Altoona, Iowa
Play Therapy
Where kids discover just how capable they really are.
At Healing Rock Counseling, play therapy gives children the space and support to grow into the confident, resilient version of themselves that's always been there waiting.
Imagine watching your child walk into a room with confidence.
Handling big emotions without shutting down or melting down. Making friends more easily, communicating more openly, and feeling genuinely good about who they are. That's what play therapy at Healing Rock Counseling is designed to help your child reach.
Our licensed child therapists in Altoona, Iowa use play — the most natural language of childhood — to help kids ages 3–12 build emotional skills, process difficult experiences, and thrive. It's not about fixing your child. It's about giving them the space and support to shine.
How Play Therapy Can HelpBuild confidence and a stronger sense of self
Manage anxiety, worry, and big emotions
Process grief, trauma, and difficult life experiences
Develop social skills and friendship connections
Navigate major life changes with greater ease
Grow emotional regulation and resilience
What to Expect
Sessions typically last 45–55 minutes and are scheduled at a frequency that works for your family.
Your child's first session is all about getting comfortable. There's no pressure to talk, share, or perform — just space to explore and settle in at their own pace. Your therapist will observe and engage through play, building trust and connection that makes the real work possible.
As a parent, you'll always know what's happening and how your child is progressing. Because healing doesn't just happen in the therapy room — it happens at home too. We'll keep you informed, involved, and equipped to support your child's growth between sessions.
Our Approach
Play therapy is a specialty — and our child therapists bring focused training, genuine passion, and a deep commitment to partnering with the families who trust us with their kids.
✔ Child-centered, evidence-based play therapy techniques
✔ One of the few practices in the area serving children as young as 3
✔ Active parent and caregiver involvement throughout
✔ A warm, welcoming environment where kids feel safe to be themselves
Frequently Asked Questions
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Play therapy is a research-backed therapeutic approach for children that uses play — their most natural form of communication — to help them process emotions, work through challenges, and heal from difficult experiences. Rather than asking children to talk about what they're feeling, play therapy meets them where they are and lets healing happen naturally.
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If your child is struggling emotionally, behaviorally, or socially — or if something just feels off and you can't quite put your finger on it — play therapy may be a great fit. You don't need a diagnosis to reach out. Trust your instincts as a parent, and let us help you figure out the next step.
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Healing Rock is one of the few practices in the Altoona, Iowa area offering dedicated play therapy services for children as young as three. Our child therapists bring specialized training and a genuine passion for working with young people — and we make it a priority to keep parents and caregivers involved and informed every step of the way.
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You can reach us by phone at (515) 418-3837, by email at info@healingrockia.com, or through the contact form on our website. Email is typically the fastest way to hear back from us. Our office is located at 700 1st Ave S, Suite C in Altoona, Iowa — just minutes from Des Moines and easily accessible from across Polk County.
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If you're using insurance, your cost will depend on your individual plan. We accept Wellmark BCBS, United Healthcare and connected UHC plans, Midlands Choice (Cigna/Health Partners), and limited Aetna plans. We encourage you to call your insurance provider before your first session to verify your coverage.
For private pay clients, individual therapy sessions are priced as follows:
Intake session: $200
53+ minute session: $180
38–52 minute session: $160
16–37 minute session: $140
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Warm, playful, and completely child-friendly. From the moment your family walks through our door, our goal is to make your child feel safe and your family feel supported. Our play therapists are passionate about what they do — and it shows in the way kids open up and grow in their care.