Art / Music / Play Therapist jobs in Australia
2 current roles available
Art Therapist - Eating Disorder Team
The Royal Melbourne Hospital
Music Therapist
SA Health
About Art / Music / Play Therapist roles
Creative arts therapies use non-verbal and expressive modalities to facilitate healing and growth. Art therapists work with visual media; music therapists use sound and rhythm; play therapists work primarily with children. Each modality has its own professional body and training pathway, but all share a foundation in psychological theory and therapeutic practice.
In Australia, art therapy is represented by ANZATA (Australia, New Zealand and Asia Creative Arts Therapies Association), music therapy by AMTA (Australian Music Therapy Association), and play therapy by ATPA (Association for Play Therapy Australia). Roles are found in hospitals, schools, NDIS providers, aged care, palliative care, and community mental health.
Creative arts therapists are particularly valued in services for children and young people, people with intellectual disabilities, acquired brain injury, dementia, and those who find verbal therapy difficult. NDIS has created significant demand for these roles in community settings.
Typical salary
$65k – $90k AUD
NDIS and community roles are the most common employment pathway. Private practice is growing but less established than in counselling or psychology.
Registration
No statutory registration. ANZATA, AMTA, or ATPA professional membership expected. RTO qualifications or university degrees in the relevant modality.
Qualifications typically required
- Degree or postgraduate qualification in Art Therapy, Music Therapy, or Play Therapy
- Professional association membership (ANZATA, AMTA, or ATPA)
- NDIS Worker Screening Check for community roles
- Working with Children Check for roles involving minors
Career pathway
Most creative arts therapists enter the workforce through NDIS providers, schools, or hospitals. With experience, pathways open into private practice, supervision, clinical coordination, and specialist services. Some combine clinical work with group facilitation or training.