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Expressive Therapy Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Acadia Healthcare

Recreation Therapist

Chandler, AZ · On-site

OR certified in the area of specialty (Art, Dance, Music, etc.) OR clinical professional licensure (LCPC, LPC, etc.) with certification in expressive therapy area required. * CPR and de-escalation ...

Acadia Healthcare

Recreation Therapist

Chandler, AZ · On-site

OR certified in the area of specialty (Art, Dance, Music, etc.) OR clinical professional licensure (LCPC, LPC, etc.) with certification in expressive therapy area required. * CPR and de-escalation ...

Acadia Healthcare

Recreation Therapist

Chandler, AZ · On-site

OR certified in the area of specialty (Art, Dance, Music, etc.) OR clinical professional licensure (LCPC, LPC, etc.) with certification in expressive therapy area required. * CPR and de-escalation ...

Acadia Healthcare

Activity Therapist

Tucson, AZ

OR certified in the area of specialty (Art, Dance, Music, etc.) OR clinical professional licensure (LCPC, LPC, etc.) with certification in expressive therapy area required. * CPR and de-escalation ...

Acadia Healthcare

Activity Therapist

Tucson, AZ · On-site

OR certified in the area of specialty (Art, Dance, Music, etc.) OR clinical professional licensure (LCPC, LPC, etc.) with certification in expressive therapy area required. * CPR and de-escalation ...

Sonora Behavioral Health

Activity Therapist

Tucson, AZ · On-site

OR certified in the area of specialty (Art, Dance, Music, etc.) OR clinical professional licensure (LCPC, LPC, etc.) with certification in expressive therapy area required. * CPR and de-escalation ...

Acadia Healthcare

Activity Therapist

Tucson, AZ · On-site

OR certified in the area of specialty (Art, Dance, Music, etc.) OR clinical professional licensure (LCPC, LPC, etc.) with certification in expressive therapy area required. * CPR and de-escalation ...

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All JobsExpressive Therapy JobsExpressive Therapy Jobs in Arizona

Expressive Therapy information

See Arizona salary details

$24.7K

$61.6K

$91.3K

How much do expressive therapy jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for expressive therapy in Arizona is $61,627.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,100.00 and $73,200.00 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.

What are popular job titles related to Expressive Therapy jobs in Arizona?

For Expressive Therapy jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Expressive Therapy jobs in Arizona look for?

The top searched job categories for Expressive Therapy jobs in Arizona are:

Expressive Therapy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Expressive Therapy job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,627 per year, or $29.6 per hour.

Adjunctive Therapist- Full-Time

Aurora Behavioral Health System

Glendale, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Adjunctive Therapist (Full-Time)Recreational Therapist • Art Therapist • Music TherapistJoin Our Collaborative Team in Glendale, AZAurora Behavioral Health System (ABHS) is seeking a passionate and qualified Full-Time Adjunctive Therapist to join our multidisciplinary treatment team in Glendale, Arizona. We are specifically seeking professionals in the following disciplines:Recreational TherapistArt TherapistMusic TherapistThis position is a 40-hour-per-week, full-time role consisting of 8-hour shifts and requires weekend availability, with Sunday coverage being especially important. Aurora Behavioral Health System is a freestanding psychiatric hospital providing inpatient and outpatient behavioral health services for adolescents and adults. We are dedicated to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care in a collaborative treatment environment.Essential ResponsibilitiesThe Adjunctive Therapist develops, organizes, and facilitates therapeutic programming designed to support patient recovery and treatment goals.Responsibilities include:Providing therapeutic interventions and group services for adolescent and adult patients.Planning and implementing recreational, expressive, creative, and activity-based therapies.Interacting with patients during daily activities consistent with principles of normal growth and development.Collaborating with the interdisciplinary treatment team to support individualized treatment plans.Documenting patient participation and progress according to facility standards.Minimum QualificationsQualified applicants must meet one of the following requirements:Certification through an accredited organization in creative arts, expressive therapy, or recreational/leisure therapy (examples include MT-BC, CTRS, ATR, or other nationally recognized certifications); orMaster's degree in Counseling, Social Work, or another behavioral health field eligible for licensure (LPC, LCSW, etc.).Additional Requirements:Knowledge of psychiatric and addictive disease diagnoses and treatment.Strong communication, assessment, evaluation, and interpretation skills.Must be at least 21 years of age and able to obtain fingerprint clearance.CPR and Therapeutic Options (TO) certification within 30 days of hire.Preferred QualificationsTwo or more years of experience in a healthcare setting, preferably inpatient behavioral health.Experience facilitating therapeutic groups.Certification or experience in Yoga, Yoga Therapy, Tai Chi, or Qigong.Knowledge of DSM-5 methodology.Schedule & LocationJob Type: Full-TimeSchedule: 40 hours per week, 8-hour shifts, including weekends, with Sunday availability required.Location:Aurora Behavioral Health System6015 W. Peoria AveGlendale, AZ 85302BenefitsMedical, Dental & Vision Insurance401(k)Paid Time OffSick TimeEmployee Assistance ProgramEmployee DiscountsShift Differential OpportunitiesAurora Behavioral Health System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. #INDHIGH