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Play Therapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wellness Pointe

Play Therapists

Longview, TX · On-site

Use play therapy techniques to help children express their feelings and resolve conflicts. * Observe and interpret children's behaviors to gain insights into their psychological state. * Create a ...

Wellness Pointe

Play Therapists

Longview, TX · On-site

Use play therapy techniques to help children express their feelings and resolve conflicts. * Observe and interpret children's behaviors to gain insights into their psychological state. * Create a ...

Ellie Mental Health - 054

Play Therapist

Bixby, OK

$74K - $86K/yr

... EMDR) therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), BIPOC ... play therapy, art therapy, musical therapy, social work, Adlerian therapy, PTSD, group therapy ...

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 ...

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 ...

Ellie Mental Health - 054

Play Therapist

Tulsa, OK

$74K - $86K/yr

... EMDR) therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), BIPOC ... play therapy, art therapy, musical therapy, social work, Adlerian therapy, PTSD, group therapy ...

Ellie Mental Health - 054

Play Therapist

Tulsa, OK

$74K - $86K/yr

... EMDR) therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), BIPOC ... play therapy, art therapy, musical therapy, social work, Adlerian therapy, PTSD, group therapy ...

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How much do play therapy jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for play therapy in the United States is $17.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 background in psychology, counseling, or social work—often with a relevant master's degree and licensure as a counselor or therapist. Familiarity with play therapy techniques, assessment tools, and documentation systems is typically required, and certification from organizations like the Association for Play Therapy is highly valued. Strong communication, patience, and the ability to build rapport with children and families are essential soft skills. These qualifications and skills ensure effective therapeutic outcomes by fostering trust, appropriate intervention, and a supportive environment for child clients.

What are some common challenges faced by play therapists when working with children from diverse backgrounds?

Play therapists often encounter challenges such as language barriers, cultural differences in expressing emotions, and varying family expectations about therapy. To address these, therapists need to adapt their approaches by incorporating culturally relevant toys, being sensitive to nonverbal communication styles, and building trust with both the child and their family. Continuous professional development and cultural competence training are essential for providing effective, empathetic care and ensuring that each child's unique background is respected throughout the therapeutic process.

What is the difference between Play Therapy vs Child Psychologist?

AspectPlay TherapyChild Psychologist
Required CredentialsRegistered Play Therapist, Master's or Doctoral degree in counseling or related fieldDoctoral degree (PhD or PsyD), license to practice psychology
Work EnvironmentPrivate practice, clinics, schools, hospitalsPrivate practice, hospitals, schools, research settings
Industry UsageSpecialized mental health therapy for children using play-based techniquesAssessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health issues in children and adolescents

Play Therapy focuses on using play to help children express emotions and resolve issues, often requiring specific certifications like Registered Play Therapist. Child Psychologists have a broader scope, including diagnosis and therapy, with advanced degrees and licensing. Both roles work in similar environments but serve different functions in child mental health care.

What is play therapy?

Play therapy is a form of counseling or psychotherapy that uses play as a way for children to express their feelings, thoughts, and experiences. By engaging in play, children can communicate in a natural way and work through emotional or psychological challenges with the guidance of a trained therapist. Play therapy is often used to help children cope with issues such as trauma, anxiety, behavioral problems, or family changes. The therapist uses toys, games, art, and storytelling to help the child process their emotions.
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Play Therapy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Play Therapy job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 57% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 23% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,101 per year, or $17.4 per hour.
Play Therapy Clinician

Play Therapy Clinician

Children's Home Society of Idaho

Boise, ID • On-site

$62K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Description:

Join us and be a part of something "greater than".

Our Mission:

Children's Home Counseling Services is committed to providing exceptional mental health care services to the children we serve by caring for them with understanding and compassion. We are dedicated to breaking the stigma on mental health and making sure all children receive the proper care they deserve.


We want to add a play therapy clinician to our wonderful team, with opportunities in Boise and Meridian offices.


What we offer you:

  • Health, dental, vision, life, disability, FSA, and EAP covered at 100% (full-time employees)
  • Retirement matching
  • Paid time off and paid holidays
  • Student loan forgiveness
  • Free professional CE training and supervision
  • Full administration and marketing support
  • Reasonable caseload expectations, with assistance in building case load
  • A positive and gratifying workplace


Requirements:

Essential Job Functions:

Clinical Responsibilities

  • Assess client needs through interviews and observation and diagnose mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.
  • Provide effective, protocol-driven treatment and coordinate client care.
  • Maintain timely, accurate clinical documentation.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and consult with external providers as needed.
  • Develop and facilitate therapeutic groups or specialized services.
  • Maintain licensure, continuing education, and ethical standards; comply with agency policies.
  • Participate in required clinical supervision when applicable.

Play Therapy Responsibilities:

  • Conduct play-based assessments to identify emotional and developmental needs.
  • Use evidence-based play therapy techniques to support emotional expression and healing.
  • Observe and interpret play themes to inform treatment and monitor progress.
  • Provide a safe, child-centered therapeutic environment.
  • Collaborate with parents and professionals to support treatment goals.
  • Adjust interventions as needed and adhere to ethical and professional standards.

Schedule:

Monday to Friday with some flexibility.


Essential Qualifications

1. Must have LMFT, LCPC, LCSW, LPC or LMSW; RPT or 2+ years of experience using play therapy techniques

2. Passionate about working with children, teens, and families

3. Must pass a background check and pre-employment drug screen.