Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Registered Play Therapist and Why Does it Matter?
Play Therapy is a distinct form of therapy that uses play in a theoretically grounded way to allow children to process in a developmentally appropriate way. The vast majority of counseling programs do not prepare clinicians to work with children. While any therapist can use play therapy interventions Registered Play Therapists are credentialed by the Association for Play Therapy. This entails a minimum of two years post masters in play therapy specific training, including specific play therapy specific education, supervision by a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, and hours spent working with clients in the play therapy field.
Is Therapy Private?
All information is protected by HIPPA. As such any information disclosed in therapy is protected. This means that all communication is through HIPPA compliant platforms (including email, phone, text, and face to face telehealth sessions). Therapy records are stored in a HIPPA compliant Electronic Health Record system. Client information is only shared if there is a signed release of information on file (usually signed by the client, parent, or guardian) or if records required to be released by law. Insurance companies require some information to be shared including a diagnosis in order to cover services. At times it is also required for clinicians to make reports for client safety.
Private Pay Vs. Insurance.
As noted above, insurance requires a diagnosis and allows for insurance companies to access information about you. What you pay when using insurance depends on your insurance deductible and co-pay.
Private pay means you pay the agencies private pay rate or an agreed upon sliding scale rate . This means we do not submit to insurance and sessions do not count towards your deductible. When using private pay we do not have to enter a diagnosis and insurance cannot access your information. Please note we cannot offer private pay or sliding scale services to clients with Wisconsin Medicaid.