← Mental Health Services
PLAY THERAPY
Healing through the language children — and adults — know best.
Sometimes words aren’t enough.
Play Therapy Can Help Heal What Can’t Be Said
Children don’t always have the language to describe what they’re carrying. And sometimes adults don’t either — especially when the roots of pain reach back to childhood. Play therapy meets clients where they are, using creative, expressive, and child-led methods to process emotions, build coping skills, and begin to heal.
At Bloom, our play therapists work with children navigating anxiety, big transitions, and trauma — and with adults ready to reconnect with and nurture their inner child through sandtray, expressive arts, and other play-based approaches.
A Different Kind of Therapy
Play Therapy For Healing
Our play therapists bring both professional training and genuine care to every session. Kelly Knipp and Shannon Kaster are specialists in child-led and expressive approaches — and Shannon holds credentials as a Registered Play Therapist (RPT), one of the highest designations in the field. They understand that healing doesn’t always look like talking through problems. Sometimes it looks like play.
Whether your child is navigating anxiety, a tough transition, or something they can’t quite name — or you’re an adult ready to revisit and heal what you carried from childhood — our therapists meet you where you are with patience, creativity, and deep clinical skill.
How Bloom Can Help You
Help children process anxiety, depression, and ADHD
Support kids through trauma, grief, or major life changes
Build emotional regulation and coping skills that last
Guide adults through inner child healing and self-reconnection
Explore childhood experiences through sandtray and expressive methods
Create a sense of safety, worthiness, and joy at any age
What to Expect
Sessions typically last 45–55 minutes and are available both in person at our Urbandale clinic and via telehealth — so support is always within reach, no matter where life has you right now.
Your first session is a chance to slow down and be heard. For children, your therapist will take time to build trust and understand what your child is carrying. For adults, it’s a space to share your story and begin exploring what inner child work might look like for you.
Play therapy works. With the right support, children develop real tools to navigate the world — and adults rediscover parts of themselves they thought were lost. We’re honored to walk that path with you.
Have Questions?
We Have Answers!
If your question wasn’t answered here, or you’d like more information before booking, reach out via our contact form or give us a call. We’ll make sure you have everything you need to feel confident moving forward.
Is play therapy only for young children?
Not at all. While play therapy is most commonly associated with children ages 3–12, adolescents and adults can benefit too — especially through approaches like sandtray therapy and inner child work, which access experiences that are hard to reach through conversation alone.
How is play therapy different from regular talk therapy?
Play therapy uses creative, expressive methods — like imaginative play, art, and sandtray — to help clients process emotions and experiences. It’s especially effective when words feel out of reach, whether for a child or an adult working through something deeper.
Do parents participate in their child's sessions?
Sessions are typically one-on-one to give your child a consistent, safe space. That said, your therapist will keep you informed and involved — checking in regularly and helping you support your child’s growth at home.
How long does play therapy typically last?
Postpartum psychosis is a serious condition that requires immediate support. If you or someone you love is experiencing disorganized thinking, hallucinations, severe mood swings, or paranoia, please seek emergency care right away. With proper treatment, a full recovery is possible.
Does Bloom accept insurance?
Yes — we accept Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Anthem, Midland’s Choice, Cigna, Health Partners, and Tricare. We will directly bill your insurance carrier and you’ll be responsible for any applicable copays or coinsurance. We also offer a sliding fee scale whenever possible, and private pay is always welcome. For questions about rates or coverage, visit our Payment Options page or reach out to our billing coordinator directly.
What if I don't have insurance or my insurance doesn't cover this?
We believe mental health care should be accessible to everyone. If you’re uninsured, underinsured, or your plan doesn’t cover a particular service, we have several options to support you. We offer a sliding fee scale whenever possible — just discuss this with your provider. You can also choose to pay privately, and we’re happy to work with you on that. Additionally, Bloom accepts CareCredit, a healthcare credit card that allows you to pay for out-of-pocket expenses over time rather than all at once. For a full breakdown of our service rates and payment options, visit our Payment Options page or email our billing coordinator Mitch at mitch@bloomwomenswellness.org.
Contact Bloom Women’s Wellness
Payments Accepted
We accept Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Anthem, Midland’s Choice, Cigna, Health Partners, and private pay clients. We believe that mental health care should be accessible and we’re happy to work with you on a sliding fee scale.