Play Therapy in Georgetown, TX
Children don’t always have the words for what they’re feeling, but they do have play. Play is how kids make sense of the world, practice new skills, and work through what’s hard. At Central Texas Child and Family Counseling, our play therapists meet children where they are, using toys, art, sand tray, and outdoor spaces to help them express big feelings, heal, and grow. We offer play therapy at our Georgetown and Liberty Hill offices for children ages 3 to 12.
What Is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is a developmentally appropriate form of counseling for young children. Instead of being asked to sit and talk about their problems, children use play to communicate. A trained play therapist observes, responds, and guides the process so that play becomes a path to understanding and change. Our team includes Registered Play Therapists (RPT), a credential that reflects specialized training and supervised experience in play therapy.
How Play Therapy Can Help
- Anxiety, worries, and fears
- Meltdowns, anger, and big emotions
- Behavior challenges at home or school
- Divorce, a move, a new sibling, or other big changes
- Grief and loss
- Trauma or difficult experiences
- Social struggles and self-esteem
- Adoption and foster care adjustment
What a Play Therapy Session Looks Like
Sessions are 45-50 minutes in a playroom designed for children, with carefully chosen toys, art supplies, and a sand tray. Your child leads much of the play while the therapist helps them notice feelings, build coping skills, and try new ways of responding. It may look like “just playing,” but every session has a purpose.
Parents Are Part of the Process
You know your child best, and lasting change happens at home, too. Your child’s therapist will meet with you regularly to share what they’re seeing, explain the “why” behind your child’s behavior, and give you practical ways to support them between sessions. Many of our therapists draw on TBRI, an approach centered on connection and felt safety or other modalities for supporting parents. Learn more about parenting counseling
Why In-Person Play Therapy Matters
Play therapy happens best face to face. Our offices give children real space to move, build, create, and explore, something a screen can’t replicate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ages is play therapy for?
Play therapy is typically best for children ages 3 to 12. For older kids and teens, our therapists adapt their approach. See teen counseling
How long will my child need play therapy?
It varies by child and what they’re working through. Your therapist will talk with you about goals and check in on progress along the way.
Will my child know why they’re coming?
We’ll help you explain therapy in a simple, reassuring way before the first session.
Do you take insurance?
We’re an out-of-network, private-pay practice. Many families use FSA or HSA funds, and we can provide a superbill for possible out-of-network reimbursement.
How Therapy Works
Intake
Your first session with a therapist focuses on understanding your needs and challenges. Our counselors will create a personalized treatment plan with clear goals.
Sessions
Therapy typically involves 8 or more sessions, with frequency based on your child’s specific needs. Our approach includes what best suits your situation.
Maintenance
As you progress, we offer ongoing support and maintenance sessions every 4-6 weeks if needed. This ensures lasting success.
Counseling Service Rates
Phone Coordination — Complimentary 512-651-1009
Fully Licensed Therapist/Counselor Rates (LPC, LMFT, LCSW)-
- 50 min sessions (45 min play therapy) – $170-$180
- We are Out-of-Network. Fully licensed counselors can provide superbills for OON insurance reimbursement.
Licensed Associate Counselor Rates-
- 50 min sessions – $140
Clinical Intern Rates (unlicensed, supervised students)-
- 50 min sessions – $65
Options for Payment
Out-of-Pocket
Payment for services can be made by cash, check or debit/credit through our client portal. Clients who will not be using In or Out-of-Network insurance benefits or upon request will receive a Good Faith Estimate for services.
FSA and HSA Accounts
Flexible Spending Accounts / Health Savings Accounts are often used for services with any of our clinicians. Contact your account provider to verify your allowable expenses.
Out-of-Network Benefits
Out-of-network benefits for most insurance companies can be used for individual therapy with our fully licensed counselors. When using out of network benefits, you will need to, verify your benefits and then submit claims to your insurance provider. See our instructions and tools below to help you with this process.
Using Your Insurance as a Client.
Many clients can get part of their cost reimbursed through their plan’s out-of-network benefits. We are considered out-of-pocket and don’t bill insurance directly, however we help to simplify the process of using your benefits. Here’s how.
Step 1: Check your benefits
Use our free insurance checker (left), or call the member services number on your insurance card and ask:
- Do I have out-of-network outpatient mental health benefits?
- What is my out-of-network deductible, and how much have I met this year?
- After my deductible, what percentage do you reimburse?
- Do you reimburse sessions with associate-level counselors (LPC-Associate or LMFT-Associate)?
- Are family sessions covered? Are couples sessions covered?
Who’s eligible
Sessions with our fully licensed therapists (LPC, LMFT, LCSW) are often eligible for out-of-network reimbursement. Some insurance plans also reimburse sessions with our associate-level counselors, but please check with your plan first. Intern sessions are generally not eligible. Our interns and associates offer lower-cost sessions for families paying out of pocket.
Step 2: Save your invoices
Your invoices include the codes and provider information your insurance needs (often called a “superbill”). Our client portal will email you those superbill invoices after each session.
Step 3: Submit your claims
Submit invoices directly to your insurance company, or use a service like Reimbursify to make it easier: https://reimbursify.com/individual-page/. We receive nothing from Reimbursify; some clients simply find it helpful. Expect reimbursement to take several weeks, and keep copies of everything.
Good to know
Insurance companies require a diagnosis to process a claim, and it becomes part of your (or your child’s) insurance record. Many families are comfortable with that. Some prefer to keep counseling fully private, and paying out of pocket without filing is always an option.