Art Therapist

About the Opportunity

We are opening a new ASAM Level 3.7 and 3.5 residential treatment center in Marshall, Missouri, providing 24-hour medically monitored and clinically managed services for adults recovering from substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. The Art Therapist will play a vital role in the interdisciplinary team by providing expressive therapy interventions that support emotional stabilization, trauma recovery, self-awareness, and personal growth. This is an exciting opportunity to help build a trauma-informed, evidence-based therapeutic program designed to foster healing in a high-acuity treatment environment.

Position Overview

The Art Therapist provides individual and group art therapy sessions to clients participating in ASAM 3.7 (medically monitored) and 3.5 (clinically managed) residential treatment. This role supports clients in emotional regulation, coping skill development, and relapse prevention through creative, structured, and evidence-based interventions. The Art Therapist works closely with clinical, nursing, and support staff to ensure therapy services are integrated into each clients comprehensive treatment plan and consistent with ASAM criteria and trauma-informed principles.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Facilitate individual and group art therapy sessions designed to support clients through detoxification, stabilization, and early recovery phases.

Develop and implement structured art therapy programs focused on emotional regulation, stress management, trauma processing, and relapse prevention.

Incorporate a variety of creative techniquessuch as painting, drawing, sculpture, and collageto enhance client engagement and promote healing.

Adapt interventions to meet the diverse needs of clients with co-occurring mental health and medical conditions.

Collaborate with clinical, nursing, and psychiatric staff to align art therapy interventions with medical and therapeutic goals.

Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant clinical documentation, including progress notes and treatment updates.

Participate in treatment team meetings, discharge planning, and interdisciplinary case reviews.

Uphold safety protocols and contribute to a supportive, structured, and therapeutic milieu.

Model trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, and culturally competent care.

Engage in ongoing professional development and supervision consistent with state and facility requirements.

Qualifications

Masters degree in Art Therapy or a related field from an accredited institution.

Current registration or board certification (ATR, ATR-BC) preferred.

State licensure (PLPC, LPC, LMFT, LCSW, or equivalent) required or eligibility for supervision toward licensure.

Minimum of one (1) year of experience in behavioral health, residential treatment, or substance use disorder settings (3.5 or 3.7 level preferred).

Familiarity with ASAM criteria, detoxification protocols, trauma-informed care, and co-occurring disorder treatment.

Strong interpersonal, organizational, and documentation skills.

Must pass background check and drug screening prior to employment.

Physical Requirements

Ability to sit, stand, and facilitate art-based activities for extended sessions.

Must be able to safely handle and move art materials and equipment (up to 25 lbs).

Ability to respond promptly and appropriately to client needs or medical situations.

Non-Discrimination Statement

It is the policy of the facility to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.