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Play Therapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 safe and ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 safe and ...

Child Play Therapist

Charleston, SC · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Deliver play therapy as the primary treatment modality for children ages 1-13 * Provide parent and caregiver consultation and family sessions to reinforce therapeutic progress * Conduct developmental ...

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 ...

Play Therapist

Bixby, OK · On-site

$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 ...

Play Therapist

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$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 ...

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 ...

Child & Play Therapist

Grand Blanc, MI · On-site

$82.66 - $123.98/hr

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 ...

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Play Therapy information

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$11

$17

$24

How much do play therapy jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 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 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.

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.

More about Play Therapy jobs

What cities are hiring for Play Therapy jobs?

Cities with the most Play Therapy job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Play Therapy jobs?

The most popular types of Play Therapy jobs are:

What states have the most Play Therapy jobs?

States with the most job openings for Play Therapy jobs include:

Infographic showing various Play Therapy job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,101 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

Play Therapists

Wellness Pointe

Longview, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

**Sign On Bonus 3,500*** 20-25 worked hours per week required to be eligible for sing on bonus.  Applicants interested in less than 20 worked hours pre week are also encouraged to apply. Sign on bonus not available.   Company DescriptionAt Wellness Pointe, everyone will receive an exceptional quality of care. The center has expanded into a multifaceted clinic that offers obstetrics, pediatrics, general medicine, family planning, and dentistry. Some of the other services offered by our well qualified staff include education, intervention, and management of the many social issues that impact our community. Everyone is treated in complete confidence. Medicaid, Medicare, and most private health insurance is accepted. Job descriptionThe 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 environment, conducting assessments, developing individualized treatment plans, and holding regular sessions with parents/caregivers to support growth.  Play Therapist Responsibilities & DutiesConduct initial assessments to understand the child's issues and develop treatment plans.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 safe and supportive environment for the child to engage in therapeutic play.Work with parents and caregivers to provide guidance and strategies for supporting the child's emotional health at home.Maintain detailed case notes and documentation of therapy sessions.Collaborate with other healthcare and educational professionals to coordinate care and support for the child.Conduct follow-up sessions to track the child's progress and adjust treatment plans as needed.Stay updated with the latest research and developments in play therapy and child psychology.Provide crisis intervention when necessary.Responsible for selecting and maintaining play materials/toys that will be used in the play room.  Play Therapist Qualifications & SkillsMinimum Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Social Work, or a related field.Certification in Play Therapy (e.g., Registered Play Therapist (RPT) or equivalent).Experience working with children in a therapeutic setting.Strong understanding of child development and psychological theories.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.Ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team.Proficiency in documenting and maintaining accurate records of therapy sessions.Experience in therapeutic settings, preferably with children.Strong observational and analytical skills.Compassionate and patient approach to working with children.Ability to develop and implement therapy plans.Commitment to continuous professional development.