ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Dance Therapist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsArts and Entertainment JobsEntertainment JobsBallroom Dance Instructor JobsDance Therapist Jobs

Dance Therapist information

See salary details

$9

$30

$62

How much do dance therapist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for dance therapist in the United States is $30.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $38.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a dance therapist?

Dance therapists are mental health professionals who use movement and dance as therapeutic tools to support the emotional, cognitive, physical, and social well-being of individuals. They are trained to help clients express feelings, improve body awareness, reduce stress, and enhance self-esteem through creative movement. Dance therapists work in various settings, including hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, and private practice, often collaborating with other healthcare providers. Their approach is grounded in the belief that movement reflects emotional states and can be used to promote healing and personal growth.

What does a dance therapist do?

As a dance therapist, your job is to use movement therapy techniques to help improve the physical, mental, and emotional health of your patient. Dance therapists may work one-on-one or in larger groups. You can also work with a client of any age. One of the most important parts of this job is selecting dances and techniques based on the physical needs and abilities of participants. This job is similar to physical therapy but focuses more on the mental and emotional aspects of treatment and how physical behaviors can impact spiritual wellness. Dance therapists occasionally specialize in working with specific groups, such as seniors or children with disabilities.

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

To thrive as a Dance Therapist, you need a background in dance/movement therapy, a relevant bachelor's or master's degree, and often registration with organizations like the American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA). Familiarity with therapeutic techniques, assessment tools, and clinical documentation systems is typically required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, creativity, and emotional intelligence help Dance Therapists connect with clients and tailor interventions effectively. These skills ensure that therapists can facilitate healing, foster self-expression, and promote well-being in diverse populations.

What are some common challenges dance therapists face when working with diverse client populations?

Dance Therapists often work with clients from varied backgrounds, ages, and with a range of physical or emotional needs. Adapting movement-based interventions to be culturally sensitive and accessible for individuals with different abilities can be challenging. Therapists must remain flexible, continually educate themselves on new techniques, and foster strong communication skills to build trust and rapport with each client. Collaborating with other health professionals, such as psychologists or physical therapists, is also essential to provide comprehensive care and ensure the best outcomes for clients.

What is the difference between Dance Therapist vs Art Therapist?

AspectDance TherapistArt Therapist
Required CredentialsMaster's degree in dance/movement therapy, certification from ADTAMaster's degree in art therapy, certification from AATA
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, schools, mental health centersHospitals, clinics, schools, mental health centers
Industry UsageUsed in mental health, rehabilitation, educationUsed in mental health, rehabilitation, education

Dance Therapists and Art Therapists both work in therapeutic settings, often within healthcare or educational environments. The main difference lies in their focus: Dance Therapists use movement and dance to promote healing, while Art Therapists utilize visual arts. Both require advanced degrees and certifications, and they serve similar populations, making them common points of comparison for those exploring creative therapy careers.

More about Dance Therapist jobs

What cities are hiring for Dance Therapist jobs?

Cities with the most Dance Therapist job openings:

What states have the most Dance Therapist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Dance Therapist jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Dance Therapist jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Dance Therapist jobs are:

Dance Therapist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dance Therapist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 55% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 22% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,551 per year, or $30.6 per hour.

Dance Therapist Full Time

Montrose Behavioral Health Hospital - Adult Campus

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Overview

Dance Therapist -  Full Time

At Montrose Behavioral Health Hospital, our mission is to create a welcoming and safe therapeutic environment where our patients feel encouraged and supported as they receive treatment for behavioral health concerns. We support each person with empathy and compassion throughout their treatment journey. We empower our patients to play an active role in their treatment process and to engage in clinical decisions that lead to positive transformations so that they can thrive once their time in treatment comes to an end. 

We are seeking a full time Dance Therapist to join our team to plan, direct and implement art activity therapy programs as a component of the patient's treatment plan.

Fulltime days with rotatng weekends

Acadia Healthcare is a leading provider of behavioral healthcare services across the United States. Acadia operates a growing network of 253 plus behavioral healthcare facilities with approximately 11,200 beds in 38 states and Puerto Rico. With more than 23,500 employees serving approximately 75,000 patients daily, Acadia is the largest stand-alone behavioral health company in the U.S.

Acadia Healthcare's purpose is to Lead Care With Light and our mission is to be a world-class organization that sets the standard for excellence in the treatment of mental health and addiction concerns. We strive to maintain our standing as a thought leader in the behavioral healthcare industry, providing treatment that is synonymous with compassion and innovation. 

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 currently in the process of obtaining national certification; OR certified in the area of specialty (Art, Dance, Music, etc.) OR clinical professional licensure (LCPC, LPC, etc.) with certification in expressive therapy area required.
  • 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.

AHMKT

#LI-MJEBH

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Apply