Play Therapy SA

What Play Therapy SA does

Play Therapy SA is a private, founder-owned therapeutic healthcare practice headquartered in Gawler, South Australia, specializing in Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) and integrated directive modalities for children aged 2-10. Founded in January 2018 by Renae Plueckhahn (Master of Play Therapy), the practice has grown to operate 5 clinics across South Australia (Salisbury, Victor Harbor, Torrensville, and Holden Hill) with 8 dedicated playrooms and a team of 10 postgraduate-trained Play Therapists serving over 130 children weekly. The clinical methodology centers on non-directive, child-led CCPT supplemented by Theraplay (Level 1 & 2), Sandtray Therapy (Level 2), AutPlay Therapy, Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT), and EMDR, delivered by therapists with certifications including Master of Play Therapy, Theraplay, Sandtray, and Synergetic Play Therapy.

The business model is direct-to-consumer with hybrid funding: families self-pay at $193.99 per 60-minute child session and $290.98 per 1.5-hour parent intake (plus GST where applicable), while a material share of revenue comes through NDIS self and plan managed funding (GST-free) and Department for Child Protection (DCP) referrals for children in care. Average engagement is 20-30 sessions per child, with periodic parent update sessions every 4-5 weeks. The practice has diversified into B2B delivery through its Preschool Boost program, offering Kindy-Play group therapy and CPRT staff training within preschool settings, and extends reach via telehealth on Microsoft Teams. Distribution is built around a website with online registration forms, content marketing, social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube), and a monthly newsletter targeting parents, support coordinators, and case managers.

Operationally, Play Therapy SA is bootstrapped with no external funding, subsidiaries, or M&A activity. It is positioned as the longest-running and largest dedicated Play Therapy practice in South Australia, with all growth funded organically from session revenue since inception.

Name

Play Therapy SA

Legal name

Play Therapy SA

Website

https://playtherapysa.com.au

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Play Therapy SA is a private South Australian practice operating 5 clinics and 8 playrooms, delivering Child-Centered Play Therapy and related modalities (Theraplay, CPRT, Sandtray) to 130+ children weekly, funded through private fees, NDIS, and DCP referrals.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Pediatric Play Therapy Services

NAICS

Child and Youth Services (62411), Other Individual and Family Services (624190)

SIC

Services-Health Services (8000), Services-Misc Health & Allied Services, Nec (8090)

akta.pro primary industry

Pediatric Rehabilitation & Developmental Therapy Centers (PT/OT/SLP) (HLAFAJAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Developmental Therapy / Early Childhood Special Instruction (EDACAFAG), Family Coaching, Parent-Mediated & Home Visiting EI Services (EDACAFAJ), Parent–Child Play & Interaction Programs (EDACALAF)

Keywords

• Child play therapy
• Pediatric mental health
• Family therapy services
• NDIS therapy provider
• Trauma-informed counseling

Headquarters

HQ city

Gawler

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Revenue model

1. Child Therapy Sessions: Weekly child play therapy sessions at $193.99 per 60-minute session (including notes). Sessions are scheduled weekly at the same time each week, with most children completing 20-30 sessions on average.
2. Parent Consultation - Intake: One-off parent intake session conducted in clinic or via telehealth at $290.98 (1.5 hours). Includes history taking and understanding of issues before child sessions begin.
3. Parent Consultation - Update: Parent update sessions scheduled after every 4-5 child sessions at $193.99 (60 minutes), available in clinic or via Teams video.
4. Preschool Programs: Kindy-Play group play therapy program and CPRT training programs delivered in preschool settings for staff training and parent groups.
5. NDIS Funding: Revenue from NDIS self and plan managed participants (GST free) for eligible therapy services.
6. DCP Referrals: Revenue from Department for Child Protection referrals (plus GST) for children in care.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Play Therapy SA delivers child-centered play therapy and related therapeutic services for children aged 2–10 across South Australia. Services include one-on-one Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT), Theraplay, Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT), and group play therapy programs delivered in preschool settings, supported by parent intake and update consultations.

Product overview

Play Therapy SA is a healthcare services practice offering a suite of child therapy programs centered on Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT). Its core portfolio consists of individual Play Therapy sessions for children aged 2–10, Theraplay (a structured parent-child relationship therapy), and Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT) — a 10-week evidence-based group program for parents. The practice also offers group programs through its Preschool Boost initiative, including Kindy-Play (group play therapy delivered in preschool settings) and a CPRT track for parents of 3–4 year olds. All services are supported by parent intake consultations, periodic parent update sessions, and telehealth delivery options via Teams Video. The practice operates across five clinics with eight playrooms, serving over 130 children per week.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Quantifiable outcome

• Most children complete an average of 20-30 play therapy sessions
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• Australian Play Therapists Association (APTA): Professional body governing play therapy training, certification, and standards in Australia. Relevant ecosystem participant that influences clinical training pipelines and credentialing that PTSA depends on for talent acquisition.
• National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) Registered Provider Network: While not a peer company, NDIA governs the regulatory and funding environment that all NDIS-registered play therapy practices like PTSA operate within; relevant ecosystem reference for understanding policy and pricing dynamics.

Direct peers

• Therapy Pro: Australian allied health provider delivering in-home and clinic-based therapy to NDIS participants including children. Comparable as a multi-modality NDIS-registered pediatric therapy services operator with similar funding mix.
• Kids First Children's Services: Multi-disciplinary Sydney-based paediatric therapy practice offering speech, occupational, and play-based therapy for children with developmental delays. Comparable as a multi-clinic child therapy operator with similar modalities and NDIS funding exposure.
• Kids Are Kids! Therapy Services: Western Australia-based pediatric allied health and play therapy provider serving children with developmental, behavioral, and emotional challenges. Highly comparable multi-modality child therapy practice operating across multiple clinics with NDIS registration, similar GTM and customer base to PTSA.
• Sensory Smart Occupational Therapy: Australian pediatric occupational therapy practice working with children with sensory processing, autism, ADHD, and developmental challenges. Comparable as a multi-modality child therapy provider serving neurodivergent children with NDIS funding.
• Superkid Therapy: Australian pediatric allied health practice offering multidisciplinary therapy including play therapy, OT, and speech pathology for children with developmental and behavioral needs. Comparable multi-modality child therapy operator with NDIS registration.
• Stepping Stones Therapy Services: NDIS-registered allied health and pediatric therapy provider in Australia offering multidisciplinary child therapy services including occupational therapy and play-based interventions. Comparable as a multi-clinic NDIS provider serving children with developmental needs.
• Child and Family Wellbeing Centre: Australian child and family therapy practice providing play therapy, counseling, and developmental support to children and parents. Comparable in therapeutic modalities and parent-engagement programs like CPRT.

Regional players

• Play Therapy Brisbane: Brisbane-based dedicated play therapy practice serving children and families using CCPT and related modalities. Highly comparable in service mix but operates in Queensland rather than South Australia, making it a regional peer rather than direct competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/watch?v=0sYif0gsFgQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/playtherapysa
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/79534738
• Instagraminstagram.com/playtherapysa

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Play Therapy SA