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.
EP really enjoyed the games! I like the calming box idea and the tips to help her during difficult times.
Parent of an 8 year old
Jul 22, 2026
Tracey-Ann Hutchinson, LMHC
She was very understanding and sweet toward my daughter during their session. She was understanding to our reasons for having to switch providers, and made it work very easily with our future schedule.
Parent of a 9 year old
Jul 22, 2026
Korina Herrera, LMHC
Mrs. Johnson is a wonderful and safe space for my daughter’s healing.
Parent of a 9 year old
Jul 22, 2026
Tameka Johnson, LPC
She provided great information, was transparent throughout the entire process, and took the time to make sure she would be a good fit for my daughter before moving forward. That really gave me confidence that her priority was making sure my daughter received the support she needed. My daughter also felt comfortable with her right away, which made the experience even better.
Parent of an 8 year old
Jul 22, 2026
Katennia Thomas, LPC
Great experience - she listened and provided helpful tools
An Adult client
Jul 21, 2026
Treshana Lewis, LCSW
He is so helpful.I mean, I appreciate everything he does for my family
Parent of a 7 year old
Jul 21, 2026
Bart Liles, LPC. LMFT
Lana was amazing with my daughter. My daughter felt heard, validated, and supported.
Parent of a 10 year old
Jul 21, 2026
Lana Rodriguez, LPC
Very open and transparent, didn't tell me what I waned to hear but what I needed to hear. Very comforting and understanding and does what she can to come to a shared agreement about medication route.
An Adult client
Jul 21, 2026
Shannon Anes, PMHNP
Jahn Quattlebaum, our family therapist, has been an absolute gamechanger, by providing us with a safe, compassionate space to communicate and truly hear one another.
An Adult client
Jul 21, 2026
Jahn Quattlebaum, LPC
It was a great session. Nico practiced expressing his feelings to his dad when he felt sad and hurt. He was standing up for himself.
Parent of a 6 year old
Jul 21, 2026
Jacqueline Castaneda, LPC
She was wonderful and my daughter responded well and was able to talk openly. Alyssa gave us some techniques that we both are excited to try. My daughter was nervous before she began but now she is looking forward to her next session.
Parent of a 9 year old
Jul 21, 2026
Alyssa Jimenez-Solis, LCSW
Great listener and helped set realistic goals to help achieve more positive outcomes!
An Adult client
Jul 21, 2026
Paola Oseguera, LPC-Associate
Very personable, makes the session welcoming and comfortable place to be
An Adult client
Jul 21, 2026
Kayla Goodwin, LPC
Teah is very patient and attentive; her demeanor makes it possible to process and communicate in a very comfortable and safe environment.
An Adult client
Jul 21, 2026
Teah Polvado, LCSW
I feel like my therapist is very good at what she does, and is very kind. I go into each meeting expecting a welcoming environment, and I get what I expected and more. (From the 15yo)
Parent of a 15 year old
Jul 20, 2026
MaryBeth Borreca, LCMHC, LMHC
Charlene is always so welcoming and provides helpful strategies to manage ADHD and anxiety. She helps my 9 year old get focused and makes the session bith informative and fun. Her breathing techniques help him relax.
Parent of a 9 year old
Jul 20, 2026
Charlene Childs, LPC-A
Ms. L. Williams was amazing with my child. In the first session she helped her to understand and have clarity of our concerns.at this point she will definitely continue to work with her.
Parent of a 15 year old
Jul 20, 2026
Leah Williams, LPC-A
Amazing service! Jennifer was super helpful, attentive, and understanding of our needs!
Parent of a 2 year old
Jul 20, 2026
Jennifer Clark, 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.
