Integration of play therapy in medical settings: Understanding the link between mental health and medical health.

Abstract

Children and adolescents who live in impoverished environments are at a high risk of experiencing adverse childhood trauma. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have an effect on both medical health and mental health. Harmful childhood distress often results in negative outcomes. Interventions such as play therapy have proven to be effective in addressing concerns of adverse childhood experiences. Typically, medical professionals and mental health professionals have worked separately to address issues resulting from childhood trauma. Integrating both mental health and medical health services by utilizing play therapy in medical settings can have a positive impact on children and adolescents from low-income areas who experience chronic trauma. Collaboration of services for children and adolescents is important to maximize optimal development that will echo into adulthood and increase accessibility to care.