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Play Therapist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wellness Pointe

Play Therapists

Longview, TX · On-site

The Therapist will provide individual, non-directive, play-based mental health services to children experiencing behavioral issues, anxiety, or trauma. The Therapist will create a safe, therapeutic ...

Wellness Pointe

Play Therapists

Longview, TX · On-site

The Therapist will provide individual, non-directive, play-based mental health services to children experiencing behavioral issues, anxiety, or trauma. The Therapist will create a safe, therapeutic ...

CREOKS Health Services

Be Seen First

Bilingual Play Therapist

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Participate in required Play Therapy training and consultation * All other duties as assigned Qualifications: * Master's degree in social work, counseling, psychology or related degree * Possess a ...

CREOKS Health Services

Be Seen First

Bilingual Play Therapist

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Participate in required Play Therapy training and consultation * All other duties as assigned Qualifications: * Master's degree in social work, counseling, psychology or related degree * Possess a ...

Catholic Charities Boston

Clinician Play Therapist

Salem, MA · On-site

$59K - $78K/yr

Under the supervision of the Director of Clinical Services, the Clinician/Play Therapist is responsible for providing trauma-informed mental health counseling, play therapy, and case management ...

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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 Aug 8, 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.

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 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 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.

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 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.

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Play Therapist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Play Therapist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,232 per year, or $38.1 per hour.

Child & Play Therapist

Synergy Senior Management

Grand Blanc, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Join a Growing Trauma-Informed Group Practice
Cedar & Sage Therapy Group is seeking a compassionate, engaging, and clinically strong Child & Play Therapist to join our collaborative and supportive team.
This role offers the opportunity to provide therapy in both outpatient and school-based settings, supporting children, adolescents, and families with a wide range of emotional, behavioral, developmental, and trauma-related concerns.
We are looking for clinicians who value relationship-based care, nervous system-informed treatment, creativity, and authentic connection with children and families.
Position Highlights
  • Flexible schedule with hybrid opportunities
  • School-based therapy opportunities available
  • Supportive, collaborative clinical environment
  • Strong referral base and administrative support
  • Opportunity to grow specialty areas and clinical interests
  • Trauma-informed and attachment-focused practice culture
  • Opportunities for supervision, leadership, and long-term growth within the practice

Compensation & Benefits
  • Hourly pay per client visit
  • Additional paid administrative hours for mandatory meetings and late cancellations/no-shows
  • Full-time caseload = 25 client sessions per week, pay increase for additional hours over 25 per week
  • PTO, Health insurance benefits, & Paid holidays available for full-time clinicians
  • Flexible scheduling and autonomy in caseload management

Responsibilities
  • Provide individual therapy for children and adolescents
  • Utilize play therapy, expressive interventions, and developmentally appropriate approaches
  • Collaborate with caregivers, schools, and providers as clinically indicated
  • Provide school-based therapy services when applicable
  • Complete timely documentation and treatment planning
  • Participate in clinical consultation and team meetings
  • Maintain ethical and trauma-informed standards of care

Preferred Qualifications
  • LMSW, LLMSW, LPC, LLPC, licensure eligible in Michigan
  • Experience working with children and families
  • Training or interest in:
  • play therapy
  • trauma treatment
  • attachment-focused work
  • EMDR
  • nervous system regulation approaches
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Ability to work independently while collaborating within a team environment

Ideal Candidate
The ideal clinician is:
  • warm and relational
  • flexible and creative
  • passionate about helping children heal
  • grounded in trauma-informed care
  • interested in growing clinically alongside a collaborative practice

We especially value clinicians who are excited about building meaningful relationships with families and contributing to a positive, connected team culture.

Apply