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Child Play Therapist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Child Play Therapist

Charleston, SC · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Child Play Therapist Trusted Results Therapy Group | South Carolina About Us Trusted Results Therapy Group is a growing mental health practice dedicated to delivering compassionate, evidence-based ...

Americana Davison

Child & Play Therapist

Grand Blanc, MI · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Join a Growing Trauma-Informed Group Practice Cedar & Sage Therapy Group is seeking a compassionate, engaging, and clinically strong Child & Play Therapist to join our collaborative and supportive ...

Novel Therapy

Play Therapist

The Colony, TX · On-site

Child Play Therapist (Fully Licensed) Practice: Lone Star Child Therapy, a division of Novel Therapy, LLC Hours: Part-Time or Full-Time Location: In-Person/Virtual Hybrid Population: Children Ages 3 ...

Ellie Mental Health - 054

Play Therapist

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$74K - $86K/yr

Experience with play therapy or child-focused treatment is strongly preferred. Ideal candidates: * Enjoy working with children, adolescents, and families * Understand developmental and age ...

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Child Play Therapist information

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$34K

$69.8K

$156K

How much do child play therapist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for child play therapist in the United States is $69,850.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $72,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a child play therapist?

A Child Play Therapist is a mental health professional who uses play as a means to help children express their feelings, resolve psychological challenges, and develop coping skills. Through structured play sessions, therapists observe and interact with children to understand their emotions and behaviors. This therapeutic approach is especially effective for young children who may have difficulty communicating their thoughts and feelings verbally. Play therapy can help children deal with trauma, anxiety, behavioral issues, and social difficulties.

How does a child play therapist typically collaborate with parents and other professionals during treatment?

Child Play Therapists work closely with parents, teachers, and other healthcare professionals to ensure a holistic approach to a child's well-being. Collaboration often involves regular progress updates, sharing insights from therapy sessions (while maintaining confidentiality), and providing guidance to caregivers on reinforcing therapeutic strategies at home. This multidisciplinary teamwork helps create a consistent support system for the child and ensures that interventions are aligned across environments. Open communication and regular meetings are common practices to track progress and adjust treatment plans as needed.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a child play therapist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Child Play Therapist, you need a solid background in psychology or counseling with specialized training or certification in play therapy. Familiarity with therapeutic assessment tools, play-based intervention techniques, and record-keeping systems is essential. Outstanding soft skills include empathy, patience, active listening, and the ability to build trust with children and families. These skills are vital for creating a safe therapeutic environment and facilitating emotional healing and growth in children.

What is the difference between Child Play Therapist vs Child Psychologist?

AspectChild Play TherapistChild Psychologist
CredentialsTypically requires a master's degree in play therapy, counseling, or related field; certification in play therapy often preferredRequires a doctoral or master's degree in psychology; licensure as a psychologist
Work EnvironmentPrivate practices, schools, clinics, hospitals, child welfare agenciesHospitals, clinics, private practices, research settings, schools
FocusUses play as a therapeutic tool to address emotional and behavioral issues in childrenAssesses, diagnoses, and treats a wide range of psychological issues in children

Child Play Therapists specialize in using play therapy techniques to help children express emotions and resolve issues, often with specific certifications. Child Psychologists have a broader scope, including assessment and diagnosis of psychological conditions. Both roles work in similar environments but differ in training focus and treatment approaches.

Is play therapy in high demand?

Child play therapists are in increasing demand due to greater awareness of mental health and developmental needs in children. The profession often requires specialized training and certification, and job opportunities are expanding in schools, clinics, and private practice settings.

What education do you need to be a child play therapist?

To become a child play therapist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field, followed by a master's degree in play therapy, counseling, or a mental health discipline. Certification or licensure as a mental health professional is often required, along with specialized training in play therapy techniques. Relevant skills include strong communication, patience, and understanding of child development.

What type of child play therapist makes the most money?

Child play therapists with advanced certifications, specialized training in trauma or autism, and extensive experience tend to earn higher salaries. Those working in private practice or in high-demand areas may also have higher earning potential compared to entry-level positions or those in public settings.
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Child Play Therapist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Child Play Therapist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,850 per year, or $33.6 per hour.

Child Play Therapist

Trusted Results Therapy Group

Myrtle Beach, SC • On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Other

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Child Play Therapist Trusted Results Therapy Group | South Carolina About Us

Trusted Results Therapy Group is a growing mental health practice dedicated to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals and families. We provide therapeutic services across South Carolina, with a focus on quality care, collaboration, and clinical growth.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Registered Play Therapist (RPT) or play therapy-trained clinician to join our team in a dedicated child and family role. This position is built for a therapist whose clinical identity centers on play therapy — someone who is credentialed or actively pursuing RPT designation and who is passionate about serving young children ages 1–13. You will carry a full-time equivalent caseload composed primarily of child and family clients, practicing within a supportive, autonomy-driven environment with full administrative backing.

Responsibilities
  • Deliver play therapy as the primary treatment modality for children ages 1–13
  • Provide parent and caregiver consultation and family sessions to reinforce therapeutic progress
  • Conduct developmental and clinical assessments and create individualized treatment plans
  • Maintain accurate, ethical, and timely documentation in the electronic health record
  • Collaborate with schools, pediatricians, and community providers as part of a whole-child care approach
  • Participate in supervision (if applicable), team meetings, and continuing education
Requirements
  • Master's or Doctoral degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field
  • Active licensure in South Carolina (LPC, LMFT, LISW-CP, LMSW, LPC-A, or LP)
  • RPT credential or active pursuit of RPT designation through the Association for Play Therapy
  • Demonstrated experience providing play therapy to children ages 1–13
  • Commitment to a full-time equivalent caseload with a child-focused population
  • Strong clinical documentation skills
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT), Theraplay, PCIT, Filial Therapy, or sand tray
  • Background working with early childhood trauma, attachment disruption, developmental delays, or behavioral concerns
  • Credentialed with Medicaid or private insurance panels
  • Bilingual (Spanish/English) a plus
What We Offer
  • Competitive compensation based on experience and licensure
  • Hybrid flexibility: telehealth and in-person sessions
  • Clinical supervision and support (if needed for licensure)
  • Administrative support to handle scheduling, billing, and credentialing
  • Opportunities for advancement and leadership roles
  • A collaborative and inclusive team culture

Job Type: Full-Time Pay: Based on Experience Expected Hours: Full-time equivalent (minimum 25 client hours per week) Schedule: Flexible

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