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Expressive Therapist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Expressive Therapist

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$55K - $73K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Expressive Arts Therapist is responsible for planning and implementing therapeutic group sessions for assigned programs, which involves defining and implementing treatment goals as a member of ...

Expressive Therapist

Springfield, MO · On-site

$45K - $68K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Springfield, MO Salary: $45,000-$68,000 annually (Depending on certification/registration and experience) Job Summary The Expressive Therapist will work with children and adolescents in residential ...

Expressive Therapist - PRN

Newark, DE

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Develop and implement expressive therapy treatment plans that are age appropriate, and consistent with overall treatment goals. * Facilitates patient groups that are well prepared and beneficial to ...

Expressive Therapist

Saint James, MO · On-site

$45K - $68K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

James, MO Salary: $45,000-$68,000 annually (Depending on certification/registration and experience) Job Summary The Expressive Therapist will work with children and adolescents in residential care ...

Expressive Therapist - PRN

Newark, DE · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Develop and implement expressive therapy treatment plans that are age appropriate, and consistent with overall treatment goals. * Facilitates patient groups that are well prepared and beneficial to ...

Expressive Therapist (BA)

Lexington, KY · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Expressive Therapist is responsible for: developing and implementing various aspects of the expressive therapy program based upon each units needs and demographics; d eveloping and implementing ...

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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 Aug 18, 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.

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 are popular job titles related to Expressive Therapist jobs?

For Expressive Therapist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Expressive Therapist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 51% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 26% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,131 per year, or $31.8 per hour.

Expressive Therapist

UHS

Norfolk, VA • On-site

$55K - $73K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Universal Health Services rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 253 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

494th of 888 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Responsibilities
Kempsville Center for Behavioral Health is a leading community partner providing acute , residential , and Partial Hospitalization treatment for children and teens exhibiting behavioral and/or mental health concerns. The hospital provides high quality care to children, adolescents and their families using quality, evidence-based practice treatments. Founded in 1986, Kempsville Center for Behavioral Health is a 106-bed hospital facility accredited by The Joint Commission (TJC) and licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia and The Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS).
Website: https://www.kempsvillecbh.com/
Position Description:
The Expressive Arts Therapist is responsible for planning and implementing therapeutic group sessions for assigned programs, which involves defining and implementing treatment goals as a member of the interdisciplinary treatment team and providing continuous patient care, observation, interaction, and role modeling to patients under the direction of the Director of Clinical Services. As well as other duties as assigned.
Benefit Highlights:
  • Competitive Compensation & Generous Paid Time Off
  • Excellent Medical, Dental, Vision and Prescription Drug Plans
  • 401(K) with company match and discounted stock plan
  • Tuition Reimbursement program and student loan refinancing
  • Employee Assistant Program (EAP)
  • Life Insurance and Disability Insurances
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Wellness Programs and other voluntary benefits
  • Career development opportunities within UHS and its 300+ Subsidiaries!
  • More information is available on our Benefits Guest Website UHS Benefits Service Center

About Universal Health Services
One of the nation's largest and most respected providers of hospital and healthcare services, Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS) has built an impressive record of achievement and performance. Growing steadily since its inception into an esteemed Fortune 500® corporation, annual revenues during 2025 were $17.4 billion. In 2026, UHS was again recognized as one of Fortune World's Most Admired Companies™ and in 2025, was listed in Forbes ranking of America's Largest Public Companies.
Headquartered in King of Prussia, PA, UHS has approximately 101,500 employees and continues to grow through its subsidiaries. Operating acute care hospitals, behavioral health facilities, outpatient facilities and ambulatory care access points, an insurance offering, a physician network and various related services located in 40 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom. For additional information visit www.uhs.com.
From Fortune, ©2025, 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license.
Qualifications
Requirements:
Education:
Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in Art Therapy, Music Therapy, Dance Movement Therapy, or other Expressive Arts Discipline with appropriate certification.
Licenses and Certifications:
Appropriate licensure as related to specific discipline required, including
  • Registered Art Therapist or Board Certified (ATR or ATR-BC)
  • Registered Dance Movement Therapist or Board Certified (R-DMT or BC-DMT)
  • Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC)

Experience: Three (3) years of related experience, with knowledge of psychiatric patient care techniques with understanding of mental illness, substance abuse preferred.
Physical requirements:
The physical requirements for this position include being able to stand, squat, kneel, sit, and lie on the floor for long periods of time. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. of weight. Must be able to climb, run and walk for long periods of time as well. Must be able to lift 50lbs of weight. Must be able to read, write clearly, talk and listen. Able to verbally de-escalate and physically restrain patients/residents when necessary.
Exposure Categories: Blood borne disease exposure category: Category I
EEO Statement:
All UHS subsidiaries are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates. UHS subsidiaries are equal opportunity employers and as such, openly support and fully commit to recruitment, selection, placement, promotion and compensation of individuals without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), genetic information, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Avoid and Report Recruitment Scams:
We are aware of a scam whereby imposters are posing as Recruiters from UHS, and our subsidiary hospitals and facilities. Beware of anyone requesting financial or personal information.
At UHS and all our subsidiaries, our Human Resources departments and recruiters are here to help prospective candidates by matching skill set and experience with the best possible career path at UHS and our subsidiaries. During the recruitment process, no recruiter or employee will request financial or personal information (e.g., Social Security Number, credit card or bank information, etc.) from you via email. Our recruiters will not email you from a public webmail client like Hotmail, Gmail, Yahoo Mail, etc.
If you suspect a fraudulent job posting or job-related email mentioning UHS or its subsidiaries, we encourage you to report such concerns to appropriate law enforcement. We encourage you to refer to legitimate UHS and UHS subsidiary career websites to verify job opportunities and not rely on unsolicited calls from recruiters.

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About Universal Health Services

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Universal Health Services (UHS) is a major player in the healthcare industry, based in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, U.S. Founded in 1978, UHS offers hospital and healthcare services. Their diverse services range from acute care hospitals, behavioral health facilities and ambulatory centers nationwide. The company's mission of enhancing the health and well-being of their patients is reflected in their commitment to 'Helping Individuals Live Longer, Healthier and Happier Lives'. Universal Health Services' consistent growth and success in their industry have been recognized on numerous occasions, including being ranked amongst the Fortune 500 list of largest companies.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

King of Prussia, PA, US