The Association for Play Therapy (APT) is a national professional society established in 1982 to foster contact among mental health professionals interested in exploring and, when developmentally appropriate, applying the therapeutic power of play to communicate with and treat clients, particularly children.
Mission & Scope
The mission of APT is to promote the value of play, play therapy, and credentialed play therapists. This is accomplished by advancing the psychosocial development and mental health of all people through play and play therapy by promoting and supporting those programs, services, and related activities that promote the:
- Public understanding and appreciation of play and play therapy
- Effective practice of play therapy through research, education and training, and support
- Recognition, incorporation, and preservation of diversity in play and play therapy
- Development and maintenance of a strong professional organization that satisfies this mission
