Creative Arts Therapists

Employment for recreational therapists (a career category that includes some types of creative arts therapists) is expected to grow by 4 percent through 2033, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, or about as fast as the average for all careers.

The American Art Therapy Association notes that art therapy is a growing field. Demand for new therapists is created as medical professionals and the general public become aware of the benefits gained through art therapies. Although enrollment in college therapy programs is increasing, new graduates are usually able to find jobs. In cases where an individual is unable to find a full-time position, a therapist might obtain service contracts for part-time work at several facilities.

The American Music Therapy Association predicts a promising future for the field of music therapy. Demand for music therapists will grow as medical professionals and the general public become aware of the benefits gained through music therapy.

Job openings in facilities such as nursing homes should continue to increase as the elderly population grows over the next few decades. Advances in medical technology and the current practice of early discharge from hospitals should also create new opportunities in managed care facilities, chronic pain clinics, and cancer care facilities. The demand for therapists of all types should continue to increase as more people become aware of the need to help disabled patients in creative ways. Some drama therapists and psychodramatists are also finding employment opportunities outside of the usual health care field. Such therapists might conduct therapy sessions at corporate sites to enhance the personal effectiveness and growth of employees.