University/District Collaboration Play Therapy Clinics

Abstract

Many elementary schools must make due with a single school counselor, leaving many children in need of services. The authors of this chapter propose a unique partnership to create sustainable school-based play therapy clinics. The proposed clinics provide free services to children in schools and also allow for the collection of data by university professors hoping to examine and advocate for effectiveness of play therapy. The chapter will discuss how to select appropriate partners, how to build relationships with school professionals, how to establish research and clinics in the schools, training concerns, and ethical issues.