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Dance Movement Therapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Dance Movement Therapy information

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$12

$21

$37

How much do dance movement therapy jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for dance movement therapy in the United States is $21.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Where do dance movement therapists work?

Dance movement therapists work in a variety of settings including hospitals, mental health clinics, schools, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and private practices. They use movement and dance techniques to support physical, emotional, and psychological well-being, often collaborating with other healthcare professionals and requiring relevant certifications or licenses.

What are some common challenges dance movement therapists face when working with clients in group settings?

Dance Movement Therapists working in group settings often navigate challenges such as managing varied physical abilities, emotional responses, and communication styles among participants. Facilitating a safe and inclusive environment while addressing individual needs within the group dynamic requires strong observation skills and adaptability. Additionally, therapists must balance group cohesion with personalized interventions and maintain professional boundaries to foster trust and therapeutic progress.

What is the difference between Dance Movement Therapy vs Art Therapy?

AspectDance Movement TherapyArt Therapy
CredentialsRegistered Dance Movement Therapist (R-DMT), certifications from professional bodiesRegistered Art Therapist (ATR), master's degree in art therapy
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, schools, mental health centersHospitals, mental health clinics, schools, private practice
Industry UsageUsed in mental health, rehabilitation, educationUsed in mental health, education, community programs

Dance Movement Therapy and Art Therapy both serve mental health and emotional well-being but differ in their primary mediums—movement versus visual art. While they share similar credentials and work environments, their approaches and techniques are distinct, catering to different client needs and preferences.

How do you become a dance movement therapist?

To become a dance movement therapist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in dance, psychology, or a related field, followed by specialized training in dance/movement therapy through an accredited program. Certification from the American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA) or equivalent organization is often required, which involves completing supervised clinical hours and passing an exam. Licensing requirements vary by region but generally include demonstrating competence and adherence to professional standards.

What do dance movement therapists do?

Dance movement therapists use movement and dance to help individuals improve emotional, psychological, and physical well-being. They assess clients' needs, develop treatment plans, and facilitate sessions that promote self-expression and healing, often working in healthcare, mental health, or educational settings. Certification from a recognized organization is typically required for practice.

What is dance movement therapy?

Dance movement therapy (DMT) is a form of psychotherapy that uses movement and dance to support emotional, cognitive, physical, and social integration. DMT is based on the premise that the body and mind are interconnected, so movement can be used to express emotions, reduce stress, improve self-esteem, and enhance overall well-being. This therapy is facilitated by a trained dance movement therapist and can be tailored to individuals or groups in various settings, including mental health clinics, hospitals, schools, and community centers.

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

To thrive as a Dance Movement Therapist, you need a background in dance or movement studies, a master's degree in dance/movement therapy, and certification from the American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA). Familiarity with therapeutic assessment tools, documentation systems, and group facilitation techniques is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to create a safe, inclusive environment are essential soft skills. These abilities enable therapists to effectively use movement for emotional healing, ensuring clients feel supported and achieve therapeutic goals.
More about Dance Movement Therapy jobs
What cities are hiring for Dance Movement Therapy jobs? Cities with the most Dance Movement Therapy job openings:
What states have the most Dance Movement Therapy jobs? States with the most job openings for Dance Movement Therapy jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Dance Movement Therapy jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Dance Movement Therapy jobs are:
Infographic showing various Dance Movement Therapy job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 54% Full Time, and 46% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,679 per year, or $22 per hour.

Certified Activity Therapist

Henry Ford Behavioral Health

West Bloomfield, MI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Overview

Join Our Team and Make a Difference - Certified Activity Therapist

Henry Ford Behavioral Health Hospital | West Bloomfield, MIFull-Time | Rotating days and weekends (Day shift) 

Henry Ford Behavioral Health Hospital is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Certified Activity Therapist to join our multidisciplinary treatment team. In this role, you will help patients develop healthy coping skills, improve social functioning, and support their recovery through innovative and therapeutic activity-based interventions.

Required Qualifications

  • Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), or
  • Certification in a recognized specialty area such as:
    • Art Therapy
    • Dance/Movement Therapy
    • Music Therapy
    • Other expressive or activity-based therapy disciplines
  • OR Clinical professional licensure (LPC, LMSW, LCPC, or equivalent) with certification in a related expressive or activity-based therapy discipline.
  • CPR Certification (or ability to obtain upon hire).
  • De-escalation and restraint certification required (training provided by the facility).

Position Summary

As a Certified Activity Therapist, you will plan, coordinate, and facilitate therapeutic recreation and expressive therapy programs that align with patients' individualized treatment plans. Working collaboratively with the interdisciplinary treatment team, you will provide structured therapeutic activities designed to promote emotional wellness, social interaction, skill development, and recovery.

Why Join Henry Ford Behavioral Health Hospital?

Henry Ford Behavioral Health Hospital is a joint venture between Henry Ford Health and Acadia Healthcare, created to address the growing need for high-quality behavioral health services throughout Metro Detroit.

Our state-of-the-art, two-story behavioral health hospital in West Bloomfield provides a modern, healing environment designed to support patient recovery and staff success. Features include:

  • Contemporary treatment spaces
  • Six outdoor therapeutic healing areas
  • Evidence-based psychiatric care
  • Collaborative interdisciplinary teams
  • Opportunities for professional growth and development
  • A mission-driven culture focused on compassionate patient care

We provide specialized mental health treatment for adolescents, adults, and senior adults, helping individuals achieve stability, recovery, and improved quality of life.

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Complete activity assessment through patient observation and patient/family interview, obtaining information on the patient's needs, skills, interests and limitations for the development and implementation of the treatment plan.
  • Plan, organize, direct and implement the activities within the treatment program to facility patient progress with treatment goals.
  • Plan and implement an activities program including but not limited to therapeutic leisure skills and activities, leisure education and leisure awareness.
  • Facilitate and lead activity sessions to improve patient mental and physical well-being.
  • Instruct patients in activities and techniques, such are sports, dance, music, art or relaxation techniques designed to meet their specific needs.
  • Develop treatment plans and implement activity interventions that meet patient needs and interests and helps the patient achieve his/her treatment goals.
  • Engage patients in therapeutic activities, such as exercise, games and community outings.
  • Help patients learn social skills needed to become or remain independent.
  • Modify activities to suit the needs of specific groups.
  • Demonstrate a positive, empathetic and professional attitude towards customers always.  When patient needs are not met, acknowledge and work to resolve complaints.  Recognize that patient safety is a top priority.

OTHER FUNCTIONS:

  • Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.
Qualifications

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILL REQUIREMENTS: 

  • Bachelor's Degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreational Therapy or related field required.   
  • Master's degree preferred.  
  • Three or more years' experience in recreation in a healthcare setting with knowledge of patient population served by the facility required. 
  • Previous experience in recreation in a healthcare setting is preferred. 

 

LICENSES/DESIGNATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS:

  • Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), or

  • Certification in a recognized specialty area (Art Therapy, Dance/Movement Therapy, Music Therapy, etc.), or

  • Clinical professional licensure (LCPC, LPC, LMSW, etc.) with certification in a related expressive or activity-based therapy discipline

  • CPR and de-escalation and restraint certification required (training available upon hire and offered by facility).
  • First aid may be required based on state or facility requirements.

While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the requirements of the job, management reserves the right to add or remove duties from particular jobs when circumstances (e.g. emergencies, changes in workload, rush jobs or technological developments) dictate.

We are committed to providing equal  employment opportunities to all applicants for employment regardless of an individual's characteristics protected by applicable state, federal and local laws.

HFORD

#LI-HFBF

Employment Type: FULL_TIME