Play Therapy for Children and and Teens in Hays, KS

Your child’s behavior is communication. Play therapy helps them feel understood, regulated, and secure. Let’s give you the tools you need to reconnect.

You’re probably here because …

At New Connections Mental Health, we understand these struggles and we’re here to help. Through play therapy, your child can process their emotions, learn self-regulation skills, and build the confidence they need to navigate life’s challenges. And as a parent, you’ll gain the support and guidance to help them every step of the way.

Your child struggles with big emotions—meltdowns, anxiety, or outbursts that seem to come out of nowhere.

You feel frustrated and overwhelmed because nothing you try seems to help for long.

Your child has trouble expressing their feelings and you want to help them develop healthy ways to communicate.

You worry about their emotional and social development and want to give them the tools to thrive.

You feel guilty or unsure about how to support them, and you just want to be the best parent you can be.

You want to strengthen your connection with your child and help them feel more confident, secure, and emotionally regulated.

play therapy for children hays kansas

Does this sound all too familiar?

You love your child, but their emotions feel too big to handle. No matter how much patience, reasoning, or discipline you try, nothing seems to work for long. 



  • Your child goes from calm to screaming in seconds over the “wrong” color cup—and suddenly you’re negotiating like a hostage negotiator before 8 a.m.

  • You dread drop-off at preschool because your child clings to you, sobs, and won’t let go—and the guilt stays with you all day.

  • Every family gathering feels like walking on eggshells, hoping your child doesn’t get overstimulated and melt down in front of everyone.

  • You feel judged at the playground when your kid pushes or cries, and you’re silently screaming, “I promise I’m doing my best!”

But here’s the truth:

No one teaches parents how to navigate big emotions. We grow up hearing myths like “Kids will grow out of it,” or “They just need more discipline.” But emotional regulation isn’t something children just figure out—it’s a learned skill, just like reading or riding a bike.

Your child isn’t giving you a hard time.

They’re having a hard time. Their behavior is communication, and they need guidance to process their emotions and feel safe in their world.


That’s where play therapy comes in. -  We help children understand and express their emotions in a healthy way so they feel secure, and you feel more connected as a parent. You don’t have to do this alone, and it’s not too late to make a change.

What if the daily meltdowns didn’t spiral into chaos and… 

  • Instead of constant emotional outbursts, your child learns to recognize and manage their feelings in healthy, age-appropriate ways.

  • Instead of second-guessing every parenting decision, you feel equipped and confident in how to support your child through tough moments.

  • Instead of feeling disconnected and unsure how to help, you and your child begin to understand each other and build a stronger emotional bond.

  • Instead of tension and power struggles filling your home, daily life starts to feel calmer, more connected, and easier to navigate.


This kind of transformation isn’t out of reach—it’s exactly what we help families achieve through play therapy. 


The change starts here. Let’s help your child thrive.

What if things could feel different?

Calmer days and closer bonds start with play therapy.

Play therapy meets your child in the place where they feel safest—their imagination. It’s how they process the world, make sense of big feelings, and speak the emotional language they don’t have words for yet, and right now you can start to speak their language too.

Here’s how we’ll help you step by step

Take the first step and schedule a consultation today!

Step 1 - Schedule a Consultation

We start with a conversation to understand your child’s unique challenges, your concerns as a parent, and your goals for therapy.

Step 2 - Personalized Therapy Plan

Based on our assessment, we create a tailored plan that may include play therapy, EMDR, and/or parent coaching, depending on your child’s needs.

Step 3 - Play Therapy Sessions Begin
Your child engages in therapeutic play, a research-backed approach that helps them express emotions, process experiences, and develop emotional regulation skills in a way that feels natural to them.

Step 4 - Parent Coaching & Support
We provide education, tools, and strategies to help you understand your child’s emotions, respond effectively to behaviors, and build a stronger connection at home.

Step 5 - Ongoing Guidance &

Long-Term Success
We provide continued support, adjustments to therapy as needed, and tools to ensure lasting emotional wellness.

Hello, we are New Connections Mental Health

New Connections Mental Health is a group therapy practice based in Hays, Kansas, dedicated to helping children, teens, and families thrive emotionally starting with connection. Our team of compassionate, highly trained therapists specializes in play therapy, trauma-informed care, and parent support. We believe that every child deserves to feel safe, understood, and empowered to grow—and that parents deserve practical tools and genuine support along the way. Whether your child is navigating anxiety, big emotions, ADHD, or trauma, we’re here to meet them where they are and help your family thrive together.

At New Connections Mental Health, we believe every child and family deserves access to high-quality therapy and support. That’s why we offer payment options to help make the process as stress-free as possible.

Book your first session

Play Therapy Sessions are typically 45-55 minutes, and range from $75-$150 a session 

The details to get started...

We are in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare Medicaid, Sunflower Medicaid, and Healthy Blue Kansas.

  • Private Pay

    We offer direct payment options for those who prefer to pay out of pocket. Payment is due at the time of service.Fees range from $75-$150; depending on the therapist.


  • Insurance Reimbursement

    While we may not be in-network with all insurance providers, we can provide a superbill for you to submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. Check with your provider for details on out-of-network coverage.


  • HSA & FSA Payments

    We accept Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) to help you use pre-tax dollars toward therapy services.


  • Session Fees & Structure

    Play Therapy Sessions are typically 45-55 minutes, and range from $75-$150 a session. 


    Have questions about payment options? Let’s talk! Contact us to discuss the best solution for your family.


    Schedule a Consultation Today!

What we specialize in:

  • Therapy for kids 
  • Therapy for teens 12 and up 
  • Therapy for family
  • Ptsd
  • Adhd 
  • Trauma 
  • Autism 
  • Trauma
  • Anxiety in children
  • Anxiety in teens
  • Depression
  • Mood disorders

Testimonials

“I’m very grateful for your wisdom! You are so gifted at your profession!”

“Thank you so much for helping me with my child. You have no idea how much we appreciate it and how much you mean to the both of us!”

“I hope you know how much you mean to us. You are incredibly talented and came into our lives at the exact right time. Thank you for supporting and loving us. Your work has made a world of difference in our trajectory and healing. We love you very very much!”

Frequently asked questions

  • What ages do you work with?

    We specialize in working with children and adolescents, ages 3-21, helping them navigate emotional and behavioral challenges through play therapy.

  • How do I know if my child needs therapy?

    If your child is experiencing frequent meltdowns, anxiety, difficulty expressing emotions, or struggles with social interactions, therapy can help. Behavior is communication—if your child is struggling, we can help decode what they’re trying to express and give them the tools to regulate their emotions.

  • What is play therapy, and how does it work?

    Play therapy is a research-backed therapeutic approach that allows children to express their emotions, process experiences, and develop coping skills through play. Since children often struggle to express their feelings verbally, play therapy helps them communicate, regulate emotions, and heal in a way that feels natural to them.

  • Do you offer support for parents?

    Yes! We believe that parental support is essential to a child’s success in therapy. We include parents in each step of the therapy process.

  • How long does therapy take?

    Every child is unique, and the length of therapy depends on their needs, challenges, and progress. Some children benefit from short-term therapy, while others may need longer-term support. We continuously assess progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.

  • What can I expect in the first session?

    In the first session, we’ll focus on getting to know you and your child, understanding their struggles, and creating a personalized treatment plan. For children under age eleven this first session is for the parent only to assess needs, and setting goals for therapy.

  • Do you take insurance?

    We are in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare Medicaid, Sunflower Medicaid, and Healthy Blue Kansas. While we may not be in-network with all insurance providers, we can provide a superbill for you to submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. We also accept HSA/FSA payments. Contact us to discuss payment options.

  • How do I get started?

    Getting started is easy! Schedule a consultation, and we’ll guide you through the next steps to begin therapy for your child.

  • What is the best age for play therapy?

    Play therapy is most effective for children ages 3 to 12, since younger children naturally use play as their primary form of communication. That said, play-based approaches can also be adapted for older children and even teens, depending on their developmental stage and needs. If your child is struggling to express emotions or behaviors through words, play therapy can be a powerful and developmentally-appropriate tool—no matter their age.

  • What are the types of play therapy?

    There are several types of play therapy, and the approach often depends on the child’s age, needs, and therapeutic goals. Some common types include:


    • Child-Centered Play Therapy – A non-directive approach where the child leads the play, helping them build confidence, emotional awareness, and self-regulation.
    • Directive Play Therapy – The therapist takes a more active role by guiding play activities toward specific goals like managing anxiety, processing trauma, or improving social skills.
    • Therapeutic Art & Sand Tray – Creative tools like drawing or sand tray scenes help kids explore their thoughts and emotions when words fall short.
    • Filial Therapy- Involves parents directly in sessions to strengthen attachment and give them tools to support emotional regulation at home. Filial Therapy is also provided in the CPRT model (child parent relationship training). This is a structured 10 week program where parents meet with a therapist to learn skills  that play therapists use in the play room and practice special play time at home with their child.

    At New Connections Mental Health, our therapists are trained in a variety of play-based approaches and tailor sessions to fit your child’s unique personality and needs.

Your child’s healing starts with their language: play

You’ve done your part. Now it’s time for support that meets your child where they are—through imagination, play, and emotional connection. We’re here to help them feel understood, and to help you feel confident in the path forward.