Online 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.
Covered by insurance · Licensed clinicians · Start within 48 hours
Covered by insurance · Licensed clinicians · Start within 48 hours
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.
Very caring and helpful and patient
Parent of a 16 year old
Aug 8, 2026
Catherine Campos, LCSW
Due to this therapy session, I was able to better pinpoint and identify my emotions, as well as brainstorm coping mechanisms for the future and develop a healthier mentality. I felt listened to, and received excellent advice.
An Adult client
Aug 8, 2026
Deann Fossati, LPC-Associate
She is very thorough with concerns such as new medicines, and very personable with teens and their parents
Parent of a 15 year old
Aug 8, 2026
Runako Richardson, PMHNP
My daughter talked about how to socialize. She was more relaxed after the session.
Parent of a 12 year old
Aug 8, 2026
Lisandra Rodriguez, LMHC
Robert Lemus is a perfect fit for our son. Highly recommend. Thank you!
Parent of a 17 year old
Aug 8, 2026
Robert Lemus, LCSW
How he is very understanding and is able to connect.
Parent of a 13 year old
Aug 8, 2026
Antonio Richey, LCSW
My son has been talking with Milton since March and he is now a completely different kid. Milton has helped him learn to be confident in himself and how to deal with his anger and frustration. He definitely knows how to speak and deal with kids. He has great communication with me as well. We are very lucky to have found Milton.
Parent of a 13 year old
Aug 8, 2026
Milton Hernandez, LPC
NP Richardson was really sweet, thorough , and I highly recommend her.
Parent of a 15 year old
Aug 8, 2026
Runako Richardson, PMHNP
Dr. Toni is absolutely fantastic. She is thorough, careful, and compassionate. I truly appreciate everything she did for us.
Parent of a 7 year old
Aug 8, 2026
Dr. Toni Hickman, PsyD
I’ve been having a very high pain day and Maria helped me a lot
An Adult client
Aug 7, 2026
Maria Martinez, RMHCI
Emma was wonderful to talk to.
An Adult client
Aug 7, 2026
Emma Palmer, LCSW
Very good session. Scheduled follow-up for next week.
Parent of a 17 year old
Aug 7, 2026
Sofia Miranda-Pasqualini, PMHNP
Great first session. I think she’ll be a good fit for me!
An Adult client
Aug 7, 2026
Morgan Williams, LPC
She was helpful and attentive to what I was saying
An Adult client
Aug 7, 2026
Dr. Ellen Honsa, PsyD, LP
When asked my daughter said, Thumbs up emoji!" LOL
Parent of a 12 year old
Aug 7, 2026
Mitsouko Chatelain, LCSW
Ms Yuri is such a talented and knowledgeable counselor. She knows how to reach my son and make him feel great about his aspiration’s. He walked out of his session today so happy and excited to try out for something new in school. His smile and enthusiasm are back thanks Ms Yuri.
Parent of a 15 year old
Aug 7, 2026
Yuri Rios, LPC
It was fantastic! did a well for both kids.
Parent of a 13 year old
Aug 7, 2026
Dr. Apree Clicque, PsyD
understanding and blunt while still making me feel safe to vent. digs really dip and what she says heals
An Adult client
Aug 7, 2026
Aminah Todman, LCSW
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.
