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Play Therapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Project Play Therapy

Occupational Therapist

Smyrna, TN · On-site

$37.50 - $49.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

In this position you will have the opportunity to build relationships across Project Play Therapy's team of professionals through regular collaboration and team gatherings, and continue your growth ...

Project Play Therapy

Occupational Therapist

Nashville, TN · On-site

$39 - $51.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

In this position you will have the opportunity to build relationships across Project Play Therapy's team of professionals through regular collaboration and team gatherings, and continue your growth ...

Project Play Therapy, LLC

Occupational Therapist

Nashville, TN · On-site

$39 - $51.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

In this position you will have the opportunity to build relationships across Project Play Therapy's team of professionals through regular collaboration and team gatherings, and continue your growth ...

Project Play Therapy, LLC

Occupational Therapist

Smyrna, TN · On-site

$37.50 - $49.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

In this position you will have the opportunity to build relationships across Project Play Therapy's team of professionals through regular collaboration and team gatherings, and continue your growth ...

CREOKS Health Services

Bilingual Play Therapist

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Futures First

Mental Health Play Therapist

Kansas City, KS · On-site

$24K - $27K/yr

  • Retirement

... play therapy evidenced based treatment modalities and/or other modalities as appropriate. Position: Mental Health Play Therapist Location: Kansas City Metro Area Agency: Futures First Job Type ...

Futures First

Mental Health Play Therapist

Kansas City, KS · Hybrid

$24K - $27K/yr

  • Retirement

... play therapy evidenced based treatment modalities and/or other modalities as appropriate. Position: Mental Health Play Therapist Location: Kansas City Metro Area Agency: Futures First Job Type ...

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All JobsPlay Therapy Jobs

Play Therapy information

See salary details

$11

$17

$24

How much do play therapy jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 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.

Is play therapy a good career choice?

Play therapy is a specialized mental health profession that involves using play to help children express emotions and resolve issues. It typically requires certification or licensure, strong communication skills, and patience, making it a rewarding but demanding career path for those interested in child development and counseling. Job prospects depend on demand in mental health services and related settings such as clinics, schools, and private practice.

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.

What can a Play Therapist do?

A Play Therapist uses play-based techniques to help children express emotions, develop coping skills, and address behavioral or emotional issues. They create a safe environment, often working with families and using tools like toys and art to facilitate communication and healing. Play Therapists typically hold specialized training and certifications in child therapy methods.
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What states have the most Play Therapy jobs?

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Play Therapy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Play Therapy job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,101 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

Occupational Therapist

Project Play Therapy

Smyrna, TN • On-site

$37.50 - $49.50/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Who We Are
Project Play is on a mission to help others see and celebrate each child's unique gifts. Everyday, we open our doors for hundreds of children, helping to foster their growth and independence. We continuously "show up" for our kids because we fiercely believe in our vision, that all children can reach their fullest potential!
Be Part of Our Village:
The Occupational Therapist position is a direct impact position at Project Play Therapy that plays a pivotal role in helping clients reach their fullest potential by facilitating quality service delivery. In this position, you will change the game for children with disabilities and developmental delays by providing occupational therapy and collaborating with interdisciplinary team members in an energetic and fun clinic environment. Be part of a team that is making a substantial impact on the community!
The ideal candidate for this position would use passion, creativity, problem solving, and collaboration to engage with clients, parents/guardians, and other service providers. In this position you will have the opportunity to build relationships across Project Play Therapy's team of professionals through regular collaboration and team gatherings, and continue your growth in evidence-based practice through roundtables and continuing education opportunities. In a work environment that prioritizes loving our village, you will discover the opportunity to grow professionally alongside a young, vibrant company, and to be energized by the passionate pursuit of our vision! This position reports to the Clinical Manager for Medical Services and receives ongoing mentorship and training.
Empower Your Skills:
  • Build relationships with clients, families, and team members to establish rapport and trust
  • Establish and maintain excellent, game-changing service delivery, including via screenings, evaluations, case management, and direct therapy
  • Assess client needs, design treatment plans, and collect data to show the impact of services and help clients reach their goals
  • Contribute to a team environment that values collaboration, growth, and joy

Embrace the Perks:
  • Salaried or full time hourly position (ask us about part-time options, too!)
  • Paid documentation time
  • 401(k) match
  • PTO and paid holidays
  • Mileage reimbursement
  • Company-provided technology
  • Access to health insurance, dental insurance, and vision insurance
  • Access to short term disability
  • CEU subscription
  • Online resources and therapy activities
  • Mentorship and ongoing trainings/support
  • Supportive administrative staff

Candidate Qualifications:
  • Minimum of Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy
  • Tennessee State Occupational Therapy License
  • Registration with NBCOT
  • Demonstrates strong organization and communication skills, a positive attitude, and the belief that all children can reach their fullest potential with the right supports
  • Believes collaboration, innovation, fun, and a growth mindset are foundationa

Apply