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Play Therapy Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

BA Intern

Ada, OK · On-site

$61K - $75K/yr

Position Summary The Behavior Analyst Intern is an individual pursuing BCBA or BCaBA certification who is actively accumulating BACB-required supervised fieldwork hours at Kids Choice Therapies. The ...

BA Intern

Elk City, OK · On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

The Behavior Analyst Intern is an individual pursuing BCBA or BCaBA certification who is actively accumulating BACB-required supervised fieldwork hours at Kids Choice Therapies. The intern implements ...

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Play Therapy Intern information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Play Therapy Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Play Therapy Intern, you need a foundational understanding of child development, therapeutic techniques, and ideally be enrolled in or have completed relevant coursework in psychology or counseling. Familiarity with play therapy tools, session documentation systems, and possibly pursuing certification through organizations like the Association for Play Therapy are valuable assets. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and the ability to build rapport with children and families are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies are essential for creating a safe, supportive environment that fosters healing and growth in young clients.

What kind of supervision and support can a Play Therapy Intern expect during their internship?

As a Play Therapy Intern, you will typically work under the close supervision of a licensed play therapist or a clinical supervisor experienced in child therapy. Regular supervision sessions—often weekly—are provided to review your cases, discuss therapeutic techniques, and address any challenges you encounter with clients. Interns are encouraged to participate in team meetings, collaborate with other mental health professionals, and seek feedback to enhance their skills. This supportive structure ensures you gain hands-on experience while maintaining professional and ethical standards in your practice.

What is the difference between Play Therapy Intern vs Play Therapist?

AspectPlay Therapy InternPlay Therapist
CredentialsTypically pursuing or holding a relevant graduate degree; supervised internshipLicensed or certified with specific credentials (e.g., Registered Play Therapist)
Work EnvironmentInternship settings, clinics, schools under supervisionIndependent practice, clinics, hospitals, schools
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, mental health clinics, non-profitsPrivate practices, healthcare facilities, schools
Common Search/ComparisonYesNo

The main difference between a Play Therapy Intern and a Play Therapist lies in experience, credentials, and independence. Interns are in training, working under supervision, while Play Therapists are fully credentialed professionals providing independent therapy services.

What are Play Therapy Interns?

Play Therapy Interns are graduate students or early-career professionals who are undergoing supervised training in play therapy, a therapeutic approach that uses play to help children express and process their feelings. These interns often work under the guidance of a licensed play therapist to develop clinical skills, gain hands-on experience, and fulfill requirements for certification or licensure. Their responsibilities may include conducting play therapy sessions, maintaining case notes, and participating in supervision and training. Through this internship, they learn to use play as a medium to support children's emotional, social, and behavioral growth.
More about Play Therapy Intern jobs
What cities are hiring for Play Therapy Intern jobs? Cities with the most Play Therapy Intern job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Play Therapy jobs? The most popular types of Play Therapy jobs are:
What states have the most Play Therapy Intern jobs? States with the most job openings for Play Therapy Intern jobs include:
Infographic showing various Play Therapy Intern job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 92% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.
Minnetonka - Family Place Internship

Minnetonka - Family Place Internship

St. David's Center for Child & Family Development

Minnetonka, MN • On-site

$15.25 - $20/hr

Internship

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

St. David's Center
Family Place
Internship/Practicum Description
We strive to create an inclusive environment in which all are seen, heard, and supported; encouraged to bring their whole authentic selves; and honored in their differences.
Agency Description:
St. David's Center has been serving families and children for over 60 years. Our mission is to build relationships that nurture the development of every child and family. We provide the Western Suburbs and wider Hennepin County community with quality Early Childhood Education programs, Early Intervention and treatment programs and Life Phase Services. Family Place is an early intervention treatment program for young children (3.5-6) who may have experienced trauma, an early loss of or lack of consistent caregivers and/or various forms of abuse or neglect. These children struggle to manage their emotions and behavior at home, within their childcare/school setting and/or the larger community.

Learning Opportunities:
There are 2-3 three internship opportunities within the Family Place program throughout the year.
Interns are required to be present within the day treatment classroom a minimum of three days per week, for a minimum of a six month time frame. Preference will be given to those students willing to complete a school year (September through May). Summer block intern placements that are 40 hours/5 days per week are also considered. In the day treatment classroom, students will:
  • Learn and utilize therapeutic intervention and developmental repair techniques based on current and relevant research.
  • Learn and participate in play therapy techniques.
  • Assist in planning and implementing therapeutic activities in the day treatment milieu.

In addition,
  • Students will have the opportunity to participate in diagnostic assessments in coordination with other staff.
  • Students will have the opportunity to observe and co-facilitate center based, in-home or Telehealth Family Therapy sessions and Family Skills Sessions.

Supervision and training:
  • Students will participate in weekly clinical staffing's and receive one hour/week of individual reflective supervision. Students will work in a small supportive team environment and gain knowledge, guidance and support from diverse team of seasoned mental health professionals. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in program and agency trainings on a wide variety of relevant topics. Students are encouraged to bring in and integrate readings and assignments from their academic courses.

Qualifications:
  • Master's Degree in Social Work ,Counseling or Marriage and Family Therapy
  • Candidates should be in their final year of Graduate School
  • Enrollment in an accredited graduate program of study

Student qualities desired for effective work in this program: Work or life experience with children. Ability to take direction and work as a team member, strong communication and written skills, ability to establish positive, respectful working relationships with a diverse population of adults and children. Flexibility, creativity and the ability to think on your feet, problem solve well.
All new employees will be required to provide proof of being fully vaccinated (not to include booster doses at this time) or have an approved exemption before their start date.