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Drama Therapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

$75K/yr

Degree: A Bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree in therapeutic recreation, art therapy, drama therapy, dance therapy, or music therapy from an accrediting program recognized by the U.S.

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Drama Therapy information

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How much do drama therapy jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 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 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, with job growth expected to align with broader mental health and therapy service trends.

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.

How do you become a drama therapist?

To become a drama therapist, you typically need a master's degree in drama therapy, counseling, psychology, or a related field, along with supervised clinical experience. Certification from a recognized professional organization, such as the North American Drama Therapy Association, is often required or preferred for practice. Developing skills in both therapy and drama techniques is essential for working effectively in this field.

What careers can I do with drama?

Drama therapy is a profession that involves using theatrical techniques to help individuals improve mental health, develop coping skills, and foster personal growth. Careers include drama therapist, expressive arts therapist, mental health counselor, and educational or community outreach roles, often requiring relevant certifications and training in psychology or counseling. These roles are typically found in healthcare settings, schools, community centers, and private practice.

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 field of therapy makes the most money?

In the field of therapy, psychiatrists typically earn the highest salaries due to their medical training and ability to prescribe medication. Psychiatrists often work in hospitals or private practice and have higher earning potential compared to other therapists like clinical psychologists or licensed counselors. Salary levels can vary based on location, experience, and specialization.
More about Drama Therapy jobs
What cities are hiring for Drama Therapy jobs? Cities with the most Drama Therapy job openings:
What states have the most Drama Therapy jobs? States with the most job openings for Drama Therapy jobs include:
Infographic showing various Drama Therapy job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,999 per year, or $28.8 per hour.
Creative Art Therapist, Drama

Creative Art Therapist, Drama

One Brooklyn Health

Brooklyn, NY • On-site

$41.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


One Brooklyn Health rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Overview
Plans, organizes, and directs recreational/drama therapy programs and individualized therapeutic services for pediatric residents with the objective of improving their physical, mental, and socio-emotional well-being. Provides therapeutic and educational services to families of residents to support goals of bonding, emotional coping, and understanding of needs. Responsible for all required documentation, including MDS and CCP.
Responsibilities
  • Provides Creative Arts Therapy/Drama Therapy to patients and supportive/psychotherapeutic services to patient families.
  • Maintains an age-appropriate curriculum of dynamic and engaging daily recreational activities (adaptive art, sensory stimulation, games), outings or community inclusion (libraries, museums, cultural events, etc.), and therapeutic groups that provide opportunities for psychosocial enrichment and overall developmental enhancement.
  • Evaluate the history, interests, aptitudes, and skills of patients by interviews, assessments, inventories, tests, and measurements in order to provide holistic and individualized treatment.
  • Keeps accurate daily records of therapies and completes progress notes to document the types of activities in which the patient participates, patterns of attendance, interpersonal behavior, response to modalities, and progress towards therapeutic goals.
  • Works closely with the interdisciplinary team to foster a therapeutic environment and participating in clients' treatment plans, weekly case conferences, and staff meetings.
  • Reports all unsafe conditions and maintains supplies and equipment.
  • Supervise student interns and oversees trained volunteers.
  • Maintain clinical notes in medical records in a timely fashion, keep daily statistics, prepare/maintain monthly calendar of activities/events.
  • Adheres to all RNH policies and procedures relevant to performing job duties, including infection control.
  • Facilitates family virtual visits and supervises in-person visitation when needed.
  • Provides coverage for educational programming.
  • All other duties as requested.

Qualifications
Education:
  • Master's Degree in Drama Therapy.

Experience:
  • Two years of recent experience at a working with children or adolescents in a hospital or education setting.
  • Must be able to produce required medical/clinical documentation, including MDS and CCP.
  • Training in working with special needs and pediatric populations.

Knowledge and Skills:
  • Ability to read, write and interpret documents.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with patients and/or co-workers.
  • Must be trained in and knowledgeable of all Kingsbrook/Rutland policies and procedures pertaining to hazardous waste and hazardous materials and maintain qualifications applicable to assigned work.
  • Other: Knowledge of all codes and demonstrate understanding.

License, Certifications:
  • Must be eligible or have obtained a Registered Drama Therapist (RDT) certification and a NYS Licensed Creative Arts Therapist (LCAT) or LCAT limited permit.

Physical Requirements:
  • Position requires prolonged periods of sitting,standing, reaching, walking throughout the working day.
  • Position will be required to stoop, bend, lift, and carry items weighing up to 75 pounds.
  • May be required to handle reasonably heavy weights across distances.
  • May be required to handle/assist in lifting patients onto/out of exam beds/procedure stations.
  • Normal routine involves no exposure to blood, body fluid or tissue, but potential for exposure.

The salary range and/or hourly rate listed is a good faith determination of potential base compensation that may be offered to a successful applicant for this position at the time of this job advertisement and can be modified in the future. When determining a team member's base salary and/or rate, several factors may be considered as applicable (e.g., site, specialty, service line, years of relevant experience, education, credentials, negotiated contracts, budget and internal equity).
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of One Brooklyn Health (OBH).
OBH is an equal opportunity employer, it is our policy to provide equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, military status, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability or handicap or other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

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