Crawford County Mental Health Center’s (CCMHC) Children’s Services Department recently purchased new play therapy tools for our Downtown Broadway location. These additions will enhance our ability to provide effective, engaging, and developmentally appropriate therapy for children, helping them navigate challenges and build essential life skills.
Play therapy is a vital component of our approach to children’s mental health. Many children lack the ability to fully express their thoughts and emotions through words alone. Play provides a natural way for them to communicate, process experiences, and work through difficulties in a safe, therapeutic environment. Through play, children can develop critical social skills, learn emotional regulation, and build resilience.
Our Children’s Services team incorporates play therapy into various treatment modalities to help children strengthen their social interactions, manage their time effectively, and foster positive personal relationships. Evidence-Based Practices (EBP) ensure that our therapists use proven techniques to help children cope with anxiety, trauma, behavioral challenges, and other mental health concerns. By engaging in play therapy, children gain confidence, improve problem-solving skills, and learn to express their emotions in healthier ways.
This initiative was made possible through the generosity of the Elm Acres Foundation grant via the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK). Their support helped fund the “We’re Going Downtown: Expanding, Sharing, and Caring for our Clients, their Families, and the Community” project, which enhances accessibility and improves the quality of mental health care available to at-risk youth.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to CFSEK for their commitment to supporting mental health services in our region. The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas manages charitable funds established by donors who are passionate about giving back. These grants provide critical resources for individuals and families throughout Southeast Kansas and beyond.
For more information about the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas and how they support local initiatives, please visit their website at southeastkansas.org or call 620-231-8897.
