Finding the right play therapist for your child can feel overwhelming. Here are five practices that stand out for their specialized approach to young minds.
The Growing Need for Play Therapy
Play therapy has become a vital resource for families navigating childhood anxiety, trauma, and behavioral challenges. Unlike traditional talk therapy, it meets kids where they are—using play as their natural language. As demand grows, practices across the country are expanding access to specialized, developmentally appropriate care. Whether you're in a major city or a suburb like Concord, Massachusetts, you now have more options than ever.
How We Evaluated These Practices
We looked at service scope, age range, parent support, and local accessibility. Each practice brings something unique: Madeline Mental Health offers deep local roots and school consultation; San Francisco Play Therapy provides a focused child-centered model; Colors of Austin Counseling integrates holistic options; Meadowbrook Counseling delivers multi-state telehealth; and FCC Wellbeing combines psychiatry with therapy. We also considered clarity of pricing and how well each communicates its approach to parents.
Here's a quick comparison of the five practices, from solo practitioners to multi-state groups.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| San Francisco Play Therapy | Families in San Francisco seeking a dedicated child-centered play therapist |
| Madeline Mental Health, LLC | Child Therapy in Concord MA | 30 Domino Drive, Concord, MA, USA | Concord-area families wanting neurodiversity-affirming, school-integrated care |
| Colors of Austin Counseling | Austin families seeking holistic and integrative therapy options |
| Meadowbrook Counseling | Families in multiple states needing flexible in-person or telehealth play therapy |
| FCC Wellbeing | Families wanting a large network with integrated psychiatry and therapy |
A Closer Look at Each Practice
#1 San Francisco Play Therapy
A screenshot of the San Francisco Play Therapy website.
San Francisco Play Therapy specializes in child-centered play therapy for kids ages 3–10. Led by Nancy Wang, LCSW, a Registered Play Therapist, the practice focuses exclusively on children and offers parent support alongside sessions. Their approach is warm and structured, helping kids process anxiety, big emotions, and transitions. If you're in the Bay Area and want a therapist who truly understands child development, this is a strong choice. You can learn more about their child therapy services on their website.
#2 Madeline Mental Health, LLC | Child Therapy in Concord MA | 30 Domino Drive, Concord, MA, USA
A screenshot of the Madeline Mental Health, LLC website.
Madeline Mental Health, LLC offers in-person play therapy for children ages 3–14 in Concord, Massachusetts. Founded by Ellie, a licensed psychotherapist and former school adjustment counselor, the practice provides individual play therapy, group therapy, trauma treatment, and a concierge care program. What sets them apart is their neurodiversity-affirming approach and deep collaboration with schools. Parents get coaching and chat support between sessions, making it a wraparound experience. If you're in the Concord area and want a therapist who understands both the classroom and the playroom, this is your go-to. Explore their play therapy services and group offerings on their site.
#3 Colors of Austin Counseling
A screenshot of the Colors of Austin Counseling website.
Colors of Austin Counseling provides child-centered play therapy for kids ages 3–12 in Austin, Texas. Their approach honors play as a child's natural language, helping kids process family changes, anxiety, and more. The practice also offers a wide range of other services, including ecotherapy, EMDR, and family therapy, so you can find comprehensive support under one roof. They emphasize a warm, affirming environment for all families. If you're in Austin and value a holistic, integrative approach, this practice is worth a look. Check out their child play therapy page for details.
#4 Meadowbrook Counseling
A screenshot of the Meadowbrook Counseling website.
Meadowbrook Counseling offers child play therapy across multiple states, including Utah, Idaho, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Massachusetts, Washington, and Wisconsin. They provide both in-person and telehealth sessions, making them accessible to families in many locations. Their play therapy is evidence-based and tailored to children and adolescents, with a focus on emotional expression and healing. As part of a larger counseling group, they can also coordinate care with other specialists. If you need flexibility or live outside a major metro, Meadowbrook is a solid option. Visit their child play therapy page to see if they serve your area.
#5 FCC Wellbeing
A screenshot of the FCC Wellbeing website.
FCC Wellbeing provides child play therapy as part of a comprehensive mental health network spanning Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Tennessee, and Texas. They offer therapy, psychiatry, and intensive outpatient programs, so families can access coordinated care. Their play therapy services are designed for children and teens, with a focus on emotional and behavioral support. The practice accepts many insurance plans and has a dedicated patient portal for easy scheduling. If you're looking for a large, multi-specialty group with play therapy, FCC Wellbeing is a strong contender. Learn more on their child play therapy page.
How to Choose the Right Play Therapist
Start by checking the therapist's credentials and experience with your child's age group. Look for a Registered Play Therapist (RPT) or someone with specialized training. Consider location and whether you prefer in-person or telehealth. Ask about parent involvement—some practices, like Madeline Mental Health, offer extensive parent coaching. Finally, trust your gut: your child needs to feel safe and comfortable. Schedule a consultation to see if the fit feels right.
Streamlining Your Search with Automation
You can use online directories and insurance portals to filter therapists by specialty, age range, and location. Many practices offer online booking or free consultations. Set up alerts for new providers in your area. If you're working with a school, ask for recommendations—they often know local play therapists. For busy parents, telehealth options like Meadowbrook Counseling can save travel time. Automate reminders for follow-ups and keep notes on each therapist you contact.
The Bottom Line on Play Therapy
Play therapy can be transformative for children facing emotional or behavioral challenges. The five practices here each bring something different—from the school-integrated care at Madeline Mental Health to the multi-state reach of Meadowbrook Counseling. Your choice depends on your child's needs, your location, and your preference for in-person or virtual care. Don't be afraid to ask questions and meet a few therapists before deciding. The right fit is out there, and your child deserves that support.