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Expressive Therapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

KidsPeace

EXPRESSIVE THERAPIST

Orefield, PA

$53K - $67K/yr

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 ...

KidsPeace

EXPRESSIVE THERAPIST

Orefield, PA · On-site

$53K - $67K/yr

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 ...

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

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 ...

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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 Jul 31, 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 can you do with a certificate in expressive arts therapy?

A certificate in expressive arts therapy prepares individuals to facilitate creative therapies using art, music, dance, or drama to support emotional and psychological well-being. With this certification, professionals can work in mental health clinics, schools, hospitals, or private practice, often collaborating with licensed therapists or counselors. It enhances skills in creative expression and therapeutic techniques, but additional licensing or certification may be required for independent practice depending on the region.

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 does an expressive therapist do?

An expressive therapist uses creative arts such as art, music, dance, or drama to help clients express emotions, process experiences, and improve mental health. They often work in mental health, healthcare, or educational settings and may hold certifications in expressive arts therapies or related fields. Their goal is to facilitate emotional healing and self-awareness through non-verbal and creative techniques.

What are the requirements to be an expressive arts therapist?

To become an expressive arts therapist, individuals typically need a master's degree in expressive arts therapy, counseling, psychology, or a related field. Certification or licensure varies by state or country but often requires supervised clinical hours and passing a licensing exam. Strong interpersonal skills, creativity, and knowledge of various art modalities are also important for the role.

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 field of therapy makes the most money?

In the field of therapy, psychiatrists typically earn the highest salaries due to their medical training and ability to prescribe medication. Psychologists and licensed clinical social workers also have high earning potential, especially with advanced degrees and specialized skills. Earnings can vary based on location, experience, and work setting.

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.

More about Expressive Therapy jobs
What cities are hiring for Expressive Therapy jobs? Cities with the most Expressive Therapy job openings:
What states have the most Expressive Therapy jobs? States with the most job openings for Expressive Therapy jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Expressive Therapy jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Expressive Therapy jobs are:
Expressive Therapy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Expressive Therapy job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Locum Tenens, 3% As Needed, 60% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 7% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, and 11% 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

Other

Re-posted 27 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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