Expressive Therapist

ignoredontpost; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Generous paid time off

Medical, dental, vision plans

401(K) with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program

Life and disability insurance

FSA/HSA available

Wellness programs

Career development opportunities

UHS Benefits Service Center

Job summary

Kempsville Center for Behavioral Health, part of Universal Health Services in Norfolk, VA, seeks an Expressive Arts Therapist to lead therapeutic group sessions and contribute to an interdisciplinary treatment approach for children and teens with behavioral health needs.

The role involves planning treatment goals, providing direct patient care, and supporting de-escalation as part of the clinical team. Requires a Master’s in Expressive Arts Therapy and relevant certifications.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Art/Music/Dance Movement Therapy or related Expressive Arts discipline with certification.
• Professional licenses: ATR/ATR-BC, R-DMT/BC-DMT, MT-BC.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement therapeutic group sessions for assigned programs.
• Define and implement treatment goals with the interdisciplinary treatment team.
• Provide continuous patient care, observation, and role modeling.
• Assist in de-escalation and safety of patients as directed by supervisor.

Skills

Therapy group facilitation

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Patient observation

De-escalation techniques

Education

Master’s Degree in Expressive Arts Therapy (or related field)

ATR/ATR-BC

R-DMT/BC-DMT

MT-BC

Job description

Responsibilities

Kempsville Center for Behavioral Health is a leading community partner providing acute, residential and Partial Hospitalization treatment for children and teens exhibiting behavioral and/or mental health concerns. The hospital provides high quality care to children, adolescents and their families using quality, evidence-based practice treatments. Founded in 1986, Kempsville Center for Behavioral Health is a 106-bed hospital facility accredited by The Joint Commission (TJC) and licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia and The Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS).

Website: https://www.kempsvillecbh.com/

Position Description

The Expressive Arts Therapist is responsible for planning and implementing therapeutic group sessions for assigned programs, which involves defining and implementing treatment goals as a member of the interdisciplinary treatment team and providing continuous patient care, observation, interaction, and role modeling to patients under the direction of the Director of Clinical Services. As well as other duties as assigned.

Benefit Highlights

• Competitive Compensation & Generous Paid Time Off
• Excellent Medical, Dental, Vision and Prescription Drug Plans
• 401(K) with company match and discounted stock plan
• Tuition Reimbursement program and student loan refinancing
• Employee Assistant Program (EAP)
• Life Insurance and Disability Insurances
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Wellness Programs and other voluntary benefits
• Career development opportunities within UHS and its 300+ Subsidiaries!
• More information is available on our Benefits Guest Website UHS Benefits Service Center

About Universal Health Services

One of the nation’s largest and most respected providers of hospital and healthcare services, Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS) has built an impressive record of achievement and performance. Growing steadily since its inception into an esteemed Fortune 500 corporation, annual revenues during 2025 were $17.4 billion. In 2026, UHS was again recognized as one of Fortune World’s Most Admired Companies and in 2025, was listed in Forbes ranking of America’s Largest Public Companies.

Headquartered in King of Prussia, PA, UHS has approximately 101,500 employees and continues to grow through its subsidiaries. Operating acute care hospitals, behavioral health facilities, outpatient facilities and ambulatory care access points, an insurance offering, a physician network and various related services located in 40 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom. For additional information visit www.uhs.com.

From Fortune, ©2025, 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license.

Qualifications

Requirements

Education

Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Art Therapy, Music Therapy, Dance Movement Therapy, or other Expressive Arts Discipline with appropriate certification.

Licenses and Certifications

• Registered Art Therapist or Board Certified (ATR or ATR-BC)
• Registered Dance Movement Therapist or Board Certified (R-DMT or BC-DMT)
• Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC)

Experience

Three (3) years of related experience, with knowledge of psychiatric patient care techniques with understanding of mental illness, substance abuse preferred.

Physical requirements

The physical requirements for this position include being able to stand, squat, kneel, sit, and lie on the floor for long periods of time. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. of weight. Must be able to climb, run and walk for long periods of time as well. Must be able to lift 50lbs of weight. Must be able to read, write clearly, talk and listen. Able to verbally de-escalate and physically restrain patients/residents when necessary.

Exposure Categories

Blood borne disease exposure category: Category I

EEO Statement

All UHS subsidiaries are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates. UHS subsidiaries are equal opportunity employers and as such, openly support and fully commit to recruitment, selection, placement, promotion and compensation of individuals without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), genetic information, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.