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Expressive Therapist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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

The Expressive Therapist is responsible for planning and implementing activity-based therapeutic interventions for assigned programs and patients with a range of physical abilities, disorders of the ...

Responsibilities Expressive Arts / Activity Therapist Opportunity - Inpatient Behavioral Health Pembroke Hospital is hiring for an Activity Therapist to join the team! This is full time, 40 hour per ...

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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.

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 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-Music

Saint Luke's Health System

Kansas City, MO • On-site

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Saint Luke's Health System (Kansas City) rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 110 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

378th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Job Description
Are you looking for an exciting and rewarding opportunity where you can improve the lives of children?
Crittenton Children's Center is the Kansas City area's premier provider of psychiatric care for children, adolescents and their families. It is located on a picturesque, 96 acre campus in south Kansas City (near Longview Lake) providing serenity, beauty and privacy to assist with the healing process.
For more than 120 years we've cared for the emotional health of Kansas City's children and families. Today we offer one of the area's most comprehensive behavioral health care programs. And we are backed by the complete resources of Saint Luke's Health System.
We are currently seeking a full time MusicTherapist.
  • This position is concerned with providing individual and group music therapy consistent with the treatment needs of patients and coordinating expressive therapy programs for patients through participation in the multidisciplinary treatment team throughout all programs.
  • Completes assessments, treatment plans, and evaluations of progress in treatment for hospital and residential patients.
  • Also responsible for creating and implementing community integration outings, attending treatment reviews, and supporting music listening program (use of music for relaxation and enjoyment).
  • Supports other expressive therapy modalities within the expressive therapy department.
  • Requires occasional evening and weekend work for community integration outings.

Requires a bachelors degree in a related field, Music Therapy Board Certification, and 1 - 3 years of experience.
Must have a passion for working with at risk youth.
Must have a clean driving record.
This position comes with an excellent benefits package.
Job Requirements
Applicable Experience:
Less than 1 year
Basic Life Support - American Heart Association or Red Cross, Department of Social Services Fingerprint (DSS) - Missouri Department of Social Services, Driver's License - Class E - Various, Mandt/CPI APS - Healthstream - Healthstream, Music Therapist (CBMT) - The Certification Board for Music Therapist
Bachelor's Degree
Job Details
Full Time
Day (United States of America)

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