Art Therapist

Institute for Therapy through the Arts; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 48,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401k

Life insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

The Institute for Therapy through the Arts in Chicago seeks a dedicated full-time Art Therapist to deliver creative arts therapy services across multiple school sites. The successful candidate will provide individual and group therapy to diverse clients, focusing on culturally responsive care.

This position requires a Master's in Art Therapy, ATR credential, and offers a salary range of $48,000 to $55,000 annually, along with benefits including health insurance and paid time off.

Qualifications

• Professional credential of Registered Art Therapist, ATR.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Access to a personal vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Provide creative arts therapy services to clients.
• Conduct assessments and develop treatment plans.
• Collaborate with clients, families, and treatment teams.

Skills

Creativity in clinical work

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Flexibility and adaptability

Strong knowledge of creative arts therapy

Education

Master’s degree in Art Therapy

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Full-Time, Exempt

Location: Multiple school sites across Chicago

Department: Clinical

Salary Range: $48,000 to $55,000 annually, based on education and experience

Anticipated Start Date: Late August 2026

About the Opportunity

Institute for Therapy through the Arts is seeking a full-time Art Therapist to provide creative arts therapy services to diverse clients across multiple school based locations in Chicago. This position is ideal for a skilled, adaptable clinician who is passionate about culturally responsive care, creative arts therapy, and supporting children, families, and school communities through evidence-based, developmentally appropriate services.

The Art Therapist will provide services in both group and individual settings, with up to 22 to 24 hours of direct client contact per week. This role may also include oversight of clinical and administrative interns assigned to the therapist’s cases.

Key Responsibilities

The Art Therapist will:

• Provide creative arts therapy services with up to 22 to 24 hours of direct client contact per week.
• Conduct assessments to identify client strengths and areas of need.
• Develop thoughtful treatment plans, measurable goals, and ongoing progress measures in collaboration with clients and families.
• Provide effective, developmentally appropriate treatment in individual and group settings.
• Collaborate with clients, families, treatment teams, school personnel, and community partners throughout the therapeutic process.
• Complete clinical documentation, administrative paperwork, scheduling, billing, and related responsibilities in a timely manner.
• Maintain clear, consistent, and prompt communication with supervisors, ITA staff, school personnel, and community partners.
• Provide trainings, workshops, and presentations as needed.
• Participate in clinical supervision and seek support as needed to ensure high-quality care and professional development.
• Pursue continued professional development through trainings, conferences, and other opportunities within the creative arts therapy field.
• Support ITA’s continued growth and presence in the greater Chicagoland area.
• Follow all ITA policies and procedures.
• Maintain quality assurance standards, including ethical codes and standards of practice within the creative arts therapy field and the American Counseling Association.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required qualifications include:

• Master’s degree in Art Therapy.
• Professional credential of Registered Art Therapist, ATR.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Access to a personal vehicle, as public transportation will not meet the travel needs of this position.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Licensed in the state of Illinois as an LCPC, LCSW, or clinical psychologist.
• Minimum of 3 years of professional clinical experience.

Preferred Skills and Competencies

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Flexibility and adaptability in a mobile environment with evolving needs and priorities.
• Passion for ITA’s mission.
• A solution-focused approach and positive attitude.
• Dependability and strong adherence to deadlines.
• Strong understanding of creative arts therapy ethics and the American Counseling Association Code of Ethics.
• Strong knowledge of creative arts therapy, psychology theories, and treatment methods.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Creativity in carrying out clinical work.
• Ability to collaborate with colleagues, school teams, and community partner administrators.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage time independently.
• Comfort with public speaking, trainings, and presentations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including beginner-level skills in Microsoft Excel.

ITA offers a benefits package that includes:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401k.
• Life insurance.
• Paid time off.

Working Conditions

This position requires frequent travel to off-site contracts and ITA satellite clinics. The role may include the physical demands of treatment, such as stooping, kneeling, crouching, lifting, or standing for extended periods of time. This position may also require moving equipment or assisting clients in movement.

About ITA

Founded in 1975 and established as an independent nonprofit organization in 2015, Institute for Therapy through the Arts is a nationally recognized organization dedicated to helping children, adults, and families improve functioning related to psychological, developmental, physical, or cognitive factors through integrated arts approaches.

ITA is one of the few comprehensive community-based arts therapy programs in the United States to offer four creative arts treatment modalities: art therapy, dance/movement therapy, drama therapy, and music therapy.