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Expressive Arts Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Expressive Therapist

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

The Expressive Therapist is responsible for clinical services provided to children, adolescents and ... relationships in Teaching Artists, interns, volunteers and staff or partner organizations.

The Expressive Therapist is responsible for clinical services provided to children, adolescents and ... relationships in Teaching Artists, interns, volunteers and staff or partner organizations.

These positions design and implement creative/expressive arts therapy interventions to meet the patients' treatment goals and documents the patients' response and progress towards the goals ...

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Expressive Arts information

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How much do expressive arts jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for expressive arts in the United States is $27.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.60 and $32.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become an expressive art therapist?

To become an expressive art therapist, one typically needs a master's degree in expressive arts therapy, art therapy, or a related mental health field, along with supervised clinical experience. Certification or licensure, such as the ATR (Registered Art Therapist) credential, is often required depending on the state or country, and strong skills in art, psychology, and communication are essential. Continuing education and adherence to professional standards are also important for career advancement.

What can you do with a certificate in expressive arts therapy?

A certificate in expressive arts therapy prepares individuals to facilitate creative therapies using art, music, dance, or drama to support emotional and psychological well-being. Graduates can work as expressive arts therapists in mental health clinics, hospitals, schools, or private practice, often requiring additional licensure or certification depending on the region. The certification enhances skills in creative expression and therapeutic techniques, enabling practitioners to help clients process emotions and improve mental health through various artistic modalities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Expressive Arts Therapist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Expressive Arts Therapist, you need a background in psychology or counseling, specialized training in expressive arts therapies, and often a relevant certification or licensure. Familiarity with creative modalities such as art, music, drama, and movement therapies, as well as documentation and assessment tools, is important. Strong interpersonal skills, creativity, and the ability to build trust help therapists connect with clients and facilitate healing. These skills and qualities are vital for supporting client growth and providing effective, holistic therapeutic interventions.

What is the field of expressive arts?

The field of expressive arts involves using creative processes such as visual arts, music, dance, drama, and writing to promote emotional expression, healing, and personal growth. Professionals in this field often work in therapeutic, educational, or community settings, utilizing various artistic tools and techniques to support clients' well-being.

How does an Expressive Arts Therapist typically collaborate with other healthcare professionals in a clinical setting?

Expressive Arts Therapists often work closely with a multidisciplinary team that may include psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists, and medical doctors. Collaboration usually involves regular meetings to discuss client progress, share observations, and coordinate care plans to ensure a holistic approach to treatment. Effective communication is key, as the therapist may need to advocate for the value of arts-based interventions and integrate them with other therapeutic modalities. This collaborative environment allows for comprehensive support of clients' emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being.

What are expressive arts?

Expressive arts refer to a range of creative practices, such as visual arts, music, dance, drama, and writing, used for personal growth, healing, and self-expression. In therapeutic or educational settings, expressive arts professionals help clients explore emotions, improve well-being, and develop coping skills through artistic activities. This approach values the creative process over the final product and is accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.

What is the difference between Expressive Arts vs Art Therapist?

AspectExpressive ArtsArt Therapist
CredentialsVaries; often includes arts training, certifications in specific art formsMaster's degree in art therapy or related field, licensure often required
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, schools, workshops, therapy settingsHospitals, clinics, mental health facilities, schools
Industry UsageBroadly used in education, therapy, community programsPrimarily in mental health and clinical therapy
Search & Comparison IntentPeople exploring creative therapy options or arts-based programsIndividuals seeking mental health support through art therapy

While both roles involve using art for expression and healing, Expressive Arts practitioners focus on a broad range of creative activities and community engagement, whereas Art Therapists are licensed professionals providing clinical mental health treatment through art-based methods.

What is the highest paid job in art?

In the field of expressive arts, high-paying roles include art directors, who oversee visual styles in media and advertising, and creative directors in advertising or entertainment industries. These positions typically require extensive experience, strong leadership skills, and a portfolio demonstrating expertise in visual communication.
More about Expressive Arts jobs
What cities are hiring for Expressive Arts jobs? Cities with the most Expressive Arts job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Expressive Arts jobs? The most popular types of Expressive Arts jobs are:
What states have the most Expressive Arts jobs? States with the most job openings for Expressive Arts jobs include:
Infographic showing various Expressive Arts job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,167 per year, or $28 per hour.

Creative & Expressive Therapist I

UPMC Senior Communities

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

$22.52 - $37.40/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

The Creative and Expressive Arts Therapies (CEAT) department at WPH includes Art, Dance/Movement, Music, Recreation, and Yoga therapies. Including this position, we are a team of 8 therapists serving all of the inpatient units in the hospital. The CEAT department was first formed in the early 1980s and has played an important role in patient care throughout its tenure. As a team we provide on-unit interventions as well as some off-unit or multi-unit initiatives.
Responsibilities:
Transformational Leadership
  • Support C&E Arts Therapist specialty training and orientation activities.
  • Supervise students with guidance from the Program Coordinator/Supervisor.

Care Delivery
  • Provide individual and group therapy sessions using C&E Arts Therapy practices.
  • Document assessments, treatment notes, training, and supervision activities per guidelines.
  • Follow hospital quality and safety standards.
  • Manage and monitor supplies safely and responsibly.

Professional Growth
  • Attend C&E Arts Therapist department meetings.
  • Maintain required certification/licensure and CEUs.
  • Participate in 1-3 unit-based or institute-wide trainings annually.
  • Stay current with technology and best practices in patient care.

Collaborative Practice
  • Participate in interdisciplinary meetings as needed.
  • Communicate consistently with unit and C&E Arts Therapist staff.
  • Complete assigned tasks in a timely and productive manner.

Standard Responsibilities
  • Meet system-wide competencies and behavioral expectations.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree required with 1 year of experience providing group and/or individual therapy applicable to setting using a CEAT discipline OR a Master's degree preferred.
  • Successful completion of an accredited degree/training program in a CEAT modality such as Art Therapy, Dance/Movement Therapy, Drama Therapy, Music Therapy, Recreation Therapy, Yoga Therapy, or a related CEAT modality.
  • The ability to communicate both orally and in writing is required.
  • Graduate internship training hours count as experience for this position.
  • The incumbent must be physically capable of providing direct total physical care to unpredictable, potentially violent mentally ill patients as necessary, including lifting, supporting, running towards or away from areas where problems are occurring and pushing and pulling equipment such as wheel chairs, IV poles, etc.

ATTENTION: A COPY OF YOUR OFFICIAL BACHELOR'S DEGREE LEVEL TRANSCRIPTS MUST BE ATTACHED FOR CONSIDERATION.
Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:
Candidates must hold the minimum credentialing for their respective modality or discipline such as: Art Therapy (ATR-BC); Dance Movement Therapy (R-DMT); Drama Therapy (RDT); Music Therapy (MT-BC); Recreation Therapy (CTRS); Yoga Therapy (C-IAYT) ; or have a Master's degree in Art Therapy and be working toward certification
  • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
  • Comprehensive Crisis Management (CCMC)
  • Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting with renewal
  • Act 33 with renewal
  • Act 34 with renewal
  • Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran