases of harm to self or others, endangerment of a child or vulnerable adult (abuse/neglect), or if the therapist is subpoenaed by a judge. Your counselor will discuss the limits of confidentiality in great detail with you and your child during the first session, and throughout the counseling process.

The therapy process is different for every individual and depends on needs of the client, commitment to therapy, and presenting issue. According to the Association for Play Therapy, issues usually take an average of 20 sessions to begin to resolve. Some children may begin to show progress sooner, and others may take longer to process more complex issues. Your therapist will work closely with you to develop the most appropriate treatment plan, and to re-evaluate at regular intervals.

You as a parent/guardian know your child, and therefore are the best judge as to what will suit your child’s needs at this time. Play therapy has been shown to be effective in treating children of all ages and for a variety of needs. Some common presenting issues we see are:

· Academic difficulties

· ADD/ADHD

· Anger Management

· Anxiety

· Conduct Disorders

· Depression

· Developmental Concerns

· Divorce

· Family Changes/Transitions

· Grief and Loss

· Sexual Abuse

· Sexuality

· Social Difficulties

· Trauma

According to the Association for Play Therapy, “research suggests that play therapy is an effective mental health approach, regardless of age, gender, or the nature of the problem, and works best when a parent, family member, or caretaker is actively involved in the treatment process.”