Play therapy for kids & young children
Therapy designed for how kids naturally communicate
Play therapy uses play to help kids handle big feelings, learn coping skills, and work through problems they can't yet talk about.
Insurance accepted. Appointments often available within days.
teens, & families
Play therapy, at a glance
93 studies
Confirm play therapy produces strong positive outcomes for children, across a wide range of presenting concerns (Ray, 2015).
Ages 3-12
Primary age range for play therapy. Recommended for children too young for talk-based therapies.
71% improve
Children referred for play therapy show positive, measurable change, per the Association for Play Therapy.
What is play therapy?
How play helps kids heal.
Play therapy uses play, the way kids naturally talk, as the main healing tool.
Unlike talk therapy, play therapy doesn't need kids to use big words. Kids use toys, art, sand trays, puppets, and imagination to express feelings and learn new skills.
Play Therapists (RPT) have special training through the Association for Play Therapy (APT) beyond their regular license.
Evidence-Based
Backed by clinical research and validated outcomes.
Play therapy uses play, the way kids naturally talk, as the main healing tool.
Unlike talk therapy, play therapy doesn't need kids to use big words. Kids use toys, art, sand trays, puppets, and imagination to express feelings and learn new skills.
Play Therapists (RPT) have special training through the Association for Play Therapy (APT) beyond their regular license.
Types of play therapy
Approaches your child's therapist may use.
Child-Led Play Therapy
- The child leads the session
- Therapist shows acceptance and support
- Child chooses activities and goes at their pace
- Builds confidence and emotion skills naturally
Therapist-Guided Play Therapy
- Therapist guides activities toward healing
- Uses games and activities to build skills
- Includes structured help for specific problems
- Can include CBT or trauma work
Parent Play Therapy
- Parents learn play skills to use at home
- Strengthens the parent-child bond
- 10-session model for parent and child
- Empowers parents as helpers
Sand Tray Therapy
- Child creates scenes in sand with small figures
- Shows inner feelings in a safe way
- Provides a safe world to explore
- Works well for trauma and attachment
How play therapy helps
What research shows.
- Lowers anxiety and fear
- Helps kids manage and express emotions
- Heals from trauma without re-telling stories
- Builds stronger parent-child bonds
- Fewer behavior problems at home and school
- Improves friend skills and confidence
What play therapy helps with
Why families choose play therapy.
Emotional Challenges
- Anxiety and fears
- Grief and loss
- Trauma exposure
- Attachment difficulties
Behavioral Concerns
- Aggression and tantrums
- School refusal
- Social skill difficulties
- Adjustment to life changes (divorce, new sibling, moving)
Why families choose Emora for play therapy
Emora's play therapy specialists vs. other providers.
General providers
APT-certified Play Therapists
Therapists may not have play therapy certification
Play therapy designed for online sessions
Little experience with online play therapy
Parent coaching is built into treatment
Little parent guidance
Training in early childhood mental health
General training, not child-focused
Progress tracked with proven measures
Progress measured by feelings only
Get started in minutes
Three simple steps to connect with the right clinician.
- 1
Share what's going on
Tell us about your child's challenges and what you're noticing.
- 2
Verify coverage
See insurance estimates and available appointment times.
- 3
Start therapy
Meet your matched play therapist and begin healing through play.
Frequently asked questions
What parents ask most about play therapy.
Play therapy works best for kids ages 3 to 12. It's especially good for kids under 8 who can't yet talk in therapy. Adaptations exist for older kids and teens.
Online play therapy uses simple activities with things from home like drawing, stories, puppets, and imagination. Research shows online play therapy works, and many kids feel comfy at home.
Most kids need 12 to 20 weekly sessions. Some improve faster. Kids healing from trauma may need longer. Your therapist will update you on progress.
Your therapist shares what your child is working on without breaking trust. Parent check-ins are regular so you know how to help at home.
No. It looks like play, but it's carefully planned to help. Therapists notice patterns and feelings to understand your child and guide healing.
Real stories of growth
Every session is rated by parents. Our therapists maintain a 4.9+ average, because results matter.
The testing process for my child with Dr. Bunker went really well. Just like how she explained it would go.
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Dr. Nacona Bunker, PsyD
Korina has been very helpful with the therapy process for my child.
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Korina Herrera, LMHC
Korina is very patient even when my child is having a difficult time with the therapy session.
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Korina Herrera, LMHC
This was our initial visit with Dr. Bunker. She did a great job with explaining how the process would go. She also had great interaction with my child during the visit.
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Dr. Nacona Bunker, PsyD
Korina has been doing a great job with helping my child!
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Korina Herrera, LMHC
She was really extensive and didn’t leave anything out.
An Adult client
Jun 6, 2026
Dr. Apree Clicque, PsyD
The session was great! All of our concerns were addressed, we felt very heard, and it was an overall great experience
Parent of a 10 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Deann Harrison, PMHNP-BC
Ms Richardson took her time to listen to my son's perspective and concerns as well as my own. She is open-minded and patient. We appreciated her help today
Parent of a 15 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Runako Richardson, PMHNP
When she allowed both of us to speak and explained the next steps for our meeting in the future that was great . Thank you.
Parent of a 7 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Korina Herrera, LMHC
My daughter feels Dr. Jon has helped her more than any of her previous therapists. He does a great job with her.
Parent of a 10 year old
Jun 6, 2026
Dr. Jon Skidmore, PsyD
Dr. Williams truly gets me and he makes me feel like I can take care of myself without having to worry about it.
An Adult client
Jun 5, 2026
Franklin Williams, LCMHC
Navigating a separation from my spouse including children. Victoria does a great job helping us work through and process this.
An Adult client
Jun 5, 2026
Victoria Coffman, LPC-A
Elise is going above and beyond to understand my daughter so she can help her in the best way possible.
Parent of an 11 year old
Jun 5, 2026
Elise McDonald, LPC
Catherine was kind, empathetic, and a great listener. She balanced hearing our thoughts as parents while also ensuring our child was heard and valued.
Parent of a 12 year old
Jun 5, 2026
Catherine Campos, LCSW
So kind and a great listener. She has great patience with him.
Parent of a 10 year old
Jun 4, 2026
Erica Richardson, LCSW
My daughter instantly connected! She’s very excited to work with her
Parent of a 13 year old
Jun 4, 2026
Brianna Doran, LMHC
Dr.Bowes is awesome and a personable provider.
An Adult client
Jun 4, 2026
Dr. Jaclyn Bowes, PsyD
My son feels that this Dr is a great fit. First session and he’s already doing the 10 finger breathing exercise while feeling overwhelmed.
Parent of an 11 year old
Jun 4, 2026
Dr. Jon Skidmore, PsyD
Every child deserves to be understood
Play therapy meets children where they are. No words required, just the healing power of play.
Not sure where to start? Book a clinical matching session.
