← 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

Play is a child’s natural language, and through play therapy, children can safely express emotions, build confidence, strengthen relationships, and develop healthy coping skills. Learn how play therapy supports emotional growth, communication, self-regulation, and problem-solving while helping children navigate life’s challenges.

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

Shannon headshot

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?

The length of play therapy varies by child and depends on the concerns being addressed. Some children see progress in a few months, while others benefit from longer-term support, especially for more complex or long-standing challenges. Your child’s therapist will work with you to set goals and periodically review progress, so you’ll have a clear sense of how treatment is going and what a realistic timeline looks like for your family.

Individual sessions typically run 45-55 minutes. 

 

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 Client Experience Coordinator, Jess at jessica@bloomwomenswellness.org

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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.

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