Safe & welcoming
A calm, kid-friendly space where children feel comfortable from the first visit.
Child & family therapy - Davenport, Iowa
Kids are wired to play. It's how they heal, too.
Wired4PLAY is the private practice of Melissa Barrett, LISW. I help children and their families work through big feelings, school struggles and hard seasons using play-based, developmentally friendly therapy.
- Licensed Independent Social Worker (Iowa)
- School social work experience
- Secure client portal through SimplePractice
The approach
Play is a child's first language.
Most kids can't sit on a couch and explain what's wrong. They can show it. In a play-based session, toys, art and games give a child a safe way to express what's going on, practice new skills and build confidence at their own pace.
Parents and caregivers are part of the work. You'll get regular check-ins and simple, practical ideas to use at home, so progress doesn't stay in the therapy room.
Developmentally grounded
Sessions meet each child where they are, by age, stage and personality.
Family centered
Caregivers get clear updates and tools that help at home and at school.
How I can help
Support for kids, teens and the grown-ups who love them.
Placeholder list - confirm Melissa's actual services and age range.
Play-based therapy
Individual sessions for children using play, art and games to work through feelings and build coping skills.
Anxiety & big emotions
Help with worry, anger, meltdowns and mood changes, with skills kids can actually use.
School concerns
Support for behavior, attention, friendship and school-related stress, informed by real school social work experience.
Life changes
Moves, divorce, grief, new siblings and other transitions that can shake a child's sense of security.
Parent support
Caregiver sessions focused on connection, routines and responding to tough behavior with confidence.
Teens
Talk and activity-based therapy for older kids who've outgrown the toy shelf but still need support.
Photo of Melissaplaceholder
About Melissa
Hi, I'm Melissa.
I'm a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) in Iowa. Alongside my private practice, I work as a School Social Worker with an Area Education Agency, so I spend my days helping kids, families and schools work together.
I started Wired4PLAY because I believe children do their best healing through play, and families deserve a therapist who understands both what happens at home and what happens in the classroom.
Placeholder - add Melissa's own story, training and credentials (for example any play therapy certifications).
Getting started
Three simple steps.
- 1
Reach out
Send a request through the secure client portal or the form below. I'll get back to you to talk about what's going on.
- 2
Complete paperwork online
Intake forms and consents are handled securely in SimplePractice, so there's nothing to print.
- 3
First session
We start with a parent meeting and get to know your child, then set goals together.
Questions
Frequently asked.
What ages do you work with?
Placeholder - confirm age range with Melissa.
Do you take insurance?
Placeholder - confirm insurance panels, self-pay rates and sliding scale, if any.
Do you offer telehealth?
Placeholder - confirm in-person and telehealth options.
How do I pay and manage appointments?
Scheduling, paperwork, reminders and payments are all handled through SimplePractice's secure client portal.
Is this the same as school services?
No. Wired4PLAY is a separate private practice from Melissa's work with the AEA.
Contact
Let's talk about your child.
The fastest way to get started is the secure client portal. Please don't share private health details over regular email.
Open the client portal portal link placeholder- LocationDavenport, Iowa (confirm office address)
- Phone(000) 000-0000
- Emailhello@example.com
- HoursBy appointment - confirm