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Expressive Therapy Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Acadia Healthcare

Activity Therapist

Indian Wells, CA · On-site

$25/hr

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

Indio, CA · 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 California

Expressive Therapy information

See California salary details

$26.2K

$65.3K

$96.7K

How much do expressive therapy jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for expressive therapy in California is $65,265.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,800.00 and $77,500.00 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.

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Expressive Therapy jobs?

Cities in California with the most Expressive Therapy job openings:

Expressive Therapy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Expressive Therapy job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,265 per year, or $31.4 per hour.

Expressive Arts Therapist

Ventura, CA

Vista del Mar Hospital
Offices of Mental Health Practitioners • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Vista del Mar Hospitalexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 hours ago

Job description

Description

Candidate will conduct groups for both adult and adolescent patients. The groups will consist of various types including exercise, animal assisted therapy, art, music, dance, etc. Candidate will Serve as a member of the interdisciplinary treatment team.

Minimum Work Experience

Prefer at least 1 year of experience working on an inpatient psychiatric program or in mental health field. Knowledge of psychiatric and addictive disease diagnoses and treatment; flexibility; teaching or training skills helpful; understanding of, or ability to understand DSM 5 methodology.

Requirements

Education Required: Bachelor's degree in therapy related field is preferred, working towards Masters in similar field or Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in Expressive Therapies (Art, Music or Dance- Movement).

CTRS or similar recreational therapist also preferred.

Required License

Eligible for professional certification, licensure with state or national professional affiliation preferred in applicable field. CTRS is preferred.

Benefits

At Vista del Mar Hospital, you will find yourself in a position with great growth potential. We make it a priority to provide advancement opportunities and ongoing education for our entire team, in both clinical and non-clinical roles. This helps us ensure ongoing patient safety and quality care across our facility.

Each of our professionals is compassionate and committed to the goal of excellence in the mental health care industry. Because we bring on the most reputable and experienced healthcare professionals to fill our open behavioral health jobs, our goal is to keep them long-term. This is better for patients and our own staff, as it allows everyone to feel more comfortable in their environment.

Although a mental health career with Vista del Mar can be extremely rewarding in its own right, we understand the importance of employee benefits. Vista del Mar offers the following:

  • Health Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • 401K Retirement Plan
  • Healthcare Spending Account
  • Dependent Care Spending Account
  • PTO Plan with Holiday Premium Pay
  • Discounted Cafeteria Meal Plan
  • Life Insurance (Supplemental Life, Term and Universal plans are also available.)
  • Short and Long-Term Disability (with additional buy-in opportunities)

Apply