ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Expressive Therapist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

KidsPeace

EXPRESSIVE THERAPIST

Orefield, PA · On-site

Expressive Therapist 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 ...

KidsPeace

EXPRESSIVE THERAPIST

Orefield, PA · On-site

Expressive Therapist 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 ...

Josselyn

Expressive Therapist

Waukegan, IL · On-site

Education LevelGraduate Degree## DescriptionThe Expressive Therapist is responsible for clinical services provided to children, adolescents and/or adults, as assigned. The clinician is held ...

Josselyn

Expressive Therapist

Waukegan, IL · On-site

The Expressive Therapist is responsible for clinical services provided to children, adolescents and/or adults, as assigned. The clinician is held accountable for all related clinical, administrative ...

Josselyn

Education LevelGraduate Degree## DescriptionThe Expressive Therapist is responsible for clinical services provided to children, adolescents and/or adults, as assigned. The clinician is held ...

Josselyn

Expressive Therapist

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

The Expressive Therapist is responsible for clinical services provided to children, adolescents and/or adults, as assigned. The clinician is held accountable for all related clinical, administrative ...

Loretto Hospital

Expressive Therapist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20 - $28/hr

SUMMARY The Expressive Therapist at Loretto Hospital will play a crucial role in enhancing the emotional and psychological well-being of patients through creative therapeutic techniques. This ...

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

The Expressive Therapist also promotes and supports a recovery and resiliency model of Rehabilitation by implementing the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) 10 ...

Loretto Hospital

Expressive Therapist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20 - $28/hr

SUMMARY The Expressive Therapist at Loretto Hospital will play a crucial role in enhancing the emotional and psychological well-being of patients through creative therapeutic techniques. This ...

Camber Mental Health

Expressive Therapist Full Time Professional Camber-SLC, St. Louis, MO, US 6 days ago Requisition ID: 9213 Expressive Therapist- Acute (Full-Time) Full Time St. Louis, MO, US Join Us to Build Healing ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsHealthcare JobsHealth Counseling JobsMental Health Counselor JobsExpressive Therapist Jobs

Expressive Therapist information

See salary details

$26.5K

$66.1K

$98K

How much do expressive therapist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 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.
More about Expressive Therapist jobs

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:

Expressive Therapist jobs near you
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

Orefield, PA • On-site

KidsPeace
Offices of Mental Health Practitioners • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about KidsPeaceexternal

Part-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

KidsPeace rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Expressive Therapist
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.
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.

JOB DUTIES:
  • 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.

What KidsPeace employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply