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Play Therapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

LOVE PLAY GROW

Child Family Therapist

Pequannock, NJ · On-site

$70 - $90/wk

Competitive benefit package ⸻ Love Play Grow, a thriving child and family therapy practice, is seeking a compassionate and experienced Child and Family Therapist to join our team in either our ...

LOVE PLAY GROW

Child Family Therapist

Pequannock, NJ

$70 - $90/wk

Competitive benefit package ⸻ Love Play Grow, a thriving child and family therapy practice, is seeking a compassionate and experienced Child and Family Therapist to join our team in either our ...

LOVE PLAY GROW

Child Family Therapist

Pequannock, NJ

$70 - $90/wk

Competitive benefit package ⸻ Love Play Grow, a thriving child and family therapy practice, is seeking a compassionate and experienced Child and Family Therapist to join our team in either our ...

Project Play Therapy

Occupational Therapist

Nashville, TN

$39 - $51.25/hr

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

Smyrna, TN · On-site

$37.50 - $49.50/hr

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

Smyrna, TN · On-site

$37.50 - $49.50/hr

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

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 ...

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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 4, 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:

What job categories do people searching Play Therapy jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Play Therapy jobs are:

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 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.

Child & Play Therapist

Synergy Senior Management

Grand Blanc, MI • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 6 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