Tools commonly used in the Play Therapist industry for day-to-day tasks and operations.

• Sand tray
• Dolls and puppets
• Art supplies (e.g. crayons, markers, paint)
• Play dough
• Board games
• Musical instruments
• Storybooks
• Sensory toys (e.g. fidget spinners, stress balls)
• Dress-up clothes
• Blocks and building toys

Common products and services typical of NAICS Code 621330-07, illustrating the main business activities and contributions to the market.

• Child counseling
• Family therapy
• School counseling
• Behavioral therapy
• Trauma therapy
• Autism therapy
• Developmental therapy
• Art therapy
• Expressive therapy
• Group therapy

The specific certifications, permits, licenses, and regulatory compliance requirements within the United States for this industry.

• Registered Play Therapist (RPT): A certification provided by the Association for Play Therapy (APT) that requires a master's or higher degree in mental health, 150 hours of play therapy training, 500 hours of supervised play therapy experience, and passing the RPT exam. The certification must be renewed every three years.
• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC): A license provided by each state's licensing board that allows individuals to practice counseling, including play therapy, within that state. Requirements vary by state but typically include a master's degree in counseling, supervised experience, and passing a state exam.
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW): A license provided by each state's licensing board that allows individuals to practice social work, including play therapy, within that state. Requirements vary by state but typically include a master's degree in social work, supervised experience, and passing a state exam.
• Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor (RPT-S): A certification provided by the Association for Play Therapy (APT) that requires holding the RPT certification, additional play therapy training, and supervised experience providing play therapy supervision. The certification must be renewed every three years.
• National Certified Counselor (NCC): A certification provided by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) that demonstrates a level of competency in counseling, including play therapy. Requirements include a master's degree in counseling, passing the National Counselor Examination, and completing supervised experience.

A concise historical narrative of NAICS Code 621330-07 covering global milestones and recent developments within the United States.

• The Play Therapist industry has a long history dating back to the early 20th century when Sigmund Freud first introduced the concept of play therapy as a form of psychoanalysis. However, it wasn't until the 1940s that play therapy began to gain popularity as a standalone therapeutic approach. In the United States, Virginia Axline's book "Dibs in Search of Self" published in 1964, helped to popularize the use of play therapy in treating children with emotional and behavioral issues. In recent years, the industry has continued to grow and evolve, with advancements in technology and research leading to new techniques and approaches to play therapy. For example, the use of virtual reality and other digital tools has opened up new possibilities for play therapy, allowing therapists to create immersive and interactive environments for their clients.

The anticipated future trajectory of the NAICS 621330-07 industry in the USA, offering insights into potential trends, innovations, and challenges expected to shape its landscape.

• Growth Prediction: Growing

  The future outlook for the Play Therapist industry in the USA is positive. The industry is expected to grow as more people are becoming aware of the benefits of play therapy for children and adults. The demand for play therapists is expected to increase as more schools, hospitals, and mental health clinics are incorporating play therapy into their treatment plans. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the need for mental health services, which is expected to further boost the demand for play therapists. The industry is also expected to benefit from advancements in technology, which will allow play therapists to provide services remotely. Overall, the Play Therapist industry is expected to experience steady growth in the coming years.

Recent groundbreaking advancements and milestones in the Play Therapist industry, reflecting notable innovations that have reshaped its landscape.

• Virtual Play Therapy: With the COVID-19 pandemic, many play therapists have started offering virtual play therapy sessions to their clients. This has allowed therapists to reach clients who may not have access to in-person therapy and has also made therapy more convenient for clients who have busy schedules.
• Animal-Assisted Play Therapy: Some play therapists are incorporating animals into their therapy sessions to help children and adults feel more comfortable and relaxed. This type of therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety and depression.
• Mindfulness-Based Play Therapy: This type of therapy combines play therapy with mindfulness techniques to help children and adults become more aware of their thoughts and emotions. This can help them develop coping skills and reduce stress.
• Play Therapy for Trauma: Play therapy is being used more frequently to help children and adults who have experienced trauma. This type of therapy can help individuals process their emotions and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
• Play Therapy for Autism: Play therapy is being used to help children with autism develop social skills and improve communication. This type of therapy can also help children with autism manage their emotions and reduce anxiety.