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.

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4.94

10k+ satisfied kids,
teens, & families

A young child is focused on playing with colorful building blocks at a white table. In the softly blurred background, an adult male and female sit on a sofa, appearing to be in a calm conversation in an indoor setting.

A young Hispanic/Latino boy, wearing a backpack, is laughing joyfully while looking up at an adult man in a bright, comfortable indoor setting. The scene conveys a warm, happy interaction.

A young Black child holds a colorful DNA model up, looking through it with an engaged and curious expression. The child is wearing a bright pink shirt in what appears to be an educational setting.

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.

A young boy wearing black headphones is smiling while looking at a digital tablet or large smartphone. He is seated outdoors, with a blurred green leafy background, appearing calm and engaged with his device.

An adult woman and a young boy are smiling and waving while looking at a tablet together in a bright kitchen. They appear happy and engaged in a video call or digital activity.

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.

Learn More

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.

Learn More

Types of play therapy

Approaches your child's therapist may use.

Kid with headphones on participating in therapy

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

An adult woman and a young child are smiling and looking at a laptop together at a table. The woman holds a pen and a notebook, suggesting an interactive or learning moment in a bright, indoor setting.

What play therapy helps with

Why families choose play therapy.

Kid smiling confidently wearing a superhero costume

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.

Find Care

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.

Ms. Anes understood exactly where we were coming from and how to help us when it came to our daughter. Totally recommend her!!

Parent of a 9 year old

5 hours ago

Provider:

Shannon Anes, PMHNP

Amazing! My daughter gets so happy when it is a therapy day. Ms. Christi has made my daughter so comfortable and provides a safe place for her to be open and honest, free of judgement. I am so grateful that she is my child's therapist.

Parent of a 9 year old

8 hours ago

Provider:

Christi Ford, LPC-A

TaKayah is awesome! Feels like talking to a friend.

An Adult client

10 hours ago

Provider:

Takahya Mcintyre, LCSW

Laquana is the best of the best!

Parent of a 7 year old

11 hours ago

Provider:

Laquana Richmond, LCMHC LPC LMHC LCAS CCS

Mrs. Katie is such a blessing. Thank you.

Parent of an 8 year old

13 hours ago

Provider:

Katie Jones, CPNP-PC, PMHNP-BC

I think just hearing the confirmation was a bit challenging as well as emotional. I love the Drs kindness and patience, it’s something I don’t get to experience often. I like the descriptions provided in the paperwork as well.

An Adult client

18 hours ago