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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

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

$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 ...

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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 10, 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, 4% As Needed, 54% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,131 per year, or $31.8 per hour.
EXPRESSIVE THERAPIST

EXPRESSIVE THERAPIST

KidsPeace

Orefield, PA

$53K - $67K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

KidsPeace rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 31 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

496th of 698 rated non-profit organizations

Job description

Expressive Therapist

About Us

KidsPeace is a private charity dedicated to supporting the behavioral and mental health needs of children, families, and communities. Since 1882, we have offered psychiatric hospital services, residential treatment programs, accredited educational services, and foster care programs. Our team works in an environment defined by compassion, creativity, collaboration, and a commitment to delivering hope and healing.

Position Overview

An expressive therapist provides clients with hand-on therapeutic activities to enhance the client’s ability to interact in positive and appropriate ways with others, to introduce patients to activities which promote self-expression and self-esteem, and to give clients insight about their behavior while working toward their treatment goals.

What We Offer

  • $5,000 Sign on Bonus
  • Competitive Compensation salary range of $53k to $67k dependent on relatable experience, with Generous PTO
  • Tuition Assistance & Student Loan Forgiveness Programs
  • Comprehensive Benefits – Medical, dental, vision, and even pet insurance
  • Professional Growth Opportunities – Ongoing training, development programs, and clear pathways for career advancement
  • Supportive Culture – A team environment built on collaboration, respect, and compassion

Key Responsibilities

  • Assist in the selection of clients who are appropriate for expressive therapy groups and individual sessions.
  • 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 evaluate expressive therapy programming consistent with the treatment plan goals. Schedule programming consistent with client availability, including some evenings and weekends to ensure that sufficient activities are available to clients.
  • Evaluate progress of the client and ensure appropriate documentation is completed in compliance with all corporate and regulatory standards.
  • Consult with assigned clinicians, multidisciplinary treatment team members, supervisors and other expressive therapists in order to facilitate the highest quality of expressive therapy groups and individual sessions.
  • Evaluate and recommend purchase of materials and equipment needed for the program to the Director of Social Services or designee. Maintain an inventory of equipment and take responsibility for ordering supplies.
  • Monitor and be responsible for encouraging a safe and therapeutic environment during all expressive therapy programming. Act immediately to remove all dangers or threats to the welfare of clients and know the whereabouts of all clients in your care.
  • Maintain knowledge of current trends and developments in the field by reading appropriate books, journals and other literature, and by attending related seminars, conferences and workshops.
  • Attend staff meetings and program meetings as requested in order to communicate pertinent information, make pertinent recommendations regarding approaches and interventions, review behavioral observations critical to treatment, and to educate staff on the purpose of expressive therapies.
  • Fully perform restraints as necessary when ordered by a licensed professional using the current approved KidsPeace restraint methodology on youth who may weigh in excess of 250 pounds and who are verbally or physically threatening or otherwise presenting a threat to themselves or others. 

Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree in an adjunctive therapy discipline including but not limited to art therapy, music therapy, movement therapy, recreation therapy, or similar course of study required.
  • Experience with acute emotionally challenged children or adolescents preferred.
  • Valid driver’s license, SCM certification, CPR/First Aid certification required.
  • Must possess basic personal computer knowledge and skills.
  • Must be at least 21 years of age.

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