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Creative Writing Therapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

University of Rochester

Creative Arts Counselor

Wing, ND

$20.99 - $28.34/hr

Utilizes evidence-based, therapeutic modalities in art, music, creative writing and journaling, while incorporating skills from various therapies, such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Cognitive ...

One Brooklyn Health

Creative Arts Therapist

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$30.86/hr

Writes Progress notes for assigned patients and patients on the units. Responsibilities * Under the direction of the Creative Arts Therapy supervisor works to assess needs of patient population and ...

Splendido

Art Therapist

Tucson, AZ

... creative writing, improv, music, movement, and intergenerational experiences. * Utilizes art therapy and counseling techniques to address key areas of focus including physical and cognitive ...

Splendido

Art Therapist

Tucson, AZ · On-site

... creative writing, improv, music, movement, and intergenerational experiences. * Utilizes art therapy and counseling techniques to address key areas of focus including physical and cognitive ...

University of Rochester

$25.09 - $35.12/hr

Utilizes evidence-based therapeutic modalities in music, art, creative writing and journaling, while incorporating skills from various therapies, such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Cognitive ...

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Creative Writing Therapy information

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$39.5K

$62.2K

$91.5K

How much do creative writing therapy jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for creative writing therapy in the United States is $62,185.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,500.00 and $85,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Creative Writing Therapist typically collaborate with other mental health professionals within a clinical setting?

Creative Writing Therapists often work closely with psychologists, counselors, and social workers to provide comprehensive care to clients. They may participate in interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss treatment plans, share progress notes, and tailor writing exercises to complement other therapeutic interventions. This collaborative environment ensures that clients receive holistic support, and it also allows therapists to learn new approaches and integrate different therapeutic techniques into their practice. Strong communication and teamwork skills are essential for success in this role.

How to use creative writing in therapy?

Creative writing therapy involves using writing exercises such as journaling, poetry, or storytelling to help clients explore emotions, process experiences, and develop self-awareness. As a creative writing therapist, guiding clients through structured prompts and encouraging expression can facilitate emotional healing and personal growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Creative Writing Therapist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Creative Writing Therapist, you need a background in psychology or counseling, strong creative writing skills, and ideally a relevant certification or master's degree in therapy. Familiarity with therapeutic frameworks, client management software, and writing workshop facilitation tools is often required. Exceptional empathy, active listening, and the ability to foster a safe, nonjudgmental space help clients effectively express and process emotions. These competencies are crucial for guiding individuals through healing and personal growth using creative expression.

What is the difference between Creative Writing Therapy vs Art Therapist?

AspectCreative Writing TherapyArt Therapist
CredentialsTypically requires a master's degree in counseling, psychology, or related field; specialized training in creative writing therapyRequires a master's degree in art therapy or counseling; certification from the American Art Therapy Association
Work EnvironmentPrivate practice, mental health clinics, educational settings, hospitalsHospitals, clinics, schools, community centers
Industry UsageUsed in mental health treatment, educational programs, wellness initiativesUsed in mental health, rehabilitation, educational, and community settings

Creative Writing Therapy and Art Therapy both focus on using creative modalities for mental health and emotional well-being. While Creative Writing Therapy emphasizes writing as a therapeutic tool, Art Therapy involves visual arts. Both professions require advanced degrees and certifications, and they are employed in similar settings to support clients' mental health and personal growth.

What is creative writing therapy?

Creative writing therapy is a form of expressive therapy that uses the act of writing—such as journaling, poetry, storytelling, or other creative forms—as a tool to explore emotions, process experiences, and promote personal growth. Through guided writing exercises, individuals can express thoughts and feelings that may be difficult to verbalize, fostering self-discovery and emotional healing. This therapeutic approach is often facilitated by a trained therapist and can be beneficial for managing stress, trauma, anxiety, or depression. Sessions may be conducted individually or in groups and are tailored to fit each participant's needs.

What careers can you do with creative writing?

Creative writing skills can lead to careers such as novelist, poet, screenwriter, content creator, editor, and copywriter. These roles often require strong storytelling, editing, and communication skills, and may involve working independently or in media, publishing, or advertising environments.

How much do creative arts therapists make?

Creative arts therapists, including those practicing creative writing therapy, typically earn between $45,000 and $75,000 annually, depending on experience, certification, and work setting. Salaries tend to be higher in urban areas and for those with advanced credentials or specialized skills.

How do I become a creative therapist?

To become a creative writing therapist, you typically need a master's degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field, along with training in expressive arts therapies. Certification or licensure as a mental health professional is often required, and specialized training in creative or expressive therapies enhances your qualifications. Developing strong communication skills and experience in therapeutic settings are also important for this role.
More about Creative Writing Therapy jobs
What states have the most Creative Writing Therapy jobs? States with the most job openings for Creative Writing Therapy jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Creative Writing Therapy jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Creative Writing Therapy jobs are:
Creative Writing Therapy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Creative Writing Therapy job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,185 per year, or $29.9 per hour.
Creative Arts Counselor

Creative Arts Counselor

University of Rochester

Wing, ND

$20.99 - $28.34/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

University Of Rochester rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 180 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

97th of 544 rated colleges and universities

Job description

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14642

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Department:

500140 Psychiatry SMH Activities Ther

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URC 206 H

Compensation Range:

$20.99 - $28.34

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Responsibilities:

The Creative Arts Counselor on the Child Inpatient Services is a member of the Interdisciplinary treatment team and provides direct clinical services to patients. The Creative Arts Counselor follows NCTRC standards, while providing evidence-based programming that is strength-based and patient centered for the purpose of crisis intervention, skill building, and stabilization. The Creative Arts Counselor provides therapeutic groups or individual sessions, aimed at providing a safe space for patients to explore creative ways of managing symptoms, while building healthy coping skills, and increasing socialization, through music, art, writing, journaling, mindfulness, relaxation, physical outlets, and education.

SCHEDULE

  • Days/eves/weekend

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Plans, organizes, facilitates daily therapeutic groups and activities, focusing on individual needs/strengths of the patients. Utilizes evidence-based, therapeutic modalities in art, music, creative writing and journaling, while incorporating skills from various therapies, such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Cognitive therapy.
  • Observes, assesses and manages patient's behaviors and interactions with peers and staff, while facilitating groups or 1:1'interventions. Provides therapeutic interventions as needed. Utilizes CPI methods when managing challenging behaviors.
  • Conducts and documents initial interview/assessment of newly admitted patients to determine readiness/appropriateness for participation in groups or individual sessions. Documents each patient's weekly treatment goals, interventions, daily progress in groups/individual sessions, and level of participation.
  • Communicates effectively by attending daily morning/evening report. Attends treatment planning, as scheduling permits. Attends monthly team meetings, and participates in Unit Council as needed. Communicates effectively with staff regarding any behavioral issues observed in groups/1:1's. May also participate in sub-committees or be a designated Unit-Champion.
  • Responsible for maintaining equipment & supplies. Inventories assigned unit group/activity supplies and initiates ordering of supplies/equipment through approved vendors while staying within budget. May also need to shop locally when supplies are not available through vendors. Ensures the safety & cleanliness of all materials before using with patients.
  • Provides observation opportunities/guidance for interns, shadowing students, and prospective hires. Assists with orientation for new hires. May have to cover another unit during staffing shortages or extended leaves of absences.
  • Keeps up to date with all MyPath mandatory trainings.


MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

  • Bachelor's degree in relevant Behavioral Health fieldrequired
  • Master's degree preferred
  • Some experience in working with individuals or groups in a clinical setting with basic concepts of psychology and pathology required.
  • Or equivalent combination of education and experience.


KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Basic knowledge of Dialectical Behavior Therapy and/or Cognitive Therapy. CPI Training. Must be able to facilitate groups independently or with a co-facilitator; preferred.


LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

  • Creative Arts Therapist Licensed Creative Arts Therapist (LCAT) upon hire preferred

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University's Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create - and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status,or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.

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