The Iowa Association for Play Therapy (IAPT) has been organized as a state chapter of the national Association for Play Therapy (APT), a professional society whose mission is to promote the value of play, play therapy, and credentialed play therapists.

APT defines play therapy as “the systematic use of a theoretical model to establish an interpersonal process wherein trained play therapists use the therapeutic powers of play to help clients prevent or resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development.”

The purpose of IAPT is to provide a forum for the discussion of play therapy ideas and concerns. The objectives of IAPT shall be:

1. To encourage communication about issues and trends in the field of play therapy among mental health and allied professionals in the state of Iowa;

2. To provide training in play therapy through education and consultation opportunities for play therapists and other professionals who work with children and their families;

3. To support research and publications related to play therapy issues and the efficacy of play therapy as a treatment modality;

4. To promote the acceptance by third party payers of play therapy as a viable treatment modality;

5. To support the development of clinical training in play therapy through the institutions of higher learning in the state of Iowa;

6. To advocate for the rights of children, their families, and significant others.