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Drama Therapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Recreation Therapist

Vallejo, CA · On-site

$37.21/hr

Certification in either CTRS, or Drama Therapy (preferred), or certified/registered Music Therapy, of certified/registered Art Therapy, or certified/registered Movement/Dance Therapy, or Yoga Therapy ...

HiredFirst

Recreation Therapist

Vallejo, CA · On-site

$1.5K - $1.6K/wk

Certification in either CTRS, or Drama Therapy (preferred), or certified/registered Music Therapy, of certified/registered Art Therapy, or certified/registered Movement/Dance Therapy, or Yoga Therapy ...

HiredFirst

Recreation Therapist

Vallejo, CA · On-site

$1.4K - $1.6K/wk

Certification in either CTRS, or Drama Therapy (preferred), or certified/registered Music Therapy, of certified/registered Art Therapy, or certified/registered Movement/Dance Therapy, or Yoga Therapy ...

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How much do drama therapy jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for drama therapy in the United States is $28.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.44 and $31.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is drama therapy?

Drama therapy is a type of psychotherapy that uses drama and theater techniques to help individuals express themselves, process emotions, and work through personal challenges. It combines elements of performance, improvisation, storytelling, and role play to foster healing and personal growth. Drama therapists are trained professionals who guide clients in creative activities tailored to their needs, making it suitable for people of all ages and backgrounds. This approach can be especially helpful for those who have difficulty expressing themselves verbally or are dealing with trauma, anxiety, or social issues.

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

To thrive as a Drama Therapist, you need a strong background in psychology, therapeutic techniques, and performing arts, usually supported by a relevant master's degree and certification from an accredited drama therapy association. Familiarity with assessment tools, session documentation systems, and therapeutic frameworks is typically necessary. Exceptional empathy, creativity, and strong communication skills help build trust and facilitate client expression. These skills are vital for creating safe, effective therapeutic environments that foster personal growth and healing through drama-based interventions.

What does collaboration with other healthcare professionals typically look like for a drama therapist?

Drama therapists often work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including psychologists, social workers, psychiatrists, and occupational therapists. This collaboration typically involves regular meetings to discuss client progress, share insights from therapy sessions, and coordinate care plans. Open communication and teamwork are essential, as drama therapists contribute their expertise in creative arts interventions while integrating input from other professionals to provide holistic support for clients. Such interdisciplinary work not only enhances treatment outcomes but also offers valuable opportunities for professional growth.

What is the difference between Drama Therapy vs Art Therapist?

AspectDrama TherapyArt Therapist
CredentialsMaster's in Drama Therapy or related field, certification in drama therapyMaster's in Art Therapy, certification in art therapy
Work EnvironmentHospitals, mental health clinics, schools, community centersHospitals, mental health clinics, schools, private practice
Industry UsageUsed in mental health, education, rehabilitationUsed in mental health, rehabilitation, education

Drama Therapists and Art Therapists both work in mental health and educational settings, often serving similar populations. The key difference lies in their methods: Drama Therapists use theatrical techniques to facilitate healing, while Art Therapists utilize visual arts. Both roles require advanced degrees and certifications, and they often collaborate within the same environments to support clients' emotional and psychological well-being.

Are drama therapists in demand?

Drama therapists are increasingly in demand as mental health awareness grows, especially in healthcare, educational, and community settings. Employment opportunities often require relevant certifications and training in therapeutic techniques, with job growth expected to align with broader mental health service expansion.

What degree do you need to be a drama therapist?

To become a drama therapist, a master's degree in drama therapy, counseling, psychology, or a related field is typically required. Many programs also include supervised clinical training or internships to gain practical experience in therapeutic settings.

What does a drama therapist do?

A drama therapist uses theater techniques such as role-playing, improvisation, and storytelling to help clients explore emotions, improve mental health, and develop coping skills. They work in settings like hospitals, schools, or mental health clinics and often hold a master's degree in drama therapy or a related field, along with certification. Their goal is to facilitate emotional expression and personal growth through creative, expressive methods.

What qualifications do I need to be a drama therapist?

To become a drama therapist, you typically need a master's degree in drama therapy, counseling, psychology, or a related field. Certification from a recognized professional organization, such as the North American Drama Therapy Association, is often required or preferred, along with relevant clinical experience and strong interpersonal skills.
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Drama Therapy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drama Therapy job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 54% Full Time, 38% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,999 per year, or $28.8 per hour.

Creative Arts Therapist (Clinical Education Coordinator)

New Orleans, LA • On-site

SD Department of Veterans Affairs
See more jobs at SD Department of Veterans Affairsexternal

$89K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

The Creative Arts Therapist (Clinical Education Coordinator) serves as an advanced clinician and the facility lead for clinical education within RT/CAT Service. Provides evidence-based creative arts therapy interventions (art, music, dance/movement, drama) across inpatient, residential, outpatient, and telehealth settings, and designs, implements, and evaluates the service's clinical education program, including student placements, preceptor development, and staff competencies.Qualifications:Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
Basic Requirements:
  • United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
  • Education. The following education requirements apply to the creative arts therapist (art), creative arts therapist (dance/movement), creative arts therapist (drama), and creative arts therapist (music):
  • (1) Creative Arts Therapist (Art)
    (a) A master's degree or higher, from an accredited college or university, with a major in art therapy approved by the American Art Therapy Association on or before June 30, 2016. If the degree is received after June 30, 2016, a master's degree or higher from an accredited college or university, with a major in art therapy, must be accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Art Therapy Education: a committee of the Commission on Accreditation on Allied Health Education Program.
    OR,
  • (b) A master's degree in a related field, plus graduate coursework and supervised field experience in art therapy. Acceptable related fields include: Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Social Work, Psychology, Addictions Counseling, Psychiatric Nursing, and Psychiatry, AND must possess a full, current, and unrestricted registration as a Registered Art Therapist (ATR) approved by the Art Therapy Credentials Board. If hired under this education, the registration cannot be waived.
  • (2) Creative Arts Therapist {Dance/Movement)
    (a) A master's degree or higher, from an accredited college or university, with a major or an emphasis in dance therapy or dance/movement therapy. The degree must be approved by the American Dance Therapy Association (ADT A).
    OR,
    (b) A master's degree or higher, from an accredited college or university, and must be a board-certified dance/movement therapist (BC-DMT) approved by the Dance Movement Therapy Certification Board (DMTCB). If hired under this education, the certification cannot be waived.
    NOTE. Dance/movement therapy coursework that began on or after March 15, 2013, must have been approved by the ADTA subcommittee for the approval of alternate route courses.
  • (3) Creative Arts Therapist (Drama)
    (a) A master's degree or higher, from an accredited college or university, with a drama degree program approved by the North American Drama Therapy Association (NADT A).
    OR,
    (b) A master's degree or higher, from an accredited college or university, and must be a registered drama therapist (ROT). The ROT is granted by the NADTA and indicates that one has met the educational requirements and achieved competency in the practice of drama therapy. If hired under this education, the registration cannot be waived.
  • (4) Creative Arts Therapist (Music)
    (a) A bachelor's degree or higher, from an accredited college or university, in music therapy, or in music with an emphasis in music therapy. The degree must be approved by the National Association for Schools of Music and/or the American Music Therapy Association.
    OR,
    (b) A bachelor's degree or higher, from an accredited college or university, and must be a board-certified music therapist (MT-BC) approved by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT). If hired under this education, the certification cannot be waived.
    (c) Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. The private organization must deem such education at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. programs.
  • Registration
    (1) Creative Arts Therapy (Art). Must possess a full, current, and unrestricted registration with the ATR. If hired under paragraph 1b, registration cannot be waived.
    (2) Creative Arts Therapy (Drama). Must possess a full, current, and unrestricted registration as an ROT. If hired under paragraph 2b, registration cannot be waived.
  • Certification
    (a) Creative Arts Therapy (Dance/Movement). Applicants must be board-certified in dance/movement therapy by the DMTCB. If hired under paragraph 3b, certification cannot be waived.
    (b) Creative Arts Therapy (Music). Applicants must be a MT-BC approved by the CBMT. If hired under paragraph 4b, certification cannot be waived.
Grade Determinations: Creative Arts Therapist (Art, Dance/Movement, Drama, Music)
Creative Arts Therapist (Clinical Education Coordinator), GS-12
(a) Experience. At least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level.
(b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
i- Ability to develop, maintain, and coordinate clinical education programs and assignments for student affiliations with universities, colleges, and other
academic organizations with shared values, to include the formulation of academic agreements, MOUs, and student assignments.
ii. Knowledge of current treatment approaches (evidence-based and best practice) across multiple areas of practice.
iii. Ability to educate others in the application of specialized and technically advanced knowledge, skills, and treatment approaches and to clinically guide staff in using these tools.
iv. Ability to provide educational opportunities and consultation to other health care practitioners and stakeholders about clinical practice and areas of expertise.
v. Ability to synthesize clinical processes and practice to guide and train the students' clinical/educational experience and skills.
vi. Knowledge of local and national licensing and certification boards and committees to include guidelines and requirements.
vii. Ability to apply scientific methods, research design, and statistics.
Preferred Experience: 1-3 years of direct therapeutic experience delivering individual and group creative arts therapy in clinical or hospital environments. Background in developing or overseeing internship programs
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12.
Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position. May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, puling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment.
Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions; the area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.Education:Employment Type: OTHER

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