Scholarships & Awards

Each year, Missouri APT awards 4 scholarships to members, which can be used towards MO APT-sponsored events (including the annual conference).

Additionally, each year members may be honored during the Annual Conference with either the “Outstanding Play Therapist Award” or the “Dr. Robert Jason Grant Emerging Play Therapist Award.”

See below for more information about the Scholarships & Awards and how to apply or nominate a member!

Dr. Shirley Hendricks Scholarship

Award Amount: $500

This scholarship is to assist a mental health professional working toward becoming a Registered Play Therapist.

MAPT Diversity Scholarship

Award Amount: $500

This scholarship’s purpose is to assist BIPOC and Historically Marginalized Folx in the mental health profession. One winner will receive $500 towards any Play Therapy Training.

Dr. Kristi Perryman Scholarship

Award Amount: $500

This scholarship is to assist a Master’s-level student preparing to become a mental health professional who is working toward becoming a Registered Play Therapist.

Ann Elliot Scholarship

Award Amount: $250

This scholarship’s purpose is to assist a fellow Play Therapist with obtaining supplies for their playroom. One winner will receive a $250 gift card to Play Therapy Supply.

Outstanding Play Therapist Award

This award is presented to a Play Therapist in the state of Missouri for outstanding service and achievement.

  • The nominee must be a current mental health professional and have provided services as a Registered Play Therapist for three consecutive years. 

  • The nominee must be a current APT member (Professional).

  • The nominee must hold at least a Master’s Degree in a mental health-related field.

  • The nominee must have been responsible for innovations in play therapy, for providing leadership in its further development, or for performing outstanding services to the school or community.

  • The activities or accomplishments recognized must have occurred within five years before the presentation date.


Dr. Robert Jason Grant Emerging Play Therapist Award

This award is presented to an outstanding person who is working to become a Play Therapist in the state of Missouri.

  • The nominee must be a current student or mental health professional, actively pursuing their Registered Play Therapist credential, and promoting the benefits of Play Therapy in a clinical setting must be a current APT member (EStudent, Professional, or Affiliate).

  • The nominee must be a student enrolled in a Master’s program, or hold at least a Master’s Degree, in a mental health-related field.

  • The nominee must have been responsible for innovations in play therapy, for advocating in its further development, or for performing outstanding services to the school or community.

  • The activities or accomplishments recognized must have occurred within five years before the presentation date has taken place within five years before the date of presentation.