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@docvater

transforming the world one hour at a time

Rachel Altvater, Psy.D., RPT-S™

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Registered Play Therapist - Supervisor™

Owner, Creative Psychological Health Services

Past President, Maryland/DC Association for Play Therapy

Editorial Advisory Board Member, International Journal of Play Therapy®

Board of Directors, Foundation for Play Therapy

Design Partner, PlaySpace

Clinical Consultant, Hopscotch

Author, Perspective: Contemplating the Complexities of Our Realities

Published researcher and contributing author in numerous scholarly journal articles and textbooks

International speaker on incorporating digital tools and virtual methods into play therapy practice

Professional Awards: 2023 Outstanding Service Award (MD/DC APT), 2019 Emerging Leader Service (APT), 2018 Distinguished Alumna of the Year (TCSPP-DC), 2018 Outstanding Play Therapy Research (MD/DC APT)

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MULTI-AWARD WINNING BOOK
Perspective: Contemplating the Complexities of Our Realities
Scholarly Work
Contributions to Published Texts
Creative Psychological Health Services
Your mental wellbeing is just as important as your physical wellbeing. Taking the courageous step to invest in the mental health of yourself or your child is imperative for building a healthy and fulfilling life. We strive to provide the highest quality of care and tailor evidence-based and research-informed therapeutic services to meet each individual’s unique needs. Creative Psychological Health Services provides child, teen, adult, and family therapy services and specializes in play and expressive therapies.
Supervision, Consultation, & Training Requests
Offering clinical and play therapy supervision, consultation, and training services for clinicians, businesses, practice and organizational owners and managers, employees, and schools.
Training
Leveling Up Play Therapy: Mapping the Inner Landscape Through Gaming Crossroads Family Counseling Center Friday, November 13, 2026
Training
Illuminating Child Perspectives and Fostering Parent Partnerships in Digital Play New Jersey Association for Play Therapy Saturday, January 23, 2027
Training
Synapses and Screens: The Developing Brain, Digital Engagement, and Play Therapy The Neuroscience of Play Therapy Retreat Saturday, May 15, 2027
Recorded Training
Communicating with Digital Natives in Play Therapy
Recorded Training
Mindfulness Within the Digital Playroom Mindfulness-based Therapy Training Institute®
Beacons
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