Play Therapy Education, Training, and Research Center
Play Therapy Education, Training, and Research Center
The University of Memphis Play Therapy Education, Training, and Research Center is an Approved Center of Play Therapy Education by the Association for Play Therapy (APT). The Center offers a 12-hour Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy designed to meet national requirements for the Registered Play Therapist (RPT) and RPT-Supervisor (RPT-S) credentials. Housed in the School of Social Work and developed in partnership with the Counseling, Educational Psychology, and Research (CEPR) program, the Center provides online and hybrid coursework, supervisor training, and hands-on practicum experiences through university-based clinics and community agencies. It also supports ongoing research and continuing education to advance play therapy practice in the region and support workforce development.
Vision Statement
To create a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment where children and families can heal, grow, and thrive through the transformative power of play. We envision a community where every child’s emotional well-being is supported with empathy, creativity, and evidence-based care—empowering them to build resilience, strengthen relationships, and reach their fullest potential.
How It Works
The Play Therapy Education, Training, and Research Center plays a vital role in our community by supporting the emotional and mental well-being of children and families. Through play therapy, children are given a safe and natural way to express their feelings, build coping skills, and heal from life’s challenges.
Beyond direct services, the center educates parents, caregivers, and professionals, helping them better understand children’s emotional needs. Through ongoing research and community partnerships, the center strengthens best practices in child mental health, increases access to care, and helps create a healthier, more resilient community where children can grow, learn, and thrive.
Prior to starting any service delivery, our Play Therapy Education, Training, and Research Center team will connect to provide an overview of services, discuss roles and expectations, gather intake paperwork, and obtain necessary informed consent/ assent from the individual, youth, and the caregiver. Parental permission is required for all services provided to children and youth under the age of 18 in the state of Tennessee. Contact us via the form here
Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm (last appointment at 6:00 pm)
Getting Started
Enroll by contacting us at SMARTCenter@memphis.edu
- Please indicate what program you are with so we can appropriately route your services (i.e. Legacy of Legends, a School District, Individual referral).
- If you are a school district interested in a contract with the Play Therapy Education, Training, and Research Center for behavioral and mental health services, please email us at SMARTCenter@memphis.edu and indicate what school district you are with, a phone and email address where you can be reached, and the projected number of hours of service needs.
- For individual family and client needs, please email us at SMARTCenter@memphis.edu and indicate you are a self-referral and seeking services for your child/ children. We will need your name, your child's name, an email address and phone contact where you can be reached, and your child's current needs.
- We will return your email/ contact within 24 business hours of receipt.