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Play Therapist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ellie Mental Health - 054

Play Therapist

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$74K - $86K/yr

Opportunity for advancement Play Therapist (LPC, LCSW, LMFT) Ellie Mental Health | Tulsa, OK Make a Difference Through Play Children often communicate through play long before they have the words to ...

Ellie Mental Health

Play Therapist

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$74K - $86K/yr

Opportunity for advancement Play Therapist (LPC, LCSW, LMFT) Ellie Mental Health | Tulsa, OK Make a Difference Through Play Children often communicate through play long before they have the words to ...

Ellie Mental Health - 054

Play Therapist

Tulsa, OK · On-site

Opportunity for advancement Play Therapist (LPC, LCSW, LMFT) Ellie Mental Health | Tulsa, OK Make a Difference Through Play Children often communicate through play long before they have the words to ...

Ellie Mental Health - 054

Play Therapist

Tulsa, OK · On-site

... play therapy, art therapy, musical therapy, social work, Adlerian therapy, PTSD, group therapy, couples therapy, psychotherapy * Ability to demonstrate and model stable, appropriate boundaries with ...

Goshen Valley Foundation

Play Therapist

Canton, GA · On-site

$45K - $50K/yr

About the Role Goshen Therapeutic Services is looking for compassionate and dedicated Play Therapist to join our team and provide in-person counseling services within a trauma-responsive, community ...

New

Ellie Mental Health - 054

Play Therapist

Bixby, OK · On-site

... play therapy, art therapy, musical therapy, social work, Adlerian therapy, PTSD, group therapy, couples therapy, psychotherapy * Ability to demonstrate and model stable, appropriate boundaries with ...

Ellie Mental Health

Play Therapist

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$74K - $86K/yr

... play therapy, art therapy, musical therapy, social work, Adlerian therapy, PTSD, group therapy, couples therapy, psychotherapy * Ability to demonstrate and model stable, appropriate boundaries with ...

Ellie Mental Health - 054

Play Therapist

Bixby, OK · On-site

$74K - $86K/yr

... play therapy, art therapy, musical therapy, social work, Adlerian therapy, PTSD, group therapy, couples therapy, psychotherapy * Ability to demonstrate and model stable, appropriate boundaries with ...

Ellie Mental Health

Play Therapist

Bixby, OK · On-site

$74K - $86K/yr

... play therapy, art therapy, musical therapy, social work, Adlerian therapy, PTSD, group therapy, couples therapy, psychotherapy * Ability to demonstrate and model stable, appropriate boundaries with ...

Ellie Mental Health

Play Therapist

Tulsa, OK · On-site

... play therapy, art therapy, musical therapy, social work, Adlerian therapy, PTSD, group therapy, couples therapy, psychotherapy * Ability to demonstrate and model stable, appropriate boundaries with ...

Goshen Valley Foundation, Inc.

Play Therapist

Canton, GA · On-site

$45K - $50K/yr

About the Role Goshen Therapeutic Services is looking for compassionate and dedicated Play Therapist to join our team and provide in-person counseling services within a trauma-responsive, community ...

New

Ellie Mental Health - 054

Play Therapist

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$74K - $86K/yr

... play therapy, art therapy, musical therapy, social work, Adlerian therapy, PTSD, group therapy, couples therapy, psychotherapy * Ability to demonstrate and model stable, appropriate boundaries with ...

Ellie Mental Health

Play Therapist

Tulsa, OK · On-site

... play therapy, art therapy, musical therapy, social work, Adlerian therapy, PTSD, group therapy, couples therapy, psychotherapy * Ability to demonstrate and model stable, appropriate boundaries with ...

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Play Therapist information

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$49K

$79.2K

$164K

How much do play therapist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for play therapist in the United States is $79,232.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $82,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a play therapist?

Play therapists are mental health professionals who use play as a therapeutic tool to help children express their feelings, process experiences, and develop coping skills. They are trained to observe children's play behaviors and use various techniques, such as games, art, and storytelling, to address emotional, behavioral, or social challenges. Play therapy can be beneficial for children dealing with trauma, anxiety, family changes, or developmental issues. Play therapists often work in schools, clinics, or private practice settings and collaborate with families to support a child's well-being.

What does a play therapist do?

As a play therapist, your job is to provide therapy for children through the strategic use of toys and games. In each therapy session, you evaluate behavioral changes, discuss your client's needs and problems, and collaborate with other staff to address the unique issues and challenges each client faces. Play therapy is often used to help promote certain behaviors and habits, such as cooperating or setting and pursuing goals. Play therapists focus exclusively on these techniques, but you may occasionally delve into other strategies when helping families. Play therapists frequently work for schools and private healthcare facilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a play therapist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Play Therapist, you need a solid background in psychology or counseling, often with a relevant master's degree and registration with a professional therapy body. Familiarity with therapeutic play techniques, assessment tools, and child development theories is essential, along with certifications like Registered Play Therapist (RPT). Outstanding communication, empathy, patience, and creative problem-solving skills help build trust and rapport with children and their families. These skills ensure effective therapeutic interventions, enabling children to express themselves and achieve emotional and behavioral growth.

How does a play therapist typically collaborate with parents and other professionals to support a child's progress?

Play therapists often work closely with parents, teachers, and other specialists to ensure a holistic approach to a child's emotional and behavioral development. Regular communication with caregivers is essential, including sharing observations, discussing strategies for support at home, and providing updates on progress. Additionally, play therapists may participate in multidisciplinary team meetings with psychologists, social workers, or educators to coordinate care and set shared goals. This collaborative approach helps create a consistent support system for the child both in and out of therapy sessions.

What is the difference between Play Therapist vs Child Psychologist?

AspectPlay TherapistChild Psychologist
CredentialsDiploma or degree in play therapy, often with certificationDoctorate (PhD or PsyD) in psychology, with specialization in child psychology
Work EnvironmentPrivate practice, clinics, schools, hospitalsHospitals, clinics, private practice, research settings
Industry UsageFocused on using play as a therapeutic tool for childrenBroader psychological assessment and therapy for children and adolescents

Play Therapists primarily use play-based techniques to help children express emotions and resolve issues, often with specialized training in play therapy. Child Psychologists have a broader scope, including psychological testing, diagnosis, and various therapeutic approaches. Both roles work closely with children but differ in their methods and qualifications.

Is play therapy in high demand?

Play therapy is in increasing demand as awareness of mental health and child development grows. Licensed play therapists are sought after in schools, clinics, and private practice, with job opportunities expanding alongside the recognition of play therapy's effectiveness for children experiencing emotional or behavioral challenges.

What education do you need to be a play therapist?

To become a play therapist, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field, followed by specialized training in play therapy. Many roles also require a master's degree and certification or licensure in play therapy or mental health counseling. Relevant skills include understanding child development and therapeutic techniques, and some positions may require ongoing professional development or supervision.
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Play Therapist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Play Therapist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,232 per year, or $38.1 per hour.

Play Therapist

Tulsa, OK

Ellie Mental Health - Manchester, New Hampshire
See more jobs at Ellie Mental Health - Manchester, New Hampshireexternal

$74K - $86K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Play Therapist (LPC, LCSW, LMFT)

Children often communicate through play long before they have the words to describe what they're feeling. We're looking for a compassionate, creative therapist who enjoys working with children and families and wants to make therapy engaging, developmentally appropriate, and effective. At Ellie Mental Health, you'll have the freedom to bring your clinical style to your work while being supported by a collaborative team that values flexibility, professional growth, and clinician well-being.

As a Play Therapist, you'll primarily work with children, adolescents, and families using play-based and other creative, age-appropriate therapeutic approaches. You'll help young clients build emotional regulation, coping skills, confidence, communication skills, and healthier relationships. Responsibilities include:

  • Conducting assessments and establishing individualized treatment goals
  • Providing individual and family therapy
  • Incorporating play and creative interventions into treatment
  • Supporting parents and caregivers with strategies to reinforce progress at home
  • Coordinating care with schools, physicians, and other providers when appropriate
  • Maintaining timely clinical documentation
  • Participating in consultation, supervision, team meetings, and training
  • Providing in-person and telehealth services when appropriate

We're seeking a therapist who is patient, engaging, empathetic, and comfortable connecting with children. Experience with play therapy or child-focused treatment is strongly preferred. Ideal candidates:

  • Enjoy working with children, adolescents, and families
  • Understand developmental and age-appropriate therapeutic approaches
  • Can build strong relationships with both children and caregivers
  • Are creative and flexible in their clinical approach
  • Value collaborative, client-centered care
  • Communicate effectively and maintain appropriate professional boundaries

We welcome:

  • LPC or LPC Candidate
  • LCSW or LMSW
  • LMFT or LMFT Candidate

Clinicians approaching full independent licensure are encouraged to apply.

Competitive compensation, clinical supervision, flexible scheduling, CEU support and ongoing training, paid administrative time, administrative support, telehealth opportunities, career growth opportunities, collaborative clinical environment, additional benefits for eligible full-time employees.

  • Master's degree in Counseling, Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, Psychology, or a related behavioral health field
  • Active Oklahoma license or eligible candidate/associate status
  • Experience with children, adolescents, and/or families preferred
  • Knowledge of assessment, treatment planning, and clinical documentation
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to successfully complete a background check

You don't need to check every box to be considered. If you're passionate about helping children and families and want a practice where creativity and clinical autonomy are valued, we encourage you to apply.

Ellie Mental Health is committed to an inclusive workplace where all employees are respected and valued. We provide equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and do not tolerate discrimination or harassment.

Ellie Mental Health clinics are independently owned and operated as part of the Ellie Mental Health franchise system. Employment decisions, compensation, benefits, scheduling, and workplace policies are determined by the local franchise owner. This position is with an independently owned and operated Ellie Mental Health clinic and not Ellie Mental Health's corporate organization.

Compensation: $74,000.00 - $86,400.00 per year

Apply