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Expressive Therapy 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 ... Provides Therapy, Counseling and Crisis Intervention to Clients and their Families (Provides high ...

Josselyn

Expressive Therapist

Waukegan, IL · On-site

The Expressive Therapist is responsible for clinical services provided to children, adolescents and ... Provides Therapy, Counseling and Crisis Intervention to Clients and their Families (Provides high ...

HCA Healthcare

Expressive Therapist

Richmond, VA · On-site

$18.69 - $26.16/hr

Expressive therapy interventions are focused on helping the patient develop a stronger sense of self by promoting the identification and expression of feelings through participation in the creation ...

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Expressive Therapy information

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$26.5K

$66.1K

$98K

How much do expressive therapy jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for expressive therapy 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 expressive therapy?

Expressive therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses creative arts—such as music, art, dance, drama, or writing—as a therapeutic tool. It helps individuals express emotions, process experiences, and promote mental well-being through creative expression. This approach can be especially helpful when traditional talk therapy is challenging, as it allows for non-verbal communication and exploration of feelings. Expressive therapy is used with people of all ages and backgrounds, in both individual and group settings.

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 psychology or counseling, specialized training in expressive arts therapies, and often a relevant master’s degree with state licensure. Familiarity with assessment tools, documentation systems, and therapeutic art modalities such as music, dance, or drama therapy is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, creativity, empathy, and the ability to build trust help practitioners connect deeply with clients. These skills are crucial for facilitating healing, fostering self-expression, and supporting clients' emotional well-being through creative therapeutic processes.

What are some common challenges expressive therapists face when working with diverse client populations?

Expressive therapists often work with clients from varied cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, which can present challenges in ensuring that therapeutic approaches are accessible and meaningful for everyone. Adapting creative modalities—such as art, music, or movement—to respect clients' values and comfort levels requires sensitivity and ongoing learning. Therapists may also encounter resistance from clients unfamiliar with expressive techniques, so building trust and providing clear explanations is essential. Collaborating with other mental health professionals and participating in cultural competency training can help address these challenges and enhance therapeutic outcomes.

What is the difference between Expressive Therapy vs Art Therapist?

AspectExpressive TherapyArt Therapist
CredentialsMaster's degree in mental health or counseling, certification in expressive arts therapiesMaster's degree in art therapy, certification or registration with art therapy associations
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, schools, private practice, community centersHospitals, mental health clinics, schools, private practice, rehabilitation centers
Industry UsageUsed broadly across mental health disciplines, integrating multiple expressive artsPrimarily focused on art therapy, using visual arts as a therapeutic tool

Expressive Therapy is a broad approach incorporating various expressive arts, while Art Therapist specializes specifically in using visual arts for therapy. Both roles require similar credentials and often work in similar environments, but their focus and techniques differ. Understanding these distinctions helps clients choose the right professional for their needs.

How do you become an expressive therapist?

To become an expressive therapist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in a related field such as psychology, art, or music therapy, followed by a master's degree in expressive arts therapy or a similar discipline. Certification or licensure may be required depending on the state or country, and developing skills in various expressive modalities like art, music, dance, or drama is essential for practice.

What does an expressive therapy do?

An expressive therapist uses creative arts such as art, music, dance, or drama to help clients express emotions, improve mental health, and process experiences. They often work in mental health, healthcare, or educational settings and may hold certifications in art therapy or related fields. The approach emphasizes non-verbal communication and emotional expression to support healing and personal growth.
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What states have the most Expressive Therapy jobs?

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Expressive Therapy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Expressive Therapy job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 58% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 20% 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 - Brooklyn

St. Mary's Healthcare System for Children

Uniondale, NY • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

While providing home visits, the Expressive Therapist provides Expressive Therapy to patients and families under the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waiver. The Expressive Therapist works to help patients and their families to feel empowered in their own creativity and to aid in their communication of their feelings particularly with regard to the stress and symptoms of serious illness and/or life-threatening conditions. The Expressive Therapist will also function as an additional resource to the rest of the palliative team as well as home care staff through consultation and educational offerings.

JOB DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Uses music, art, and/or play therapies as a creative process resulting in exploration of patient's feelings, reconciling emotional conflicts, fostering self-awareness and making memories
  2. Helps children better understand and express their reactions through expressive modalities
  3. Educates patient and family members about expressive therapies including the benefits, purpose and ways to incorporate these benefits into daily life.
  4. Encourages/assists patient/family in creating tangible mementos (such as artwork, musical creations etc.) as appropriate.
  5. Maintains a caseload and ensures accurate and timely individualized assessment, planning, implementation and documentation.
  6. Uses evidence-based treatments/modalities to address patient's needs and preferences.
  7. Acts professionally and is legally accountable for all aspects of work
  8. Develops an Expressive Therapy plan of care in conjunction with patient and family
  9. Demonstrates an understanding of illness and the potential complications and side effects of treatments
  10. Monitors and reviews the effectiveness of the therapy given and modifies it as necessary to support patient's treatment plan of care
  11. Discusses patient suitability to receive expressive therapy treatment with the referring professional and the Home Care Palliative Care Program Manager, if necessary.
  12. Refers patients to other members of multi-disciplinary team, as appropriate.
  13. Participates in interdisciplinary case conferences and acts as a clinical resource for the team when needed.
  14. Communicates promptly within the multidisciplinary team as issues arise for patients, whilst being mindful of confidentiality issues
  15. Act as the patient's advocate in relation to Expressive Therapy.
  16. Other duties as assigned.

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