ART THERAPIST (MA)

REPORTS TO: 

Director of Clinical Services

SUMMARY STATEMENT & PURPOSE

The Art Therapist uses creative art-based interventions to help patients express emotions, develop coping strategies, and improve mental health in a psychiatric behavioral health environment. This role works closely with the treatment team to provide individualized and group therapy sessions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Master’s degree in Art Therapy or related field.
• Certification: ATR (Registered Art Therapist) required; ATR-BC preferred.
• Skills: Strong artistic ability, clinical assessment, and trauma-informed care expertise.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• License: Washington mental health license (LMHC, LMFT, LICSW) required for independent practice.
• Experience: Minimum 1 year clinical experience in psychiatric or behavioral health setting preferred.
• Direct experience in group facilitation is strongly preferred.

SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

Note: All listed functions are considered essential unless otherwise specified.
The responsibilities of this position are not limited to the duties outlined below and may include other tasks as assigned to meet operational and patient care needs.

• Conduct art therapy assessments and create treatment plans tailored to patient needs.
• Facilitate therapeutic art-making sessions for individuals and groups.
• Document clinical progress and maintain compliance with hospital and state standards.
• Collaborate with mental health professionals to integrate art therapy into holistic care plans.
• Provide education on the therapeutic benefits of art to patients and staff.

PHYSICAL & SENSORY REQUIREMENTS, WORK ENVIRONMENT & CONDITIONS:

• Need to be physically fit and able to perform all required recreational therapy activities.
• Ability to work with various patient age groups (adolescent, adult and geriatric).
• Ability to work as a team player.
• Ability to stand, or walk up to six hours, sit for up to two hours.
• Ability to occasionally push/pull wheeled carts up to 200 lbs. (i.e. crash carts, patients on stretchers or in wheel chairs).
• Ability to frequently lift and carry up to 10 lbs. (charts, records).
• Ability to see well enough to read written material.
• Ability to discern a variety of odors.
• Ability to handle hazardous/infectious waste on an occasional basis.
• Ability to work in an environment where the noise level is frequently high where chemicals are frequently used for cleaning; where mechanical and electrical hazards may occasionally be present; and where dust, mist, and steam are frequently generated in housekeeping tasks.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.