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Expressive Therapist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

$60 - $80/hr

Education LevelGraduate Degree## DescriptionThe Expressive Therapist is responsible for clinical services provided to children, adolescents and/or adults, as assigned. The clinician is held ...

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

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Education LevelGraduate Degree## DescriptionThe Expressive Therapist is responsible for clinical services provided to children, adolescents and/or adults, as assigned. The clinician is held ...

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

$80 - $100/hr

The Expressive Therapist also promotes and supports a recovery and resiliency model of Rehabilitation by implementing the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) 10 ...

Loretto Hospital

Expressive Therapist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20 - $28/hr

SUMMARY The Expressive Therapist at Loretto Hospital will play a crucial role in enhancing the emotional and psychological well-being of patients through creative therapeutic techniques. This ...

UHS

Expressive Therapist - PRN

Newark, DE · On-site

The Expressive Therapist plans and facilitates therapeutic interventions utilizing creative arts modalities, such as art, music, dance/movement, drama, or other expressive therapies, to support ...

UHS

Expressive Therapist - PRN

Newark, DE · On-site

The Expressive Therapist plans and facilitates therapeutic interventions utilizing creative arts modalities, such as art, music, dance/movement, drama, or other expressive therapies, to support ...

ALITA CARE

BWH Expressive Therapist FT

Chestnut Hill, MA · On-site

$31.25 - $38.46/hr

Bournewood Hospital is looking for a qualified Expressive Therapist to provide expressive arts therapies and psychoeducational groups, individual psychotherapy and recreational activities on ...

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Expressive Therapist information

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$26.5K

$66.1K

$98K

How much do expressive therapist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 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 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.

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 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.

How much do expressive therapists make?

Expressive therapists typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and work setting. Salaries can vary based on certifications, specialization, and whether they work in schools, clinics, or private practice.
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Expressive Therapist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Expressive Therapist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 21% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,131 per year, or $31.8 per hour.

Expressive Therapist

The University of Kansas Health System

Kansas City, KS • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

University Of Kansas Health System rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 182 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

231st of 898 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Position Title
Expressive Therapist
Strawberry Hill Campus
Position Summary / Career Interest:
The Expressive Therapist, under the direction of the Clinical Manager, has the responsibility to provide primarily group therapy to patients. While this is an Expressive Therapy title, we are looking primarily for an ART THERAPIST. The role of this position incudes the development, organization, coordination, and implementation of therapeutic activities in the Art Therapy field
Responsibilities and Essential Job Functions
  • Must be able to perform the professional, clinical and or technical competencies of the assigned unit or department.
  • Acquires and maintains knowledge and competence related to the expectations of their position by participating in workshops, reviewing professional publications and establishing personal networks.
  • Accepts responsibility and accountability for achievement of optimal outcomes within their scope of practice. Follows policies, procedures and standards; adheres to a professional code of ethics. Assumes responsibility for the risk and safety issues associated with the position.
  • Assumes responsibility for continuity and quality of patient care and treatment.
  • Facilitates the implementation of the treatment plan utilizing appropriate treatment methodologies. Schedules and completes group therapy daily. Monitors the patient's progression toward treatment goals.
  • Must be able to perform the professional, clinical and or technical competencies of the assigned unit or department.
  • These statements are intended to describe the essential functions of the job and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Skills and duties may vary dependent upon your department or unit. Other duties may be assigned as required.

Required Education and Experience
  • High School Graduate
  • Bachelors Degree in related expressive therapy filed (Music and Recreation Therapy)
    OR
    Master's Degree in related expressive therapy field (Art and Drama Therapy)
  • Master's Degree

Preferred Licensure and Certification
  • Specialized Certification, i.e. CTRS, MT-BC, ATR, RDT

Knowledge Requirements
  • Computer literate; working knowledge of all applicable software programs
  • Ability to engage clients and families

Time Type:
Full time
Job Requisition ID:
R-54780
Important information for you to know as you apply:
  • The health system is an equal employment opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally-protected status. See also Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.
  • The health system provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need to request reasonable accommodations for your disability as you navigate the recruitment process, please let our recruiters know by requesting an Accommodation Request form using this link asktalentacquisition@kumc.edu.
  • Employment with the health system is contingent upon, among other things, agreeing to the health-system-dispute-resolution-program.pdf and signing the agreement to the DRP.

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About University of Kansas Health System

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Operating within the healthcare industry, The University of Kansas Health System is a renowned medical institution located in Kansas City, KS, United States. Established in 1905, this not-for-profit health system has evolved to offer an extensive range of products and services, which spans across a variety of specialist areas such as cancer care, neurology, cardiology, and organ transplants, among others. The core mission of The University of Kansas Health System is to enhance the health and wellness of individuals and communities by providing world-class healthcare services, quality education and conducting advanced research. They are also known for their unwavering commitment to academic medicine, which sets them apart from their peers.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Kansas City, KS, US

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