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Expressive Therapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

V COVINGTON LLC

Expressive Therapist (FT)

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

Plan and implement activity therapy for assigned patient caseload within the facility. * Model and ... Join us as our Expressive Therapist! Get to know us Outstanding Care, Compassionate People ...

UHS

Expressive Arts Therapist - PRN

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

Under the direction of the Director of Recreational Therapy, creates a therapeutic milieu on the ... appropriate expressive therapies modalities to group or individual treatment; identifies and ...

UHS

Expressive Arts Therapist - PRN

Philadelphia, PA

The Expressive Arts Therapist performs duties and responsibilities as required as a member of the ... Under the direction of the Director of Recreational Therapy, creates a therapeutic milieu on the ...

KVC Health Systems

Expressive Therapist

Saint James, MO · On-site

$45K - $68K/yr

... The Expressive Therapist will work with children and adolescents in residential care, using the ... This role involves creating and implementing personalized treatment plans, conducting therapy ...

KVC Health Systems

Expressive Therapist

Springfield, MO · On-site

$45K - $68K/yr

... The Expressive Therapist will work with children and adolescents in residential care, using the ... This role involves creating and implementing personalized treatment plans, conducting therapy ...

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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 May 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 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 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 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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,131 per year, or $31.8 per hour.
Expressive Therapist

Expressive Therapist

Chicago Behavioral Hospital

Des Plaines, IL

$23 - $26/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

JOIN OUR TEAM AS AN EXPRESSIVE THERAPIST!

Your Work Matters How will you make a difference?

Join our dynamic team at Chicago Behavioral Hospital and make a difference as an Expressive Therapist! In this role, you'll have the opportunity to plan and execute engaging activity services for our patients, contributing directly to their treatment goals and overall well-being. As a valued member of our interdisciplinary team, you'll provide continuous care, interaction, and positive role modeling to patients, fostering an environment conducive to healing and growth. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact in behavioral healthcare, we want to hear from you!

  • Observe and apply sound judgment to patients' physical and mental conditions/needs.
  • Document and communicate changes in patient's appearance, behavior, and ability to work towards treatment plan goals.
  • Provide assessment in psychosocial/leisure and recreational skills development/deficiency.
  • Assist patients in achieving their optimum level of independent functioning.
  • Plan and implement activity therapy for assigned patient caseload within the facility.
  • Model and teach patients appropriate social, coping, and stress management techniques.
  • Contribute to treatment plans with specific goals and interventions in therapeutic activities.

Your Experience Matters What we’re looking for:

  • Education/Licensure: Bachelor's or Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Art Therapy (ATR, ATR-P, ATR-BC, ATCS), Dance/Movement Therapy (R-DMT, BCDMT), Drama Therapy (P-RDT, RDT), Music Therapy (MT-BC), Occupational Therapy (OTR/L, OTD), Recreational Therapy (CTRS), Yoga Therapy (C-IAYT) or related therapeutic discipline with an LPC/LCPC or LSW/LCSW preferred.

  • Experience: One (1) year of related experience, with knowledge of psychiatric patient care techniques and understanding of mental illness, preferred.

  • Additional Requirements: Must pass a competency exam upon hire. May need to work evenings, weekends, holidays, flexible hours, and overtime.

Your Care Matters What we provide for our team:

  • 401(k) + matching
  • Health Insurance
  • 100% company-paid life insurance coverage up to 2x your annual salary
  • Vision insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • 100% company-paid long term disability insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Paid holidays
  • Cafeteria on site + discounted meals
  • Employee engagement events
  • Employee assistance program
  • Employee recognition program
  • Free parking

What sets us apart:

  • Career & training development opportunities
  • Dynamic and inclusive work environment
  • Engaged management team dedicated to your success
  • A guiding mission and set of values that serve as both our northstar and yours, anchoring our collective purpose and aspirations

Disclaimer: Benefits are subject to change at the discretion of Chicago Behavioral Hospital.

Compensation:

The expected compensation range for this role is $23.00 - $26.00 an hour.  We’re eager to engage with all qualified candidates, and consideration will be provided to experience and skill level. Join us as our  Expressive Therapist!

Get to know us Outstanding Care, Compassionate People, Unparalleled Service

Discover a fulfilling career at Chicago Behavioral Hospital (CBH)!

Welcome to the heart of mental health treatment innovation in Des Plaines, Illinois! CBH, a cutting-edge 150-bed inpatient facility, is the leading provider of exceptional therapeutic care, prioritizing patient comfort and safety.

At CBH, we go beyond inpatient care by offering an outpatient partial hospitalization program, ensuring continuous support while respecting the rhythm of daily lives. Our commitment to accessible care knows no bounds, as we emphasize availability irrespective of one's ability to pay.

Join us in providing exceptional care and contributing to the well-being of individuals and families in need and be a part of the transformative healthcare experience at Chicago Behavioral Hospital.

To learn more about CBH, visit us at: https://www.chicagobehavioralhospital.com/

TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE POSITIVE I.M.P.A.C.T.S.

Individuals Maintaining Positive Attitude and Commitment To Service

____________________________________________________________

At Chicago Behavioral Hospital, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and provide equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information, political affiliation, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities.

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