The psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner is evaluating a 4-year-old girl she suspects has been physically abused. Which of the following is most appropriate for this child?

Choice A reason: Art therapy can be useful for expression, but in young children, it may not adequately allow processing of trauma or understanding of events. Choice B reason: Talk therapy is often limited for very young children due to their developmental stage and limited verbal capacity. Choice C reason: This is the correct answer. Play therapy allows young children to express feelings, communicate experiences, and process trauma in a developmentally appropriate manner, making it the most suitable initial therapeutic approach. Choice D reason: Group therapy is generally inappropriate for very young children with suspected abuse because they may not have the social or emotional capacity to benefit safely.