ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Expressive Therapist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

KidsPeace

EXPRESSIVE THERAPIST

Orefield, PA

$53K - $67K/yr

Expressive Therapist About Us KidsPeace is a private charity dedicated to supporting the behavioral and mental health needs of children, families, and communities. Since 1882, we have offered ...

KidsPeace

EXPRESSIVE THERAPIST

Orefield, PA · On-site

$53K - $67K/yr

Expressive Therapist About Us KidsPeace is a private charity dedicated to supporting the behavioral and mental health needs of children, families, and communities. Since 1882, we have offered ...

Josselyn

Expressive Therapist

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

The Expressive Therapist is responsible for clinical services provided to children, adolescents and/or adults, as assigned. The clinician is held accountable for all related clinical, administrative ...

Josselyn

Expressive Therapist

Waukegan, IL · On-site

The Expressive Therapist is responsible for clinical services provided to children, adolescents and/or adults, as assigned. The clinician is held accountable for all related clinical, administrative ...

Josselyn

Expressive Therapist

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

The Expressive Therapist is responsible for clinical services provided to children, adolescents and/or adults, as assigned. The clinician is held accountable for all related clinical, administrative ...

Josselyn

Expressive Therapist

Northbrook, IL · On-site

The Expressive Therapist is responsible for clinical services provided to children, adolescents and/or adults, as assigned. The clinician is held accountable for all related clinical, administrative ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsExpressive Therapist Jobs

Expressive Therapist information

See salary details

$26.5K

$66.1K

$98K

How much do expressive therapist jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for expressive therapist in the United States is $66,131.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,500.00 and $78,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is the Role of an Expressive Therapist?

As an expressive therapist, you use therapeutic application of music, art, dance, movement to help people grow, heal, and develop. Your responsibilities may include organizing expressive activities for recreation, providing patient treatment via expressive therapy, and incorporating engaging and expressive activities to help clients cope with life changes, trauma, and other challenges. Duties span client consultations, developing treatment plans, and administering therapy to groups or individuals. Expressive therapists work with all ages from children to adults in a variety of settings and scenarios in both inpatient and outpatient facilities, so interpersonal communication skills are beneficial.

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

To thrive as an Expressive Therapist, you need a background in counseling or psychology, specialized training in expressive arts therapies, and appropriate licensure or certification. Familiarity with therapeutic modalities, creative art tools, and clinical documentation systems is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, creativity, and emotional intelligence help build rapport and foster a safe, supportive environment for clients. These skills and qualities are crucial for effectively guiding clients through therapeutic processes and achieving positive mental health outcomes.

What are some common challenges Expressive Therapists face when working with diverse client populations?

Expressive Therapists often work with clients from a variety of backgrounds, ages, and with differing levels of comfort in creative expression. One common challenge is adapting therapeutic techniques to suit individual cultural norms, communication preferences, and emotional readiness. Building trust and overcoming resistance to creative modalities can take time, especially if clients are unfamiliar with expressive arts therapy. Successful therapists remain flexible and patient, using a variety of art forms and continually seeking client feedback to foster engagement and therapeutic growth.

What is an Expressive Therapist?

An Expressive Therapist is a mental health professional who uses creative arts—such as music, art, dance, drama, or writing—as therapeutic tools to help individuals express and process emotions, resolve psychological issues, and improve overall well-being. They work with people of all ages in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, and private practices. Expressive Therapists tailor their approach to the unique needs of each client, encouraging self-expression and personal growth through the creative process.

How to make 100,000 a year as a therapist?

Expressive therapists can reach a $100,000 annual income by gaining specialized certifications, building a strong client base, and working in high-demand settings such as private practice or healthcare facilities. Increasing hours, offering group sessions, and developing niche expertise can also boost earning potential.

What is the difference between Expressive Therapist vs Art Therapist?

AspectExpressive TherapistArt Therapist
CredentialsMaster's degree in counseling, psychology, or related field; training in expressive therapiesMaster's degree in art therapy or related field; certification as an Art Therapist (ATR)
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, schools, private practiceHospitals, mental health centers, schools, private practice
Industry UsageUsed broadly for various expressive modalities including art, music, danceSpecifically focused on art therapy using visual arts

Expressive Therapists and Art Therapists both utilize creative modalities to support mental health, but Expressive Therapists may work with multiple expressive arts, while Art Therapists specialize in visual arts. Both roles often share similar credentials and work environments, but their focus and certification requirements differ slightly.

More about Expressive Therapist jobs
What cities are hiring for Expressive Therapist jobs? Cities with the most Expressive Therapist job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Expressive Therapist jobs? The top employers for Expressive Therapist jobs are:
What states have the most Expressive Therapist jobs? States with the most job openings for Expressive Therapist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Expressive Therapist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Expressive Therapist jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Expressive Therapist jobs? For Expressive Therapist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Expressive Therapist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Expressive Therapist job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, and 38% Part Time. Highlights an 33% Physical, 13% Hybrid, and 54% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,131 per year, or $31.8 per hour.
EXPRESSIVE THERAPIST

EXPRESSIVE THERAPIST

KidsPeace

Orefield, PA

$53K - $67K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

KidsPeace rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

460th of 663 rated non-profit organizations

Job description

Expressive Therapist

About Us

KidsPeace is a private charity dedicated to supporting the behavioral and mental health needs of children, families, and communities. Since 1882, we have offered psychiatric hospital services, residential treatment programs, accredited educational services, and foster care programs. Our team works in an environment defined by compassion, creativity, collaboration, and a commitment to delivering hope and healing.

Position Overview

An expressive therapist provides clients with hand-on therapeutic activities to enhance the client’s ability to interact in positive and appropriate ways with others, to introduce patients to activities which promote self-expression and self-esteem, and to give clients insight about their behavior while working toward their treatment goals.

What We Offer

  • $5,000 Sign on Bonus
  • Competitive Compensation salary range of $53k to $67k dependent on relatable experience, with Generous PTO
  • Tuition Assistance & Student Loan Forgiveness Programs
  • Comprehensive Benefits – Medical, dental, vision, and even pet insurance
  • Professional Growth Opportunities – Ongoing training, development programs, and clear pathways for career advancement
  • Supportive Culture – A team environment built on collaboration, respect, and compassion

Key Responsibilities

  • Assist in the selection of clients who are appropriate for expressive therapy groups and individual sessions.
  • Screen clients who will be participating in expressive therapy groups through admission information, chart review, and/or discussion with treatment team.
  • Demonstrate ability to plan, implement, and evaluate expressive therapy programming consistent with the treatment plan goals. Schedule programming consistent with client availability, including some evenings and weekends to ensure that sufficient activities are available to clients.
  • Evaluate progress of the client and ensure appropriate documentation is completed in compliance with all corporate and regulatory standards.
  • Consult with assigned clinicians, multidisciplinary treatment team members, supervisors and other expressive therapists in order to facilitate the highest quality of expressive therapy groups and individual sessions.
  • Evaluate and recommend purchase of materials and equipment needed for the program to the Director of Social Services or designee. Maintain an inventory of equipment and take responsibility for ordering supplies.
  • Monitor and be responsible for encouraging a safe and therapeutic environment during all expressive therapy programming. Act immediately to remove all dangers or threats to the welfare of clients and know the whereabouts of all clients in your care.
  • Maintain knowledge of current trends and developments in the field by reading appropriate books, journals and other literature, and by attending related seminars, conferences and workshops.
  • Attend staff meetings and program meetings as requested in order to communicate pertinent information, make pertinent recommendations regarding approaches and interventions, review behavioral observations critical to treatment, and to educate staff on the purpose of expressive therapies.
  • Fully perform restraints as necessary when ordered by a licensed professional using the current approved KidsPeace restraint methodology on youth who may weigh in excess of 250 pounds and who are verbally or physically threatening or otherwise presenting a threat to themselves or others. 

Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree in an adjunctive therapy discipline including but not limited to art therapy, music therapy, movement therapy, recreation therapy, or similar course of study required.
  • Experience with acute emotionally challenged children or adolescents preferred.
  • Valid driver’s license, SCM certification, CPR/First Aid certification required.
  • Must possess basic personal computer knowledge and skills.
  • Must be at least 21 years of age.

What KidsPeace employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply