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Play Therapist Assistant Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

As a PTA, you will play a key role in helping residents achieve their rehabilitation goals while ... We're looking for Physical Therapist Assistants who are passionate about delivering high-quality ...

As a PTA, you will play a key role in helping residents achieve their rehabilitation goals while ... We're looking for Physical Therapist Assistants who are passionate about delivering high-quality ...

As a PTA, you will play a key role in helping residents achieve their rehabilitation goals while ... We're looking for Physical Therapist Assistants who are passionate about delivering high-quality ...

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Play Therapist Assistant information

See Decatur, GA salary details

$11

$18

$25

How much do play therapist assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for play therapist assistant in Decatur, GA is $18.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.96 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Play Therapist Assistants when supporting children during therapy sessions?

Play Therapist Assistants often encounter challenges such as engaging children who may be shy, resistant, or have difficulty expressing emotions through play. Adapting activities to suit each child's unique needs and developmental level requires flexibility and creativity. Additionally, assistants must maintain a supportive and safe environment while managing group dynamics or collaborating with therapists and family members to ensure consistency in care. With experience, these challenges become valuable learning opportunities that build strong communication and problem-solving skills.

Do PT or PTA make more money?

Physical Therapists (PTs) generally earn higher salaries than Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs). PTs typically hold a master's or doctoral degree and have more advanced responsibilities, leading to higher compensation. PTAs usually have an associate degree and work under the supervision of PTs, resulting in lower pay.

What is the difference between Play Therapist Assistant vs Play Therapist?

AspectPlay Therapist AssistantPlay Therapist
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some certifications or training in play therapyMaster's degree in counseling, psychology, or related field; licensure or certification in play therapy
Work EnvironmentClinics, schools, mental health centers, private practicesPrivate practices, clinics, hospitals, educational settings
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist play therapists, support therapy sessions, prepare materialsConduct therapy sessions, diagnose, develop treatment plans

The main difference between a Play Therapist Assistant and a Play Therapist lies in their qualifications and responsibilities. Play Therapist Assistants support licensed Play Therapists and typically require less advanced credentials, focusing on assisting during sessions. Play Therapists are fully qualified professionals who conduct therapy independently, diagnose, and develop treatment plans. Both roles work in similar environments and aim to help children through play therapy, but their scope of practice and required credentials differ significantly.

What is the role of a therapy assistant?

A play therapist assistant supports licensed play therapists by helping implement therapy plans, engaging children in therapeutic activities, and observing their progress. They often work in clinical or school settings and may require training in child development and basic counseling skills.

Is play therapy in high demand?

Play therapist assistants are in increasing demand as mental health awareness and child therapy services grow. The role often requires knowledge of child development and play techniques, with job opportunities expanding in schools, clinics, and private practices.

Is becoming a PTA difficult?

Becoming a Play Therapist Assistant (PTA) typically requires completing relevant training or certification programs and gaining experience working with children. The difficulty varies depending on individual background, educational requirements, and certification processes, but it generally involves acquiring specific skills and knowledge related to play therapy techniques. Strong communication and patience are important for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Play Therapist Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Play Therapist Assistant, you need a background in psychology, child development, or counseling, often supported by relevant coursework or experience in therapeutic settings. Familiarity with play therapy techniques and tools, as well as basic record-keeping systems, is typically required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, patience, and the ability to build trust with children and families are vital soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure effective support of therapeutic goals, create a safe environment for clients, and facilitate successful collaboration with licensed play therapists.

What are Play Therapist Assistants?

Play Therapist Assistants are professionals who support licensed play therapists in providing therapeutic services to children through play-based activities. They help set up and facilitate sessions, prepare materials, observe children's behavior, and maintain a safe, supportive environment. While they do not typically conduct therapy independently, their role is crucial in helping children express emotions and work through challenges using play. Play Therapist Assistants work under the supervision of a qualified therapist and often contribute to progress notes and session planning.
What are popular job titles related to Play Therapist Assistant jobs in Decatur, GA? For Play Therapist Assistant jobs in Decatur, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Play Therapist Assistant jobs? Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Play Therapist Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Play Therapist Assistant job openings in Decatur, GA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, and 19% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,658 per year, or $18.6 per hour.
TRC Reg. Play Therapist Supervisor - Trauma Program - FT

TRC Reg. Play Therapist Supervisor - Trauma Program - FT

Grady Health System

Atlanta, GA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Grady Health System rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 51 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 884 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Grady Health System offers many career paths for experienced professionals. Whether you have many years of experience or are in the early stages of your career, you can find a rewarding career at Grady!
SUMMARY
The TRC Registered Play Therapist Supervisor (RPT-S) will be responsible for helping survivors of violent crime overcome barriers to accessing mental health treatment immediately following a trauma or traumatic experience. The supervisor will provide developmentally appropriate mental health support for youth aged 5-17, and some of their impacted caregivers. Will maintain a caseload of 10-14 pediatric clients. The TRC RPT-S will assist in the facilitation of care for recent survivors of different types of violent crime such as domestic violence, sexual assault, gun shot wounds, stabbings, and physical assaults. Working with the TRC Director, provides clinical intakes, individual and group psychotherapy, assertive outreach, and clinical case management services using evidenced based practices that are effective for the service populations. Will provide a group supervision to TRC clinicians to enhance their capacity to serve youth. Must be willing to work evening hours, at least 2-3 times per week (ex: 10am-6pm or 11am-7pm). Provide risk assessment and crisis intervention as needed. May provide clinical quality review of other's work.
Reports to the TRC Director.
Does not have any formal direct reports, but through their group supervision, will provide play therapy supervision to the TRC clinicians.
QUALIFICATIONS
Master's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Marriage and family therapy, Counseling or related field.
Five (5) or more years of job-related experience including:
- At least 2-4 years experience working with youth trauma survivors
- At least 2-4 years experience providing play therapy interventions/modalities.
- At least 1-2 years providing case management/outreach and/or home visits.
- Excellent documentation and organizational skills, strong clinical skills and ability to set priorities, work independently, excellent follow up, work well under pressure.
Must have an active GA license -LMFT, LCSW, LPC or equivalent if transferring from another state.
Active registered Play Therapy Supervisor Credentials (RPT-S) or obtain RPT-S within 6 months of hire.
Equal Opportunity Employer-Minorities/Females/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.

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About Grady Health System

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Grady Health System offers many career paths for Registered Nurses. Whether you have many years of experience or are in the early stages on your nursing career, you can find a rewarding nursing position at Grady! SUMMARY The Registered Nurse (RN), provides age-appropriate, culturally and ethnically sensitive care, maintains a safe environment, educates patients and their families about healthy practices and treatment modalities, assures continuity of care, coordinates care across settings and among caregivers, manages information, communicates effectively, and utilizes technology. Utilizes the nursing process to provide and plan care

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Atlanta, GA, US

Year founded

1892

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