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.
Great recommendations to help me have a better communication with my wife , thank You so much !!
An Adult client
Sep 5, 2026
Paola Oseguera, LPC
It was good like someone understanding me
Parent of a 10 year old
Sep 5, 2026
Jasmine Eubanks, LPC
Dr. Apree addressed our fears and concerns regarding our daughter’s evaluation. She is so thoughtful. I feel like our daughter will have a ton of support.
Parent of a 15 year old
Sep 4, 2026
Dr. Apree Clicque, PsyD
She was amazing my son loved her and she made us feel heard!!
Parent of a 14 year old
Sep 4, 2026
Elizabeth Lopez, LCSW
She was just really nice and I appreciated that.
Parent of a 13 year old
Sep 4, 2026
Megan Lundy, LCSW
Another wonderful session. I feel truly blessed with Elsie. She is extremely an amazing person.
Parent of a 12 year old
Sep 4, 2026
Elsie Peña, LPC
Eduardo was an amazing Therapist. I felt the great vibe and connection with him on our 1st visit. I’m really looking forward to seeing him again and our progress we’ll make throughout the Journey. I would rate him a 10/10 and would recommended him to anyone.
An Adult client
Sep 4, 2026
Eduardo Santana, LCSW
It’s hard for me describe my inner experience. I still felt heard and seen though I struggled during our call. I felt emotionally supported and reassured. I feel hopeful that this was a step in the right direction.
An Adult client
Sep 4, 2026
Dr. Liz Nitsch, PsyD
Dr. Clicque makes me feel very comfortable and supported during our sessions. I feel that she creates a safe, nonjudgmental environment where I can openly express my thoughts and feelings. She is attentive, understanding, and genuinely listens to me. I feel that her approach has made it easier for me to feel comfortable opening up.
An Adult client
Sep 4, 2026
Dr. Apree Clicque, PsyD
I love how the provider made me feel comfortable, accepted, and heard. Did not rush me off, listened and provided great feedback.
An Adult client
Sep 4, 2026
Shannon Anes, PMHNP
Daniel focused on my daughter‘s strengths and was very tactful in leading the conversation about medication and diagnosis in front of my child.
Parent of a 10 year old
Sep 4, 2026
Danielle Abali, RCSWI
I like that she listens to my son. She also gives him things to think about in regard to his actions and how he feels about consequences of his actions. She really does give him opportunity to think it through and understand how he could have handled things.
Parent of a 10 year old
Sep 4, 2026
Melinda Labbe, LMHC
Paola was wonderful, extremely empathetic and showed genuine care. Never rushed for me to speak and really took in what I was saying. Made me feel very at ease.
An Adult client
Sep 4, 2026
Paola Bezek, RCSWI
Good tempo and pace so far. AJ had some good probing questions for both Nadia and myself that made the session feel worthwhile. It was our first therapy session so there was some healthy amount of awkwardness but it felt needed and productive.
Parent of a 12 year old
Sep 4, 2026
AJ Briggs, LCSW
Catherine is very kind and empathetic. She listens carefully, takes the time to understand your situation, and genuinely tries to connect with you in order to find the best possible support and help. I truly appreciate her patience, compassion, and willingness to help.
An Adult client
Sep 4, 2026
Catherine Campos, LCSW
Elise is the sweetest. My daughter is new to online therapy so she is a bit hesitant at times. Elise is patient with her and moves at my daughters pace. I enjoy her talks as well and have learned several positive ways to help my daughter when she is struggling with big emotions.
Parent of an 8 year old
Sep 4, 2026
Elise McDonald, LPC
Salem loves the session today. She really loved the grounding activity and drawing.
Parent of an 11 year old
Sep 4, 2026
Charricka Hewitt, LPC-A
Very helpful with easing into this new chapter & getting to know one another.
Parent of a 12 year old
Sep 4, 2026
Katia Torres, 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.
