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Outdoor Therapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lighthouse Medical Staffing

$26 - $34.75/hr

... impressive outdoor therapy spaces. Embrace a fulfilling career that offers the chance to ... collaborate with experienced therapists and become part of a supportive community dedicated to ...

KSI

Occupational Therapist

North Liberty, IA · On-site

$36.75 - $48.50/hr

Outdoor therapy spaces with garden, large sensory table, and water play area that support sensory-rich, play-based therapy * Access to high-quality equipment to support a wide range of pediatric ...

ODYSSEY BEHAVIORAL GROUP

Therapist

Columbiana, AL

The property has a private lake, walking trails, outdoor therapy areas, a firepit, and recovery garden. Our residents live in a comfortable, home-like environment where they feel safe and supported.

ODYSSEY BEHAVIORAL GROUP

Therapist

Columbiana, AL · On-site

The property has a private lake, walking trails, outdoor therapy areas, a firepit, and recovery garden. Our residents live in a comfortable, home-like environment where they feel safe and supported.

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Outdoor Therapy information

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How much do outdoor therapy jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for outdoor therapy in the United States is $24.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $30.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges outdoor therapy practitioners face when working with clients in natural settings?

Outdoor therapy practitioners often encounter unique challenges such as adapting therapeutic techniques to unpredictable weather conditions, ensuring client safety in remote environments, and balancing the structure of therapy with the flexibility required outdoors. Practitioners must also be skilled in group facilitation and crisis management, as clients may experience heightened emotions or unexpected reactions in natural settings. Collaboration with other mental health professionals and outdoor guides can be essential to provide comprehensive support and ensure positive client outcomes.

What is the difference between Outdoor Therapy vs Wilderness Therapist?

AspectOutdoor TherapyWilderness Therapist
CredentialsTypically requires counseling or therapy licenses, outdoor education certificationsRequires mental health licenses, wilderness or outdoor therapy certifications
Work EnvironmentOutdoor settings, parks, nature centers, community spacesRemote wilderness areas, national parks, backcountry
Industry UsageUsed in mental health, education, and community programsPrimarily in mental health, adventure therapy, and wilderness programs

Outdoor Therapy and Wilderness Therapist roles both involve working outdoors to support mental health, often requiring similar certifications. The main difference lies in the setting: Outdoor Therapy may include various outdoor environments like parks or community spaces, while Wilderness Therapists focus specifically on remote wilderness areas and backcountry locations. Both roles aim to leverage nature's benefits for therapy but differ in their specific work environments and program settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Outdoor Therapist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Outdoor Therapist, you need a background in counseling or psychology, experience with outdoor education, and often licensure as a mental health professional. Familiarity with risk management protocols, wilderness first aid certification, and outdoor activity planning tools is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, adaptability, and the ability to foster trust in diverse outdoor settings make practitioners stand out. These skills are crucial to ensure client safety, facilitate meaningful therapeutic progress, and create positive experiences in dynamic natural environments.

What is outdoor therapy?

Outdoor therapy, also known as nature therapy or wilderness therapy, is a form of mental health treatment that takes place in natural environments. It combines traditional therapeutic techniques with outdoor activities like hiking, camping, or group challenges. The goal is to help individuals improve their emotional, psychological, and social well-being by connecting with nature and engaging in experiential learning. Outdoor therapy is often used for youth, but adults can also benefit from its holistic approach. It is facilitated by trained professionals who ensure safety and guide therapeutic activities.
More about Outdoor Therapy jobs
What cities are hiring for Outdoor Therapy jobs? Cities with the most Outdoor Therapy job openings:
What states have the most Outdoor Therapy jobs? States with the most job openings for Outdoor Therapy jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Outdoor Therapy jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Outdoor Therapy jobs are:
Outdoor Therapy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Outdoor Therapy job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,744 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Pediatric Occupational Therapist

My Recess Therapy

Elgin, IL • On-site

$50 - $60/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • Bonus based on performance
  • 401(k)
  • Flexible schedule
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Wellness resources

Pediatric Occupational Therapist Share your OT passion with Flexibility, Autonomy, and FUN!
Pay: $50.00 $60.00 per hour
Schedule: Flexible hours based on Therapist Design
Expected Hours: 10 28 per week
Work Location: In-person
A collaborative designed pediatric therapy clinic.
My Recess Therapy is a therapist-owned pediatric practice built by clinicians who know what its like to feel rushed, unheard, or burned out. We intentionally design our company with our therapists shifting with therapist need, professional shifts, and the families we serve.
If youre looking for a place to collaborte and build a company together, your strengths are valued, and your career can evolve with you, you may have just found your home.
What Makes My Recess Different
A Truly Collaborative Team
Collaboration here isnt just co-treating or hallway chats its shared decision-making. We:
  • Design clinic systems and workflows together

  • Invite therapist input on scheduling, programs, and company direction
  • Lean into each others strengths instead of forcing a one-size-fits-all model
Growth that Intentional
We actively support:
  • Specialty development (feeding, sensory, regulation, outdoor therapy, etc.)
  • Mentorship that adapts to your experience level
  • Career pathways that evolve over time clinically, creatively, or leadership-focused
Whether youre building confidence or refining a specialty, we plan for growth on purpose.
A Clinic Designed for Sustainability
We continuously refine systems to reduce overload from documentation flow to scheduling design so therapists can focus on care, not chaos.
Who Thrives Here
You might be a great fit if you:
  • Are a licensed OT in Illinois (new grads welcome with mentorship!)
  • Value collaboration
  • Want autonomy and support
  • Enjoy being part of a team that listens, adapts, and grows together
  • Believe therapy should feel meaningful, playful, and human
Lets Be Honest
This role is for therapists who want to help shape a company, and support a community with their gifts. If youre craving connection, growth, and a place where your professional voice matters wed love to meet you.
As a Pediatric Occupational Therapist at My Recess Therapy, you will:
  • Provide play-based, relationship-centered OT services
  • Collaborate with OTs, PTs, SLPs, and support staff
  • Contribute ideas, feedback, and creativity to clinic growth
  • Shape your caseload around your interests and strengths
  • Enjoy our sensory rich clinics in both Elgin and St. Charles.
  • Bring therapy outdoors at our Geneva Outdoor Therapy Space.
Compensation & Benefits
  • Flexible schedule (1028 hours/week you choose)
  • Health Insurance (for qualifying schedules)
  • Short-Term Disability (includes maternity coverage )
  • 401(k)

  • Paid Time Off

  • Wellness perks

  • CEU & professional development support

We believe benefits should support real life.
Apply today or reach out with questions. Were happy to connect. brooke@myrecess.com