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This is a formal non diagnostic assessment that has been recognized and used by the court system to better understand the needs of the child due to disruptive attachment, trauma, and other family issues. This play based (TheraPlay MIM) assessment is often requested by DHS workers and court officials to assess the attachment needs of young children and help guide treatment recommendations in the parent child relationship.

In the first appointment, the therapist will meet with the parent in person to gather social history of the parent and of the child. The therapist will explore the parents’ perceptions, ideals, hopes and beliefs of their parenting ability, the child’s ability to receive and respond to parenting, their own attachment history, their perception of the child’s attachment history and needs, and any other relevant information. The therapist will gather information from the referral source if applicable and will utilize other relevant assessment tools.

In the second appointment, the tool used to assess the dynamic between the parent and child duo, The MIM (Marschak Interaction Method) is facilitated in our office. This is an evidence-based tool derived from the TheraPlay model. The MIM is structured in a way that involves the parent and child to participate independently in 8-10 play/interaction-based activities that are directed by the trained therapist through written tasks. The entire assessment is video recorded, and we ask that parent and child allot an hour for the appointment. Typically, it is less than an hour. The therapist then reviews the video independent of the parent or child, assesses the tasks according to the 4 essential dimensions of a parent-child relationship (see attached) Structure, Engagement, Nurture and Challenge, and applies analysis.

In the third appointment, the therapist meets with the parent (either in person or virtual) to review observations and assessments made from the video recorded MIM, explore these assessments with the parent, gather any insights or feelings the parent has or had from the assessment and explore the parents’ willingness to participate in any recommendations to enhance the parent child relationship.

Lastly, all the information is composed into a report to the requesting agency. The purpose of the report is to offer insight into how to best support the parent-child relationship, the permanence and attachment needs of the child and to identify any needs or concerns between the dyad. The report is thorough and aims to offer specific recommendations and suggestions.

If requesting court ordered funding, the worker should request 10 units of MSW Evaluation on the PSSF Request for Services Form.

If this is paid privately the cost is $600 per assessment. 1 assessment = one child and one parent. For example, the need is for one parent and two children. It would be $1200.