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Expressive Arts Therapy Intern Jobs in Springfield, MA

Expressive Arts Therapy Intern information

What is an expressive arts therapy intern?

Expressive Arts Therapy Interns are students or early-career professionals gaining supervised experience in using creative modalities—such as visual arts, music, dance, drama, and writing—to support clients' mental health and personal growth. These interns work under the guidance of licensed expressive arts therapists, often as part of a graduate program requirement. Their responsibilities may include assisting in therapy sessions, planning and facilitating creative activities, and learning how to adapt artistic interventions to different populations. The internship helps interns develop practical skills, deepen their understanding of therapeutic processes, and prepare for professional certification.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an expressive arts therapy intern?

To thrive as an Expressive Arts Therapy Intern, you need a foundational knowledge of psychology or counseling, an understanding of various art modalities, and enrollment in or completion of a related graduate program. Familiarity with therapeutic assessment tools, documentation systems, and ethical guidelines specific to expressive arts therapy is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to foster a safe, creative space help interns connect with clients and support their healing. These skills and qualities are essential to facilitate meaningful therapeutic processes and ensure clients' emotional well-being.

What kinds of supervision and mentorship can an expressive arts therapy intern expect during their internship?

As an Expressive Arts Therapy Intern, you will typically work closely with a licensed expressive arts therapist who provides regular supervision and mentorship. This may involve weekly one-on-one meetings to review client cases, discuss intervention strategies, and reflect on your professional development. Supervision often includes feedback on session planning, documentation, and ethical considerations specific to expressive arts modalities. You may also participate in group supervision sessions or team meetings, offering opportunities for collaboration and learning from peers within a supportive environment.

What is the difference between Expressive Arts Therapy Intern vs Art Therapist?

AspectExpressive Arts Therapy InternArt Therapist
CredentialsTypically pursuing a master's in expressive arts therapy or related field; supervised internshipMaster's degree in art therapy or related field; certification/license required
Work EnvironmentInternship settings such as clinics, schools, or community centers under supervisionLicensed professionals working independently or in organizations providing mental health services
Industry UsageTraining role during graduate studies, gaining practical experienceLicensed practitioners providing therapy using art-based methods

In summary, an Expressive Arts Therapy Intern is a student gaining supervised practical experience, while an Art Therapist is a licensed professional providing therapy services. The intern role is a stepping stone toward becoming a licensed art therapist.

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Infographic showing various Expressive Arts Therapy Intern job openings in Springfield, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

$20/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

The Center for Human Development (CHD) is seeking Master level students in the final year of their degree program to join us as Paid Clinical Interns. We are looking for motivated individuals who are passionate about delivering care in community behavioral health settings and eager to participate in a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience.

About the Program

Our program offers placement opportunities in our Outpatient Clinics, Community Behavioral Health Center (CBHC), or In-Home Therapy teams. All programs require 20 minimum hours and guarantee 1-hour weekly individual supervision. Caseload sizes and weekly expectations often vary based on clinical location and on school specific requirements. Additionally, Clinical Interns receive:

  • enrollment in our Intern Cohort
  • participation in monthly interdisciplinary meetings focused on clinical skill-building and professional networking
  • access to inter-division shadowing and specialized training tracks, including Substance Use Disorder and LGBTQIA+ Affirming Care pending availability.

 Requirements

  • Enrollment in a graduate program in behavioral healthcare including Master of Social Work (MSW), Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling (MHC), Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT), or other related program
  • Commencing the final year of master’s-level coursework and completion of practicum prior to clinical internship. (In certain cases, practicum may be completed concurrently with clinical internship, subject to program approval.)
  • Able to demonstrate high level of skill in therapeutic engagement of diverse clients, hold fidelity to evidence-based practices that match the presenting problem, and good diagnostic skills.
  • Bilingual candidates are a plus. 

Pay rate: $20 per client-facing hour

Application deadline:

  • Applicants looking to begin in the fall should submit applications by April 30th; applicants looking to begin in the spring semester should complete applications by August 30th; applicants looking to begin in summer semester should complete applications by Dec 30th.
  • Most of our internship placements are scheduled to run from September through May. Limited opportunities may also be available year-round, based on organizational needs and academic program requirements.